Facebook 'Likes' it When There's A Person Behind Every Page

Social media is a great platform to expand a business' audience (read, customer base), but many organizations struggle with how to do so.

Starting up a Facebook business page merely takes a few clicks of the mouse, fill in some basic information and - *vwoila* - welcome new business to the social media world. But, then what?

There are two main tips that every business owner should keep in his or her back pocket: 1) be personable, and 2) remember that it's a two-way street.

Social media is about being engaging, it's about creating an online relationship with a potential customer. Successful relationships have give and take components, they work together and thrive off of interaction. A business running a Facebook page that merely touts its products or services is not effective. Period, point. Give your Facebook audience more than just a list of the ways you're trying to make money, and you'll see the greatest return.

Mara Boo Schmeyer is the inspiration behind Clever Dog's name.

 

So, how do you create a personality? Don't be afraid to post status updates that show human element: Here's a recent example from ClvrDog showing just that - an artsy picture of a frog enjoying Wisconsin's summer. Does this have anything to do with the Media Relations & Business Marketing firm? Well, no. Will it foster a relationship with those who "like" its Facebook page, resulting in possible business leads? More likely than not!

So what's this two-way street all about? If you've got someone commenting on your business' Facebook page posts - by all means, comment back! Do not let any stone go unturned. Social media is increasingly becoming a popular outlet to show off superior customer service skills, so let this be an easy platform to demonstrate your business' ability to respond to customer comments and complaints.

Yes, complaints. Even if the customer has something negative to say, always address the issue. Leaving a question unanswered will result in more customers seeing the question, and wondering why the business didn't respond. Maybe there really are flies baked into all this restaurant's burgers. At the very least, invite the complaining customer for a private chat via e-mail or phone call.

Another great way to leverage Facebook's platform is by interacting with other businesses nearby that are also on social media. You support each other in person - why not share the wealth online? 

Need more help with your business' social media accounts? Contact Clever Dog Media Relations & Business Marketing.