Since its scandalous beginnings in 2004, Facebook has become the most pervasive and arguably the most important platform on the planet. Its reach extends to the far corners of the globe, its user-base as diverse as it possibly could be. If that isn’t enough to convince you that your business should have an active Facebook presence, maybe these 5 reasons will…
1. Lower Marketing Expenses
First and foremost, Facebook is one of the most cost efficient ways for your business to market itself. Hosting over 2.7 billion users world-wide, that is, over a third of the world’s population, it is the single largest social media platform on the planet. Starting an account costs you nothing. You only begin to incur charges as you extend your reach with paid ads and sponsored stories, an inexpensive alternative to more traditional marketing channels such as TV ads and Google Search Ads. Considering the expansive audience that could potentially be at the receiving end of your content, Facebook provides a cost-effective and easy platform to globally market your business.
2. Facebook Places
Across every social media platform, the benefits of a business account are pretty universal. However, unique to Facebook is Facebook Places. This feature allows users to 'check in' at any given location. Whether that’s checking in at the airport, or as they settle in to a restaurant or Airbnb, they are able to broadcast where they are to their friends. Off the back of this, Facebook Places automatically identifies other popular places in the same vicinity, listing nearby businesses offering deals (e.g. discounts, freebies, loyalty rewards).
So, in theory, if someone checks in at a nice hotel up the road, your restaurant could be suggested as somewhere they should visit– If they’re unfamiliar with the area, chances are they will! It’s all about getting your name recognised, and connecting you with your local business network. Only pages that have been listed as a Company, Organisation or a Local Business in the category set up can add a location – make sure you’re one of them!
3. Build Brand Loyalty
Having a Business Facebook Account puts you literally on the same page, or should I say ‘news feed’, as your consumers. People invested in your business will see your brand as they scroll through their feed, keeping you present, relevant and active in their everyday lives.
You can also use Facebook to build brand loyalty by socially interacting with existing and potential customers.
Rather than aggressively promoting your products or services, share information related to your business that is actually useful or interesting to other users, comment on relevant posts, respond to users’ comments and let them leave feedback. This increases your credibility and promotes your business by building on-going relationships with other users, and gives you the opportunity to inject some personality in to your brand and really build a presence around your values.
4. Targeted Ads
One of the most important features of a Facebook business account is being able to target your ads at a specific demographic. For instance, if you’re looking to advertise a bar opening in Greater Manchester, you can make sure your ad only goes live on Facebook feeds in the Greater Manchester area, to people between the ages of 18-45. The benefit of cherry picking which profiles will see your ad is that you can significantly reduce how much you spend by casting a much smaller net, as well as increasing the likelihood of people clicking through to your website.
5. Facebook Pixel
The Facebook Pixel is by far the most useful and profitable aspect of owning a Facebook Business account. The Facebook pixel is a code that you place on your website, triggering cookies to track users as they interact with your website and your Facebook ads. It’s a notch up from targeted ads, providing insight into who your demographic actually is, rather than who you think they are.
With the information that is collected you can see who is taking action on your website and then remarket to the exact same audience by targeting your ads directly at their Facebook feeds. Off the back of this, the Facebook pixel also will create a ‘lookalike audience’ which targets people who have interacted with similar things, or are in the same demographic as your most active user base
Their algorithm improves your Facebook ad conversion rates and gives you a better Return on Investment. Even if you’re not using Facebook ads yet, you should install the Facebook pixel now and start collecting data right away. We are living in the generation where data is power – harness it.
Social Media Services Manchester
Here at Christian Michaels, our social media team know inside and out the intricacies of harnessing the incredible marketing potential of Facebook. If you need help getting started, or even just a hand managing your Facebook presence, then get in touch today for a premium social media service.
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