Tranter Banter

If you are using Facebook for your business, take a few moments and see if you are guilty of any of the following.  It could hep you learn a better strategy and increase your interactions and page image.

1.   Having a lousy or no cover photo.  Often the cover photo is the first thing someone sees.  If your picture is blurry and says nothing about your business, you could be losing customers even before they can like your page.

2.   Letting a relative, dishwasher or college intern handle the page without direct knowledge of your business and your supervision.  It’s important to develop and stick with a strategy that highlights your business and all it represents.  Just wait until the first time your admin goes on a rant on YOUR business page about another business, person or event.  That could really hurt your image.

3.   Not responding to comments made on your page, even the negative ones.  People who post comments usually come back and check on the business’ response. Especially with negative comments.  Not responding or just deleting the comment shows that a business is really not interested in what others have to say.  They really aren’t interested in communicating with their customers, and are just interested in talking about themselves.

4.   Focusing on the number of fans, or likes, rather than on engagement.  The number of fans means nothing if you aren’t getting them to your business or purchasing your products. 

5.   Being stuffy.  Remember Facebook is supposed to be fun and engaging and personal.  Be light-hearted when you post on your page.

6.   Posting only look at me, look at me, look at me content.  People soon get bored and often delete.  Share interesting facts and ideas about your industry, your community or what folks can do with your products. 

For some small businesses, Facebook is their only means of connecting.  Facebook is really only a start, but an important one.  Take time to learn and study how successful businesses are using Facebook and try and mimic their ideas.  Notice I didn’t say copy. It’s great to get ideas and see what others are doing.  If Facebook is your only social media platform, take time to learn and do it correctly.   It’s really that important.  But do keep in mind, there are lots of other social media platforms that are out there and ready to help you brand your business.