Turbo Charge Your Facebook Results

For most business owners, their biggest Facebook challenge is keeping fans consistently engaged. Whether you have 135 or 13,500 likes, the only way to really profit from a business page is to motivate fans to click, share and, eventually, act by buying a product or signing up for an event. Here are three strategies that can turn the tide and increase fans' interaction with your Facebook page:


  1. Market content with images. The rise of the social networking site Pinterest underscores how much people love images and, more importantly, love sharing them. Visual marketing is about creating what I call relevant viral content -- content your core audience can't resist sharing. They're the people who are most likely to buy from you, so focus on catering to their interests with relevant and appealing images and strong calls to action.

  Here are a few techniques to try: Showcase key industry influencers. There's something irresistible about quotes. I recently saw a post by Amy Porterfield, a bright yellow image of Seth Godin with a quote that got more than 100 shares the first day. This isn't about selling. It's about crafting a message fans care about. As a bonus, it can show the big players in your field that you're listening. Highlight your expertise. After a live chat on her Facebook Page, international speaker Carren Smith posted an image containing one of her inspirational quotes and this call to action: "Please share this message with someone who needs to hear it." Tell a story or share news. Every time you decide to post something -- a brand update, an upcoming event, etc. -- ask yourself, "Can I tell this story in a picture?"

For example, show a happy user explaining how your product led to a success or memorable moment, instead of another routine product shot. Ramp up lead generation. Create a series of visual images relating to a new marketing campaign or product launch. Just remember to include the destination link to drive traffic to your campaign. Have fun. Most people aren't on Facebook for business. They just want to have fun. So, be playful, post pictures that will make people smile and stop and take notice!

  2. Ask better questions. If you pose questions and get only silence, you might be asking the wrong ones. Before posting a question, put yourself in your fans' shoes: "Would I really take the time to answer this?" Here are a few effective question types with some real examples: Yes/no: These questions often get the most responses because they take just seconds to answer. Feedback: "I need a cover designed for my next book. Think I should run a design contest on Facebook? If I get 25 YES responses, I'll announce details next week." Bonus: Your audience is involved in the outcome, which means they'll care more about the product. Emotional/provocative: "Who here feels like they're fulfilling their LIFE's PURPOSE right now, and how do you know?" Provocative questions work best when you know the topics and themes most likely to ignite a reaction from your audience. Value add: "I just finished my new e-book and I'll release it next week. Who wants a free copy of chapter 1? Say YES and hit 'like'!" Bonus: This is a great way to get momentum before a product launch. Fun and fast: "Quick: 'Hunger Games' or 'Avengers'?" It's nice to mix in entertaining questions, especially if you can later use the answers as new content.

  3. Use video teasers. Video can quickly establish rapport and, on Facebook, that goes a long way. Just remember to keep the videos short -- one to three minutes at most. Here are a few approaches to consider: Ask a question. Use the tips above to create a short video instead of a status update, and solicit responses in the comments. Offer a quick tip. Outline one tip you've covered in a blog post and ask users to go to a custom URL (within a Facebook app such as Lujure) for the full post. Make a short video about an upcoming event. It could be a webinar, book launch or other live event. Drive viewers to a sign-up link within Facebook. Share a funny story. If you're a great storyteller, show it. If engagement is your goal, always ask yourself, "What's in it for my fans?" If you can provide value week after week, your fans will be more likely go the distance -- and the results will speak for themselves.

 Source: Scott Shabot, Owner of SAS Digital 

How To Develop A Great Web Site

Do:

Create clear & concise goals. And make sure they’re measurable. Here are some excellent ones: increase conversion rates, increase sales, generate more leads, reduce overhead, and improve brand awareness.
Place your phone number at the top in large numbers. 30% or more of web visits are for your phone number, make it easy to find.

Think about your mobile strategy simultaneously. Every day the percentage of your visitors that are likely to use mobile devices to access your site grows. Plan on building a separate mobile version of your site, or even an app.

Develop your content. Providing content, images, videos and product descriptions is a major hurdle in the Web development process. Gather as much of your content together before you start building your site—it will save you lots of time.

Write with key words in mind. Think about what words your potential customers/supporters will use to search for your products/services and include them on each page.

Provide key selling concepts. Clearly let your web site visitor know what action you want them to take. Keep it simple and don't ask for a lot of clicks to complete an action. Good calls to action allow visitors to quickly decide what they want to do next.

Always answer the question “why?”. If you want to generate conversions, such as liking your Facebook page, give a reason why they should take your desired action. Tell them why they should do it: “Follow us on Facebook to receive weekly specials.”

Add a blog. Google loves new and relevant content. A blog is a great way to add content.
Add Twitter and Facebook icons.

Install Google Analytics. Find out what is really happening on your site.
Always ask for an email to keep in touch.

Don’t:

Do it yourself. I know—I run a Web design firm, so of course I’m going to say this. But seriously, your website is often where your customers first experience your brand. Just as you dress for success, make sure your web site makes a great first impression. If it looks homemade or is poorly designed you will be fighting an uphill battle you cannot win.

Make people think. Keep it simple and easy to use. The less clicks you require the more results you will receive.

Expect visitors. Lose the “if you build it, they will come” mentality. Simply putting up your site will not result in any visitors.

Spend all your money. Don’t max out your entire budget on the website. You can always make improvements as your business grows. It’s far more important initially to have some money left over for a marketing budget so you can actually make a return on your investment.

Don't use Flash. Google can't read it and it appears blank on over a hundred million iPhones & iPads just in the US.

Expect a killer website overnight. Websites are dynamic and require continued attention. Review Google Analytics and look for ways to improve your site every day.

Author: Scott Shabot - SAS Digital