6 Ways Facebook Can Help Market Your Online Business

The business environment is rapidly changing, and while having a virtual business was once an option, many now view it as a necessity.

The shift to a virtual business environment has required a shift in the way we market our businesses. Now more than ever, online visibility is key to growth and profitability...and by "online visibility," I mean having a presence on the largest social media platform worldwide: Facebook.

However, for those new to online and social media marketing, figuring out where to even start can be overwhelming.

If you are looking to increase your online visibility but Facebook marketing isn't quite your forte, here are 6 easy ways that you can use the platform to attract and bring your target audience to you:

1. Create a business page.

Having a Facebook business page helps to provide followers with all business-related information, including your services, prices, reviews, promotions, and more. You can also set up your business page to have followers message you directly with questions, or take them to an external website with even more information, such as your blog or portfolio. To attract more followers, make sure your cover photo is clear, eye-catching and tells followers what you do.

Follow the KNM Virtual Solutions Facebook page!

2. Optimize your personal profile.

Although it is against the Facebook Terms of Service to use your personal profile to do business, your "Intro" section should contain all of the information about your business. Once you've created your business page, make sure that you link to it in your Intro section. If you have a website, make sure that it is listed. Use your 100-character "bio" section to talk about who you serve and what you do.

3. Join relevant groups.

Joining groups of like-minded people gives you a space to connect and start conversations with those who may be interested in your product or service. Think about your target audience. Then, go to the "Search" bar and search for group names that meet the description of where your target audience would hang out. Once you are accepted into those groups, get active! Participate in the discussions and provide value as much as possible so other members start to wonder who you are and eventually see you as THE person to get in touch with around certain topics.

4. Create your own group.

Although joining other groups is a great way to connect with others, often times group owners prohibit promoting your business within their group. Some may even deny your membership request completely if they feel that you are there for the wrong reasons. That is when starting your own group becomes important.

With your own Facebook group, you have the opportunity to gather YOUR specific target audience in a room and directly speak to/engage with them how YOU want about the topics that matter to them the most. It is the perfect place for building authority and positioning yourself as a leader. Additionally, your group members can eventually become your "warm audience," making it that much easier to convert them into paying clients or customers.

Check out my group, Single Moms Breaking Expectations and Thriving Abroad.

5. Talk about it!

Just because you can't conduct business from your personal profile doesn't mean that you can't talk about it! Create "slice of life" posts on your regular profile that give your followers insight into what you do each day for your business and what you do for your clients. Demonstrate to them how you are changing the lives of others and how you are changing your own life with your business. At the end, invite them to "Like" your business page or join your group. The more often you post, the more likely someone will engage...and engagement puts you at the top of the news feed.

6. Network, network, network!

One of the best parts about Facebook is the ability to connect with people from everywhere in the world. It doesn't matter where you interact with them-- in a business group, hobby group, or on your news feed-- simply get to know other people. Schedule short "coffee chats" so you can get to know them. Comment on their posts. Ask questions. The more you engage, the more they will want to know more about you, which gives you the opportunity to talk about your business!

While the above are great ways to get started with marketing your business via Facebook, a solid social and marketing strategy is the best way to grow a profitable business. Contact me today to chat about how KNM Virtual Solutions can help take your business to the next level.