<p>Facebook is a free-access social networking website. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people. Currently Facebook is the number one Social Network with 26 million users in the US alone! Many small to mid size business owners are under the impression Facebook is just for friends or family. I cannot stress how wrong this thought process is! So why should you and your business be active on Facebook? Here are my top 7 reasons:</p>
<p><strong>1) Reconnect</strong></p>
<p>With so many users on Facebook it's become very easy to connect with friends, clients, and co-workers both current and past. With each connection (friend) you have the opportunity to let people know what you are currently doing and possibly turn this connection into a new client. It's amazing the amount of new business you can create with old friends.</p>
<p><strong>2) Expand your network</strong></p>
<p>Meet new people in your target market within your target area. This can be very local or you can expand your Facebook connections globally. Members of a network like Facebook are open and want to network! Just keep in mind accepting friend requests without engaging them will not expand your network... Becoming part of the conversation is the key.</p>
<p><strong>3) Personal Branding</strong></p>
<p>Facebook allows you to promote yourself and your company. The info tab within Facebook can be very detailed allowing your connections (friends) to learn more about you. Adding your websites and additional Social Media sites is highly recommended. Facebook also allows you to update your status or what you are currently working. This helps create conversation within your network, conversation creates relationships, relationships bring new clients and referrals.</p>
<p><strong>4) Advertising</strong></p>
<p>Facebook has a powerful advertising engine that enables businesses to specify a specific demographic target, see how many people that demographic will hit, and advertise to that demographic. This is very similar to Google Adwords but targeted in the Facebook network. Advertising success within Facebook will be different depending on your company but should be tested especially if you are currently advertising on Google Adwords.</p>
<p><strong>5) Visibility</strong></p>
<p>Staying top of mind with clients, prospects, and friends leads to more business and referrals. By updating your status, adding pictures, and letting your network know what you are doing you are creating stronger relationships with very little effort. I cannot express how valuable this is! The more people you have in your network the more potential you have to create top of mind awareness with your connections.</p>
<p><strong>6) Fan Pages</strong></p>
<p>Pages give your business or brand an identity on Facebook. With a Page, those interested and following your brand can become "fans", and when they do so, all their friends will see this. These Pages also add to your website SEO as they are indexed by Google!</p>
<p><strong>7) Groups</strong></p>
<p>Groups on Facebook are similar to Pages, but are meant to be built around a group of people rather than an individual business or brand. Becoming part of a group helps you expand your network with potential clients.</p>
<p>Hopefully these 7 Top Reasons Facebook is a Must Have for Your Business has opened your eyes to the potential of Facebook for your business. For those of you still deciding if it's worth your time investment spend a moment digesting a few of the current Facebook demographics:</p>
<ul>
<li>35-54 year old demographic segment continues to grow the fastest, but it accelerated to a 276.4% growth rate over the past 6 months This segment is doubling every 2 months!</li>
<li>The 55+ demo is not far behind with a 194.3% growth rate</li>
<li>The 25-34 year population on Facebook is doubling every 6 months</li>
<li>There are more females (55.7%) than males (42.2%) on Facebook</li>
<li>Over 26 million users on Facebook are living in the US</li>
</ul>
<p>So the question for you is how many of your customers or potential customers are in Facebook and are you going to reach out to them?</p>
<p> </p>
2009-04-09T21:51:40Z
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7-top-reasons-facebook-is-a-must-have-for-your-business
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2009-04-16T04:26:46Z
2009-04-16T14:26:52Z
Facebook is the number one Social Network with 26 million users in the US! Many small to mid size business owners are under the impression Facebook is for friends. I cannot stress how wrong this thought process is!
7 Top Reasons Facebook is a Must Have for Your Business
1
2009-04-16T14:26:52Z