7 Steps to Increase Facebook Followers
Most businesses already know that if they want to have a successful general marketing campaign, they need to incorporate Facebook in some way. We know we have to, but we can’t figure out how to make it work for us, right? The first step is always the most difficult. You’ve created your Facebook page, now what? You don’t have likes, do you? Where do they hide and how do you get them to “like” you? These seven effective steps should work for most if not all businesses and help you get the traction you need on Facebook.
Custom welcome page
Granted, to accomplish this, you need to have someone on your staff who has some knowledge of HTML, or at least is decent with a WYSIWYG editor. There are also companies that specialize in creating these types of pages for you if you don’t have someone on staff who can do it for you. Custom splash pages offer a nice transition to your Facebook page. Instead of going straight to your wall, browsing through the posts, and trying to find your info page just to find out who you are and what you do, they can have a custom graphic that does this for them right away. There are many different ways companies use custom landing pages to engage their fans, but the important thing to remember is to be creative and continually split test to see what works for you.
Remind them
On your personalized welcome page, remind your “stumbling blocks” why they should like you. Do you have an amazing customer service record that they would agree with? Do you offer exclusive information to people who like your Page? You will have to “push” the user a bit to like you, so don’t be afraid to show off all your best qualities right from the start.
encourage
People love to receive something, and they especially like to receive something for nothing. Well, almost nothing. They simply have to like your page to get access to exclusive offers and promotions. Some people offer prize draws for people who like their Page and they routinely change them. Others give their fans access to exclusive coupons or content that can’t be found anywhere else.
call them to action
Sometimes people need a little reminder of what to do. Never assume that your prospect knows what you want them to do. On your custom welcome page, it’s always a good idea to have an arrow that somehow points to the “Like” button with a message that says something like “Like to get access to exclusive content” or “Don’t forget to let us know! like it!”. Make it clear as day that what you would really like from them is the desired action.
Interact
People love to connect with people. I think Facebook and social networks in general have shown it. If you’re not sociable, no one will want to “like” you. Put interactive videos and try to attract your fans. While it’s great that you put out your own exclusive content, your fans want to see and interact with your other fans. They want to be able to identify with someone. Run contests like “Show Us Your Worst Sunburn” if you’re a sun care company. Create similar user-generated content contests. Encourage your fans to share.
be at ease
Sometimes getting someone interested is a powerful tool. Put teasers on your personalized welcome page. Curiosity killed the cat, and it can also make them “like” you. Some companies will post pages that say “Like to get access to this free ebook.” Again, be creative, but try to place the content they would like to access behind the “Like” button.
explain yourself
Get personal and let your fans see the people behind your company. The motto of the day is “be transparent”. Your fans want to know about you and your staff on a personal level, so let them! Upload photos, launch videos, fill in all the fields on the “Information” page.