Put Your Best Face Forward & 60 Helpful Facebook Tips for Businesses

I was featured as Tip #26 in Carol Roth's blog, 60 + Tips for Using Facebook in Business. I share why it's important for authors and speakers to included a professional photo on their Facebook page. 

There are great Facebook tips on Carol's blog, so please check out the other 59 tips from business professionals. A big thanks to Carol Roth for including my tip in her article. 

Additional tips when using Facebook Pages for business:

• Not ALL businesses or industries are a suitable match for Facebook. Facebook is primarily B2C (business to consumer), so Facebook may not be a suitable social media platform for B2B companies. Research your target markets before you jump on the Facebook Page bandwagon.
• Remember that one size does NOT fit all when it comes to social media -- social media is merely a marketing tool and Facebook is not the end-all, be-all to social media. Join professional networking sites such LinkedIn. I've landed fantastic clients through LinkedIn.  

How do you use Facebook to promote and market your company/business? 

Do You Take Facebook's Like Button Too Far?

Everyone wants to be liked -- it's human nature. However, has the Facebook like button gone too far? I've been guilty of going crazy with the like button. Between my sister's litter of cute kittens and pictures of my equally adorable nieces and nephew, I tend to click away.

However, do we really LIKE what we are liking? Sometimes Facebook reminds me of my high school days. It makes me wonder if we are becoming conformists as a result of Facebook's like button -- and if people harbor a secret desire to be popular. The goal behind social media is for people to follow and like us. But HOW genuine are the people who click on your like buttons? Or do they just like you so you will like them back? Has Facebook turned into one big social networking popularity contest?

Don't get me wrong. I am pleased when my friends and fans like my Wall updates. I'm happy that they are pay attention and actually read my updates. I sometimes wonder if Facebook will take the leap and create a "dislike" button. Although, that might wreak havoc, ruin marriages and hurt feelings (and there is enough drama on Facebook already). Not to mention, Zuckerberg doesn't need more lawsuits on his hands.

Do you think people have gone overboard with the like button? 

Taco Bell Nose Dives With Freebie Taco Offer on Facebook

Poor Taco Bell. Despite the fact that Taco Bell is a household name around the country, their freebie taco offer on Facebook flopped.

Where did Taco Bell go wrong? Out of 6 million Facebook fans, only 3% actually took Facebook up on their offer. Not good, Taco Bell. 

Why would people take Taco Bell up on their offer when they already offer 99 cent tacos? You only have to turn on the TV; their ads are all over the place. So what's the problem? Exclusivity. Big deal - a free taco. But what if it was a brand-spankin' new taco that Taco Bell just launched? Aw, that might be the ticket, Taco Bell. Exclusivity captures people's attention - who wants to eat what everyone else eats? 

With these hot summer temps, no one wants to get in their car and drive over to Taco Bell to claim their taco (AND waste paper by printing out the free voucher). They didn't make it easy for their customers/fans. No thanks - I wouldn't waste my time either -- not to mention it costs more in gas to drive over to Taco Bell than the taco is actually worth.

Taco Bell didn't make it easy for customers to claim their freebie AND they didn't offer an exclusive freebie. I hope Taco Bell hires new marketing people, or revises their Facebook marketing strategies...and SOON! 

 

 

How to Save Face on Facebook

I've been devouring articles and ebooks lately. I came across this comprehensive list of easy tricks and tips related to Facebook. Facebook constantly changes its rules and settings, but this is a general to do and don't list to get you started. 

My favorites are: 'share nicely' and 'walls aren't for sharing personal details' - my biggest peeves when it comes to Facebook. Check out this comprehensive list by Hazel Grace Dircksen, founder of the SocialBees group on Facebook and Biznik.

http://biznik.com/articles/the-socialbees-guide-to-saving-face-on-facebook

How do you save face on Facebook? Any tips that this list missed? Please share.