Adding new qualified contacts to your database is essential to growth. If you go to weekly networking meetings and get face-to-face communications with lots of new people, then this article may not be for you, because you are already meeting folks…your only task is to qualify them…and that’s an entirely different article. This article is devoted to the many small business owners, solo-preneurs and entrepreneurs, who have full time or part time commitments, and are determined to create a business at the same time. |
Social/Commerce Media is a great way to grow your database. In this Article I’m going to focus entirely on Free Facebook Business Page, but I'll be back with others in the coming weeks. While a Personal Profile or Friends Page can have some uses, the benefits do not translate as well for growing your business.
A big concern for the busy business owner is how much time does it take? It will be different for individuals but here are some general time frames.
- Total set-up time 30 mins to 1 hr.
- Daily minimum time 15 mins.
- Extra Knowledge time: Read when you can.
Start by getting to know your page…and getting people to LIKE your page. If you already have a personal profile, start there. Look at the many ways Facebook recommends you can boost your page and attract new LIKES …at no charge.
Next, seek out groups that may be good connections. It’s important to consider groups with both complimentary services as well as those that duplicate your services. Complimentary groups provide target markets; duplicate groups provide education and information. Some complimentary services are very easy to determine while others may take a little creative thinking
For example:
- A Non_Profit might look for groups that focus on volunteering and philanthropy
- A Spa Owner might look for groups that cater to tourists, hotels and Bed and Breakfast Lodgings
- A Candle shop owner might look for Spa Owners, Hotels and Bed & Breakfast Lodgings
It’s a simple formula: Determine your target audience and look for complimentary service groups
One more point, when you post always post a URL to your site or a landing page where you have a clear CTA or call to action. Think of the old brick and mortar days…when you invited someone to your store…you certainly gave them the address and the phone number or told them how to get there…it’s the same thought process….adding your URL to the post gives visitors an invite to visit your business.
Bringing it all together: Each time a new person LIKES your Facebook business page the next step is to QUALIFY them for your database. You already know a few things:
1. It’s a friend or a relative (they auto qualify because they are probably already in your DB)
2. They are interested in what you have to say.
3. They are worthy of follow-up.
So start building a relationship…. invite them into your contact list and then start your auto-responder system. Don’t have an auto-responder system? Connect with me and we’ll discuss the options. Then Continue to provide them with the information they need to take your Call To Action.