Social Media for your Business-Part 2
December 9, 2011 by Kim Julian
Filed under BusyBizGirl
Social Media for Your Business- Part 2
Facebook and LinkedIn- Purpose, how to add
Welcome! This is Part 2 of my 4 part series about how to use Social Media for your business. This series focuses on these areas:
One: Make a List, Set Goals, website-preparation
Two: FaceBook, LinkedIn-purpose, how to add
Three: Twitter – purpose, how to add
Four: Blog- why? How?
Review: In Part 1 of this 4 part series,we took a look at what Social Media tools would be helpful to your business, and what information you need to get started. If you follow the recommendations outlined in this series, you will add to or update your social media a little each week, so by the end of four weeks you will have the groundwork done. Then we can work on fine tuning, using tools to keep things simple but effective.Hopefully you got your notebook going and started thinking about how you want to use Social Media. Keep your notebook handy to add information to as we get your Facebook and Linkedin set up.
So, you have decided to start using Social Media for your business but are not sure where to start. You want to be where your customers are, so you can connect with them. Facebook is used by 1 out of every 9 people on the planet, so let’s get your business on there so you can start accumulating fans! The purpose of Facebook for your business will be to stay in contact with customers in between (or instead of) Newsletters. It is to keep your customers informed about what is going on in your business. Special events, sales, giveaways, coupons- these are the types of things you could be posting to your Facebook page.
Facebook as a Customer Service Tool
As a business you will want to post once or twice a week. When you post, you should ask yourself “what information could my customers use?”. Ultimately, the types of things you post on here, and how you engage with your customers will have a positive impact on your customer service! If customers feel welcome to post questions, and you are quick to respond, they will know you care. You can also ask your fans questions about what they like or think should be changed. Their answers may surprise you.
Facebook Fan Page Setup
You will not set your business page up the same way you setup your personal account. It will be set up as a fan page, so that when you post to the wall, it will go to each fan’s news feed. You can also have tabs on your page for events, photos, polls, etc. This will make it easy for your customers to find what they need, when they need it. To set up a basic fan page, follow these easy steps:
1. Login to your personal Facebook Page (if you do not have one, simply go to Facebook.com and set up a new account. E-mail me if you need detailed instructions).
2. At the bottom of your personal Facebook page, click on “add a page”
3. Select the type of page you wish to add, then fill in as many fields as possible. PICK A GOOD NAME!!! One as close to your business name as possible so your customers can find you!
4. Pay special attention to “posting ability” in the “Manage Permissions” section. You will decide there whether to let others post to your page. If you wish to get customer comments, this is where you select that others may post.
5. To make changes to your page settings and content, click on the “Edit Page” button on the top right. Be sure to use a Profile picture that makes it obvious this is your business (ie: Company Logo).
6. To use the Internet as your business (so when you “like” other pages, it shows up on your business page), click on the arrow on the top right of the page, and the pop down menu will give you the option to select your business page.
7. Make a page in your notebook with how you have set up your FB fan page (name, etc.).
8. Once you reach 25 fans, you can claim a User Name for your page! This is important, because it is the address your page has on Facebook, and it makes it easy to spread the word about where you are. For example, my user name is “Busybizgirl” so my address is “www.facebook.com/busybizgirl“. To claim a User Name, go under “Account Settings” at the top right of your fan page. Select “User Name”, and type in the name you wish to use. It can be your whole business name, or just an abbreviated version- it is NOT going to change the name that is displayed when you are on the page. Warning: YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR USER NAME ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN ONE, so choose wisely!
You may be wondering how to find fans. Spread the word that you have a Facebook page! Here are a few suggestions: Put a link on your Website home page. Send an e-mail announcement. Add a line to your e-mail signature with a link to your Facebook page. Put your Facebook name on your business cards. If you have a store front, put a sign or two up- one in the window and one at the register.
Linkedin is where you will put your personal profile, not your business profile. It is a place to connect with other individuals in a professional space. Some people on Linkedin just post their Profile so it serves as a directory. Others use Linkedin as a great networking tool! To join:
1. Go to http://www.Linkedin.com
2. Click on “Join Today”
3. Fill in your name and choose a password
4. Once you are in, you can start adding to your Profile. Make it as complete as you like, but I recommend at the very least putting your current work information. Your profile on Linkedin can even read like a resume if you like.
5. Once you have your profile information complete, you can start looking for connections!
6. Connect with colleagues!
You do not need to post on Linkedin regularly. Just make sure your Profile is kept up to date, and if you have employees consider having them post a profile if appropriate.
Next week in Part 3 of this series, I will discuss Twitter, the exciting things you can use it for in your business, and changes coming up that will make it possible to personalize it so it reinforces your brand.
Have fun setting up your pages! Should you have any questions, I always welcome your e-mail.
Kim Julian
President/Owner
Busy Biz Girl
reach me by e-mail with questions: Kim@busybizgirl.com
follow me on Twitter@busybizgirl for small business tips!
Like me on Facebook @busybizgirl for small business idea sharing, as well as some fun giveaways!
Entrepreneur, WAHM. Owner of Busy Biz Girl, a Peachtree City based business specializing in small business support. Services include social media, websites, customer service training, marketing, and to do list completion. 20+ years management experience in all types of businesses, including retail, commercial real estate management, and manufacturing (cloth diapers).