Facebook just might be taking over the world.  Not only are there currently over 800 million Facebook users, but they are actively interacting with their accounts on a weekly, and often daily basis.  Facebook gains new members every day and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. So why should we as business developers use Facebook marketing to reach new consumers? It’s simple Facebook is a developing platform that generates more users than Google and makes knowing our target audience’s demographics easier than ever.

Facebook Marketing

Facebook marketing provides channels to help you reach your audience, and the best part is many of these marketing methods are free. Your Profile Page is a great place to express how you feel about your brand or business.  Take advantage of customizable sections like About Me, photo albums, and personal information to talk about what your business means to you and how it has impacted yours and others’ lives.  Facebook marketing allows a personal touch to let consumers know that you are serious about your brand and it gives them reasons to be passionate about your brand as well.  Your Profile Page can also be linked to Facebook’s marketing centerpiece your business’s Fan Page.

Facebook Marketing with Personal and Business Profiles

A Facebook Page’s main focus is the Wall.  The Wall is the most active aspect of the page, allowing administrators to update statuses and friends to post comments, photos, and videos.  All this content shows up the main News Feed, making your page even more viral.  This is the place Facebook marketers let others know about any important events, coming up promotions, and other exclusive information.

Research shows that those serious about Facebook marketing benefit greatly from the use of a Profile Page.  This is because profile pages receive instant feedback from fans and friends who “like” comments and posts. Facebook marketers can publish links and engage with even more fans through this social media.

Promoting Your Facebook Page

In Facebook marketing there are many different ways to promote your page. When you share a post, followers will be able to see your content immediately and will visit your page. You can also create events which will show up as news in the News Feed when friends RSVP.

Other techniques to gain attention with Facebook marketing is posting messages in related Groups. These niche groups should be related to your target market to ensure postings are greeted with excitement and not viewed as spam.

Facebook Marketing Ads

Another Facebook marketing option is buying Social Ads.  These purchased ads appear prominently on the sides of user’s Facebook Profiles and are seen when users surf through Facebook.  Facebook Ads can also be a hassle because there are many advertising criteria marketers have to pass.The biggest downfall to purchasing Facebook Ads is that many users regard them as more of interruptions rather than enticement.

Purchased ads are not as natural or ‘organic’ as other methods of Facebook marketing.  As a general rule, users do not typically go on Facebook because they are looking to buy a new product.  They are there to interact with friends and see what sort of news is flowing through the social media.  You will greatly improve results if your Facebook marketing appears to be more social media news and less a paid advertisement.

When it comes to Facebook marketing, the best way to ensure positive interaction with your friends and followers is through a natural interaction.  Your Facebook Page is free and the possibilities to engage with consumers and similar brands makes for a priceless effective marketing tool.