This week’s blog features an interview with Gaynor Parke, owner of Social Media Mamma. Gaynor has been posting some fantastic tips on using the new Facebook features to best effect and now that we’re one month into the rollout, I wanted Gaynor to tell us the gems.
Firstly, can you tell us a little about Social Media Mamma?
In my experience, business success is all about building relationships and Social Media Mamma is a place where business owners can discover how to market their business using social media, Facebook in particular. My aim is share my experience with practical information and tips while throwing in some fun along the way.
You seem to be well and truly across all the recent Facebook changes. Can you share a brief summary with us?
That’s a tricky one as there are lots of changes that may appear inconsequential but actually impact the way we use Facebook fan pages quite deeply. A few of the main changes are:
- Being able to post as yourself And your businesses fan page. Lots of people had been asking for this change but I still like to see the person behind the page.
- Facebook Pages can now “Like” other pages. This doesn’t skew the insights results thank goodness. Your LIKE only counts once.
- Being notified when a person posts on your Facebook wall (or likes your fan page) is a huge change and you can customise this setting for each page you have.
- Photo showcase windows have been added to the top of the fan page to match the profile page layout. This is a great space to individualise your page and use for advertising.
- Change your business category to reveal the most relevant information fields. This will really help business use their Info tab to maximum advantage.
- If you have fewer than 100 members you can change the name of your page under the Basic Information section. This is a major change and fantastic for new fan pages.
NOTE: For a more comprehensive list plus great marketing tips, you can access Gaynor’s 3 part video series (30 mins in total) by leaving your details on the Social Media Mamma Welcome page or watch an overview of changes to personal pages at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzgDk5HJ4vw
Can you tell us which new Facebook features are particularly useful marketing tools?
These 4 are the ones I feel bring the most improvement to Facebook fan pages for business.
1. Add an image of the page owner. This is a wonderful addition to personalise a businesses fan page and will certainly help with relationship building. If you can build a relationship with your Likers it’s harder for your competitors to snatch them away!
The Copy Detective asks: How do you add the picture? Gaynor: Click on EDIT PAGE -> FEATURED -> EDIT FEATURE PAGE OWNERS. Facebook will show the profile images of the admins and you just choose who you wish to be shown. Easy!
2. Customise your tab-names to be more descriptive. This will encourage people to look around your page to see what you have to offer, and anything that helps you enhance your individuality is brilliant.
3. The new email notifications mean you won’t miss a post. Even though the way page is display has changed, you can keep on top of your posts and reply to your members.
4. Create ads that display on your business fan page. Just create a series of images advertising your products and services, tag your business and they will be displayed across the top of your fan page! Facebook will show them in random order with each visit.
What’s your top piece of advice for new businesses on Facebook?
It can seem daunting when you first start out but it really isn’t. The essentials as I see them are:-
1. Make it super easy for people to contact you. As a minimum have your email address everywhere you can.
2. Have you wall set at “everyone” so people are encouraged to participate. The whole idea behind Social Media is that people like to hang out with in the same groups as their friends so show your social proof.
3. Be interesting – not salesy. Offer help, be humorous, be creative don’t just shout out your specials. Share 80% business and 20% personal and allow your personality to shine through in all your posts. Remember that people buy from people they like, so be likeable!
And finally, stay on top of Facebook updates so your business isn’t left behind. This can be tough as Facebook sometimes doesn’t announce them but this what I do as the Social Media Mamma. I have a “Recipe For Success Collection” that delivers updates and answers directly into your inbox and members receive monthly inspiration, articles, videos and resources to help them manage their business marketing, particularly on Facebook.
If you want to talk to Gaynor about the recent Facebook changes and how your business can improve it’s marketing on Facebook, you can find her at: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Now it’s your turn. What features have you used to great effect? Tell us!
The Copy Detective
Speaking of Facebook – don’t forget you can access FREE copywriting and marketing tips at the Copywrite Matters Facebook page.
4 Responses
Thanks for this very timely article Belinda. I’m looking at making the switch across to the new FB layout this weekend, so these tips will make it that much easier.
My pleasure Anna – although thanks really go to Gaynor for getting on top of the updates and sharing them.
As she noted, some of the changes seem quite minor but actually change the way we use Facebook quite a lot. And if you update your marketing to take advantage of those changes you’re going to stay ahead of the game (until the next lots of updates!).
These changes really have revolutionised Facebook for business…
I still see HEAPS of people using Facebook the ‘old’ way – which really is ineffective now. I’ve been meaning to do a video or two to educate people how to use the new features to the max, looks like I got beaten to it though 😉 haha