Facebook For Business: Learn From the Pioneers

November 30, 2009 Filed under: Social Media Marketing — Tags: , , , —

Doesn’t it seem to you like Social Media Marketing – especially Facebook — has just exploded on the business scene recently? It sure does to me.  A dizzying number of “free Webinars” are suddenly available offering tips and tricks.  Numerous requests arrive in email asking me to “Fan” new pages.  And clients and business associates are buzzing with excitement and curiosity about how to get involved.

My excitement for Facebook is around its role as community-builder. Every organization has a community of some kind – customers, partners, members, donors — and here’s a tool ideally suited to staying in regular touch with them in a non-intrusive, natural way. The big question you may be asking yourself is “how can I make it work for my business?”  One answer is to learn from some of the early pioneers and try some of the approaches that have worked for them.

Here are some Facebook pages  that have impressed me with their innovative and engaging efforts to serve their community and build a loyal following. This is not an exhaustive list of all they do on Facebook, but gives a sampling of creative ideas.

Akron-Canton Airport, a small regional airport. What they’re doing on Facebook:
  • Share information on sales & discounts from participating airlines
  • Run contests periodically – and use their Facebook page for contest submissions
  • Integrate with other marketing tactics. They post their contest drawing on YouTube, with a link back to Facebook, then invite Facebook fans to view it.

BlackHillsBlack Hills and South Dakota, tourism sites.  What they’re doing on Facebook:

  • Communicate activities, events, conventions in the area – for both residents and visitors
  • Encourage discussions so like-minded groups can connect.  They host discussions on hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, favorite tourist destinations, etc.
  • Share photos and videos, so fans can view tourist highlights and share their favorite pictures

Pandora, Internet radio. What they’re doing on Facebook:

  • Invite questions and problems, turning their Discussion page into a technical support forum and Q&A resource

Volkswagon, car manufacturer. What they’re doing on Facebook:

  • Invite fan interaction and story-telling about favorite Volkwagon models. Reinforces great brand loyalty.

Step2Step2,  Children’s large toys.  What they’re doing on Facebook:

  • Test out new product ideas and invite early feedback and suggestions from fans
  • Informal surveys and market research

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Company Facebook Page – ideas from NYTimes

November 17, 2009 Filed under: Social Media Marketing —

I just saw this NYTimes article with some good ideas for how small businesses are using Facebook for marketing and advertising, particularly businesses who target the Internet-savvy consumers that spend much of their free time on Facebook.   If you’re just getting started, be sure to check out this Mashable article with tips on how to set up a winning Facebook Page for your company.  You can also talk to us about our Sound Web Solutions Social Media Starter Kit for practical suggestions and support on how to market your company via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels.

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What IS Social Media Marketing?

November 15, 2009 Filed under: Social Media Marketing — Tags: , , , , , , , , —
Organizations Using Some Form of Social Media Marketing. Source: Marketing Sherpa 2009

Organizations Using Some Form of Social Media Marketing. Source: Marketing Sherpa 2009

The Buzz is On!   Nearly 80% of organizations, according to a 2009 Marketing Sherpa report, are using some form of social media marketing to reach their audience (see chart).   According to Lloyd Salmons, first chairman of the Internet Advertising Bureau social media council “Social media isn’t just about big networks like Facebook and MySpace, it’s about brands having conversations.”[1] What does this mean for your company, and how can you get started in the Social Media sphere?

Here is a brief primer on the different forms of Social Media, ideas for how your business can benefit from active engagement, and some suggestions for how to get started.  Ask us for our Social Media Marketing Starter Kit if you think you’re ready to get underway or want to know more about what it would take to get started.

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