Social Media Best Practices - How 15 minutes a day on Facebook can help you

Social Media Best Practices – How 15 minutes a day on Facebook can help you.

I regularly have conversations with people about what they should be doing with all the social media options. “Should I use Twitter?” “I have a Facebook page but I’m not certain what the heck to do with it”
Using these tools is an option and while plenty of people are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn there are plenty that are not, or using them in a very limited way.

Here are some best practices for using Facebook for marketing. This is an effective word of mouth tool – why not use it?

Facebook
• Create a personal profile to keep your network informed. Trust them to spread the word about you and what you are doing.
• Feed your network regularly – add information of value to those you know. (post no less than twice a week)
• Remember what you add will help shape opinions about you and your business. Become a “go to” person within your network in your field of expertise. If you know the insurance business share what you know!
• Use Facebook to help you get feedback. Are you considering something new? Your network can provide essential feedback which is invaluable.
• Enjoy the opportunity to share and connect personally. If you want people to carry your message about something new – do the same for them.
• Build a strong personal network before launching a Fan of Page.

If you are wondering about which Facebook tools you should be using here is my list:
Tools for getting the word of mouth going
1. Profile Page – create one
2. Groups – join some and participate!
3. Pages – create for specific projects
4. Events – use to invite people to events like your Blogtalk radio show.
5. Notes and Photos – share your blog postings.
6. Messages – quick and easy way to update friends
7. Marketplace – Powerful sales tool.
8. Share / Posted Items – careful to keep these professional
9. Networks – think about this carefully before you join you don’t want to be spammed
10. Mini Feed and News Feed – read these daily to see what’s happening in your network.

Facebook is a free tool that you can use to market and promote your business – 15 minutes a day is all it really takes.

Next issue: Best practices for Twitter