Why Your Painting Company Needs a Facebook Page
In many ways, Facebook has revolutionized the business world. Companies of all sizes and backgrounds use the social media site to post updates, share their information, and connect with clients. In fact, some businesses are doing away with their corporate websites altogether, opting to use Facebook as an alternative. What makes Facebook such a great tool for business owners?
For one thing, just about everyone uses it. Since the site was launched in 2004, it has grown considerably, transitioning from an Ivy League networking site to a globally-accessible social domain. It's estimated that Facebook currently has over 1.23 billion users -- and that number is rising steadily. What's more, the site is used by people of all ages, and is gaining popularity within older age groups. A 2014 study found that the largest group of Facebook users fell between the ages of 35 and 54, accounting for 31.1 percent of total users.
With so many people on Facebook, it's no wonder it's become such a focal point for business marketing. Companies are able to use social networking sites as a platform for their products and services. Indeed, many people now go to Facebook to find information on business hours and pricing, as well as to seek out customer reviews. It's widely used as a directory, a photo gallery, a review site, a marketing medium, and a space for sharing ideas and information between businesses and patrons. For those looking to interact more effectively with their target audience, this is the place to go.
Not only is marketing on Facebook easy and convenient; it's also comparatively cheap. Setting up a business page is completely free. And although it costs money to create a Facebook ad and target specific audiences, the site allows you to set a cap that's within your budget, ensuring you're only paying what you can afford. You can add keywords to direct your advertising towards specific interests and behaviors, as well as set filters to determine which demographic groups will see your ads. Unlike expensive radio and television advertisements, Facebook ads are actually aimed at people who might be interested in hiring you, meaning a lesser chance of being tuned out.
Having a Facebook page is also useful in building authority, both with your customers and with search engines. When deciding among competing companies, it's common to check out their Facebook pages. Do they have one? Are they active, or has it been a year since they last posted something? What are their followers saying about them -- and how are they responding to the comments and criticisms that they receive? By having a business listing on Facebook, you open up a medium for demonstrating your professionalism and building a better relationship with your clientele.
Furthermore, Facebook pages, if well-managed, tend to rank highly in Google search results. Posting frequent, relevant content and getting good Facebook reviews can have a significant positive impact on your search engine optimization (SEO). If you want to get bumped up in search listings, creating a lively, customer-oriented Facebook page is a worthy place to start.
Now that it's clear your business needs a Facebook, how can you make sure you're getting the most out of your Facebook experience? Here are some tips:
1. Build a fan base.
In order to be effective in Facebook marketing, you'll need to gain some followers. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and past clients and inviting them to 'Like' your company on Facebook. Provide a Facebook link on your website and in your marketing emails. If you're willing to invest some money in this marketing strategy, you can pay to 'Promote' your Facebook page and your top wall posts through Facebook Ads.
2. Publish quality content.
Next, it's important to post information that's relevant to your followers and to the readers you wish to target. While it may be tempting to fill your Facebook page with sales pitches, this might case your fans to tune you out. It's better to publish consistent, attention-grabbing content that draws people in and keeps them interested in your company. If you're worried you don't have the expertise to do this, don't hesitate to hire a professional content writer!
3. Get creative.
Don't just stick with posting status updates. Share photos (and, if you're up for it, videos) to give people a better perspective of your work. Supply links to articles from other pages that might interest your readers, or conduct polls and then blog the results. The possibilities are truly endless.
4. Respond to feedback.
Whether the comments you receive are positive or negative, don't pass up the opportunity to engage with the client. If it's good feedback, reply with sincere gratitude. If it's not so good, this is your chance to demonstrate grace under pressure. Respond to negative reviews by apologizing for whatever went wrong and, if appropriate, offer to make amends by re-doing a portion of the project or providing discounted services in the future. You can even call the client personally to follow up and show that their concerns are important to you. How businesses deal with bad reviews says a lot about their character and their dedication to client satisfaction.
5. Don't get discouraged.
It can be tough to pull in followers, and sometimes the benefits of Facebook marketing aren't immediately evident. This isn't your cue to give up! It takes time to build a solid foundation and see real results. Keep plugging away, and soon you'll find that your Facebook presence is remarkably effective in helping you to build your business.
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