HIWTSI So-Me: How Facebook Can Help Your Business

Let me just say right now, point blank: Facebook is a HUGE asset for your business.In fact, social media on the whole is essential to the success of your business (especially in a time where face to face transactions are...let’s just say “not as popular”...as they used to be).The world is going digital. Social media is the same as it’s always been, but we’re starting to see it for its full potential, not just keeping in touch with friends.It’s why I’ve started Home Is Where The Suitcase Is Social Media. Or HIWTSI So-Me, for short. You don’t even wanna know how I try to say that out loud. It’s a struggle.This long string of letters represents everything I’ve learned in the last year of getting my business up and running. Some of this was taught to me by the best in the business, while the rest was days and weeks of trial and error. Regardless, you’re getting all of it right here, right now.Despite everything I knew, I found that there was still a huge information gap between myself and my friends, family, and colleagues. This series is going to take a look at some of the most popular social media platforms and answer some of the internet’s most searched questions, while also giving you some insider tips on how YOU can optimize your social media presence.Plus I’m going to try and make it a little funny for ya.Let’s dive in. 

What is Facebook?

At this point, you all probably know what Facebook is but for those who don’t, Facebook is an online social media platform that allows you to have both a personal profile and a Business Page. You can find friends and interact with them through comments, likes, saves, and shares. You can ask for and give recommendations, check in at your favorite restaurant or hiking trail to let people know where you are, and share as many (or few) status updates as you like.In essence, Facebook kind of does it all. 

Is Facebook good for your business?

YES!!!Facebook is great for your business because it lets you create a separate Business Page for your company. More on that later.Facebook also gives you direct access to your clients and/or customers. You can upload photos or videos of your business, share your history and contact information, and interact directly with your followers. In fact, I encourage you to do all of this!What I love most about Facebook is it cuts out the guesswork of knowing your clientele. Have a question? Post it! Or make a poll (because you can do that, too)!Facebook has a little bit of everything. If you’re just starting to explore social media for your business, start here. 

Does Facebook charge for a Business Page?

No, they do not! A Facebook Business Page is completely free to have. 

Does a Business Page need to be linked to my personal account?

Ah, yes. The caveatAt this point in time, Facebook requires your Business Page to be linked to a personal account. That person needs to click “Create a Page,” and go through the process of choosing a name and setting up the initial base structure. Whoever that account belongs to is the original Administrator of the page, and can add other people to the organization accordingly. You can be an Admin on multiple pages, though, so not to fear if you already have an “I Love Justin Bieber” fan page from 2010.No?Just me?Having the Business Page linked to your personal account doesn’t change anything about your personal account. The back-end of a Business Page, however, can be a little daunting at first. If you or someone you know has a specific question, reach out to me and I’ll help you find the answer! 

Okay, so now I know the finer points of WHAT it is, but how can I be SUCCESSFUL?

Tip 1: Do The WorkWhen it comes to social media, you get back what you put in. In essence, it’s an investment. It’s so easy to say “oh, I’ll fill in the contact info later” or “I’ll update my profile picture tomorrow.”But let me pitch a hypothetical to you:You’re looking for a realtor to sell your home. You asked for recommendations from your friends and narrowed it down to two people. When you look them up, you see they both have Facebook Business Pages (which is becoming more and more common these days). One page has a generic icon for a photo, and a website link, with a couple of posts that lack cohesion. The second page shows a person smiling at the camera; their company logo is their cover photo; their contact information includes a website, an email address, and a cell phone number; and they post once or twice a week about properties they currently have listed or people that they work closely with.You would choose the second realtor, wouldn’t you? The page is put together and neat, you get a sense of who they are, and the pride they take in their work.The first realtor is a figment of my imagination. The second realtor is my client (and father), John Teixeira.Putting in the effort to make your social media engaging and complete is going to pay back tenfold in the long run.Tip 2: Invite, Invite, Invite!When you first make your page, nobody is going to know it exists unless you show them! You can invite people to like your page through the Admin portal, your friends can share it, and people can find it on their own.Don’t be afraid to honk your own horn a little bit when you’re first starting out. If you’re excited about it, let other people know! Get them excited too!Tip 3: Hit The Ground RunningMy BIGGEST mistake when I started my blog and re-launched my Instagram account was that I was so excited to do it, I didn’t plan past the launch.I put it online and had zero content ready.For weeks, I scrambled to write and publish and write and publish. It took the excitement right out of it.My biggest piece of advice is to have a backlog of content ready so that you can publish a few things right after the launch! Whether it’s a blog or Facebook or any other platform, I would start with two or three posts and then follow it up again a couple days later.Eventually, you’ll settle into a rhythm. When you first start, though, it’s all about grabbing attention and engaging interest.Tip 4: Find ConsistencyThis means consistency in your content, how often you post, and what you talk about. Nobody likes a wild card, especially when it comes to business. More on this in the future!Your social media is a reflection of yourself and your company. So find your comfortable nook between quality and quantity and get to work! Any questions? Leave them below or click here to find out how you can work with me!