Whenever I train SMEs and business people they seem obsessed by increasing the number of likes on their business page and whilst numbers are important to a degree (30 likes to get access to Insights – for instance) they are by no means the be-all and end-all for using the biggest platform for Social Media to attract business and referrals.
The best likes by far are those from fans who want to engage with you and your brand and want to keep in touch until they, or someone they know needs your goods or services. The trick is to be around when you need them and by using Facebook as a ‘touch’ on a regular basis you will show up in their timeline when they will remember. Even you closest friends and family might not truly appreciate what you do and by creating the little memory jogs that are Facebook posts you will remind them.
I digress, for you to have this contact you do need to have a fan base in the first place lets look at options for attracting Likes.
Buy them – NO NO NO NO NO and once again NO! Its relatively easy to go onto Google or I seem to get an awful lot of offers to sell me fans via Twitter. However all of the Likes are basically from fake Facebook accounts and will dilute your offering and have no benefit to you at all.
So you arent going to buy them are you ? The fact is on Facebook people love to share great content. And when your Fans’ friends see that great content, they too may share it — or even better, they may “Like” your page this is known as organic growth and is the sustainable way to grow your likes.
So once again we come back to the age old problem of content being the real reason why people should like, share and engage. I have talked in previous blogs about content and how to create it but whilst reading a article recently I came across some pointers for creating great content on Facebook and by default attracting likes – so with grateful thanks to postplanner.com here are a few ideas.
1. Be Consistent
Post 5 times a week so you’re “top of mind” for your Fans.
2. Time it right
The best time to post will depend on the type of business you’re in. (use stats obtained from Insights)
3. Use eye-catching images
Alternate photos and video with text-only updates.
4. Keep it short
Posts between 100 and 150 characters (fewer than 3 lines of text) see 60% more Likes, comments and shares than longer posts.
5. Be relevant
Your content should let your audience know that you know who they are.
6. Use your authentic voice
People are your Fans and friends because they like what you do. Your voice on Facebook should be true to your brand. Dont be boring.
7. Include a call to action
If you ask your Fans to Share, Like or Comment, they are more likely to do it. It is important to ASK !
8. Be creative with apps
Contest and promotion apps, along with forms, surveys, etc. can deepen users’ involvement with a business or brand.
9. Have a sense of urgency
Include up-to-minute tips and tricks, and whenever possible, dispel myths.
10. Offer value
Before you share something on Facebook ask yourself if you think your Fans will find value in the content
11. Be entertaining
If your followers like funny memes or respond well to video, take note. Use the type of media that works best for your audience.
12. Be educational
People love to share how-to guides and tips.
There you go then 12 items to keep you going and if you still get stuck pop on over to my Facebook Page for some more ideas on what I share !