By Guest Blogger Michael Jenkins:
It would have been unthinkable a few years ago, but today, many people are using Facebook quite successfully not only as a social connector, but also to promote their business, products and services, to effectively increase their profits.
Is it possible to sell on Facebook? Just look around and see how many prominent companies like 1-800-Flowers, Avon, Brooks Brothers, and Levi’s have already set up Facebook pages that actually allow their many Facebook “friends” to purchase items right then and there.
It is amazing how many people do business on social media sites. Buying and selling is absolutely possible, and the following marketing techniques will explain exactly how you too can successfully use Facebook as a Search Engine Optimization tool, and a superb solution to boost your sales.
1. Offer Great Value Specials
This is a popular selling tactic that works just as well online as it does in stores. Provide your Facebook friends with coupons (e.g.15 % discount) which they can redeem on your official website, or at one of your retail locations. ‘Specials’ can be anything from bookings for events, and free memberships, to sample products and vouchers. By offering this to your fans on Facebook, you are really increasing their loyalty and likelihood to purchase more from you.
2. Join Facebook Marketplace vendors
Facebook Marketplace is an advertising service on Facebook that enables members to find classifieds in their area. You can list just about anything, including houses for rent, available jobs, and products for sale. It is a great way to buy and sell products/services, all while promoting your company.
3. Start a group
Launching a ‘group’ on Facebook is an excellent way to target a select audience. Simply set up a group, add related text and images, and invite all your followers. Make it interesting and keep it up to date by engaging in conversations about your company, its objectives, and the products you offer. Spread the word and ask your brand advocates to extend the invitation to their own networks, this can be a powerful way to gain new fans and customers. The more friends, the merrier!
Integrating Facebook into your SEO strategy has many advantages. First of all, it creates an opportunity to communicate directly with stakeholders and fans, to create a conversation with them. This in turn, can drive targeted traffic to your website which will not only increase your profits, but will also make your company more visible on the web. With higher traffic and more people talking about and linking to your site, search engines will pay more attention to you and as a result, your rankings will improve. It is every online marketer’s dream-come-true, and can also be yours, if you are up to the challenge and willing to put in the work.
About the Author:
Michael Jenkins heads up Shout Web Strategy, which is a leading web consultancy firm specializing in Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine marketing.
Shout is based in Melbourne and Singapore. For more information, visit http://www.shoutwebstrategy.com.au.
