Guest post by Jess Webb (learn more about Jess at the end of this post)
Facebook is a powerful tool to use to build your audience, establish yourself as an expert in your field and spread your big message to the people you are meant to serve. It’s free to use, and with 500 million active users, Facebook can provide an excellent platform for you to grow your business.
One of the most common questions I hear people asking is, “How do I get more fans for my Facebook Page?” Whether you are brand new to Facebook, or have been there a while, you’re probably wondering the same thing. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated to build your fanbase. Use the tips here and you’ll soon see more fans joining your Facebook community.
Here are three keys to getting more fans to your Facebook Page:
1. Give a Reason to Become a Fan
People don’t care about you or your Facebook Page. Remember that! They only care about how it will help them. If you are trying to get them to become a fan of your Page, but are making it all about you and your Page, then why would they care?
Instead, make it about them and give them a compelling reason to join your Facebook community. Offer them something that they can’t get anywhere else, such as a free report, audio or video. Let them know if you’ll be sharing tips, resources or other things that will be useful and interesting.
You can even do this through a special “Welcome page” on your Facebook Page that shows one message to non-fans and another message to fans. In this way, you can hold back some goodies and only make them available once someone becomes a fan of your Page.
In short, look at what is in it for them, what they will get out of it, and how you will be helping them through your Facebook Page. Then tell them. When you make it about them, they’ll be much more eager to become a fan!
2. Invite Your Current Friends & Followers
Even if you’re new to Facebook, I’ll bet you have some friends and followers outside of Facebook. Think: Twitter, LinkedIn, email newsletter, blog, local networking groups, and any other groups you participate in, either online or offline.
Invite your friends and followers to connect on your Facebook Page. Send an email or update announcing your new Page, or mention it in your “elevator pitch” at live events. Any time you have an opportunity to let people know more about you or how to connect with you, just slip in a mention of your Facebook Page.
3. Put Your Page URL in Your Marketing
Your Facebook Page URL can be used just about anywhere you can think of! Be sure to get your custom Facebook URL (ie, facebook.com/YourUsername) so it’s easier to type and looks neater, then watch for opportunities to include it.
Your other online profiles usually have a section to include your website, and you can plugin your Facebook URL here as well or instead. You can include it in your descriptions or “about” sections on profiles and pages. And you can include a Facebook Page widget in the sidebar of your website.
If you do a lot of writing for online or offline publications, mention your Facebook Page in your “About the Author” byline. If you host or guest on any kind of show, interview or other event, again mention your Facebook Page as a place for people to connect with you further.
Your email signature is another great place to include a link to your Facebook Page. Make it even more effective by including a short blurb about why they should become a fan (ie, your reason from #1).
And don’t forget about your offline marketing! Put your Facebook URL on your business cards, postcards, brochures, print newsletters, promotional items and anywhere else where you are marketing offline. If you have a physical storefront, you can do up signs to go in the window, at the cash register, and even have it printed on the receipt.
Getting fans to your Facebook Page isn’t difficult. It just requires you to become aware of the opportunities that are already around you, and to start putting it out there every chance you get. Work it into the marketing and promotions you’re already doing, and you won’t even have to put in extra time on it. If you start with just these three keys, you’ll be well on your way to building a great community on Facebook that wants what you have to offer.
About the Author:
Jess Webb is a quirky entrepreneur who helps fellow quirks EXPLODE their business on Facebook. She loves all things Facebook and being able to help business owners learn how to build an active audience to grow their business through Facebook. If you’d like to learn more, you can attend her FREE webinar, The Facebook Explosion Blueprint, to learn how YOU can EXPLODE your business on Facebook, as well.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to write for Women on Business! 🙂