Most businesses are trying to build a presence on the powerful social network facebook. So, here’s three easy steps to start building your audience on facebook.
Step #1. Getting to 25 fans.
Getting to 25 fans is a significant milestone for a new page. Once you have done so you are eligable for a vanity url. Initially pages have a long name like facebook.com/smgnewengland.141854964asdf61614.asdadf54 which is hard to promote. Once you have reached 25 fans you can set up a shorter name like facebook.com/smgnewengland which is easier to promote, particuarly offline.
One way to reach 25 fans is to send a short note using facebook messages to your friends with a link to the page and ask them to like your page. Send a message stating something to the effect of…
Good Afternoon! I just started a facebook page for my business to share promotions and keep our freinds, family and clients updated on what we are doing. I need to get to 25 fans to get our unique url and I would really appreciate it if you were one of the fist to like our page. It will only take a few seconds. Thank you!
Once you get to 25 fans you can claim your new vanity url at facebook.com/username
Step # 2. 100 Fans
The best method for getting to 100 fans is to work your network. Announce your new vanity url to your friends via a post on your personal facebook page. Ask that your freinds to 3 quick things for you. 1. Like your page if they havent already done so. 2. Like one of your wall posts. 3. Share your page by writing a post themselves. Here is an example post.
I just got a new username for my facebook page for my business page. Please help me grow my page by doing three quick things. 1. Like the page. 2. Like a wall post 3. Share this page on your wall by posting a link and stating “Check out my friends new page for tips on how to market your business on facebook.”
Step # 3. 1,000 fans and beyond.
Having over 1,000 fans shows prospects and current clients that you have a strong fanbase on facebook. This also gives you a large base of people to reach when you share a post. Reaching 1,000 fans does not have to be expensive. You can utilize a slow growth strategy using the steps you have already taken to gain others attention.
If you have a website for your company, utilize social plugins like the like button and like box, they are free to add your site and do a great job of turning visitors into fans.
If you have an email list, send an email blast inviting people to become fans of your page on facebook. Try using an offer like, “get free marketing tips” or “win a free ipad.”
If you operate a physical brick and morter type location, add signage or ads on receipts to become a fan and get special coupons.
The ideas are limitless. If you have some good ideas to increase your fanbase we would love to hear them at facebook.com/smgnewengland