I really haven’t used Facebook all that much for business development or sales, but when I launched my campaign for Flat Rock, MI School Board I thought it was time to give it a try.
Here are a few things I learned, which might be useful in future sales and business development efforts with Facebook:
1. Make it a resource, not a sales pitch. I preach this all the time in using online marketing, but I will reiterate it again. People come to the Internet in overwhelming majority to research or find something out. They are more than likely not trying to immediately buy something or find select the candidate they will vote for in the election.
Therefore, avoid the hard sell. Help them find what they are looking for–a little information. In my case it may be to help them find when the next Flat Rock Board of Education meeting is, or when the Flat Rock Football home opener is, how much a Flat Rock Sports season pass is, or maybe find out if the Bobcean Elementary School construction is going to be finished for the first day of school.
2. Never miss an opportunity to be helpful. I found out how valuable this could be right off the bat. I’m not a current sitting Board member, but I was immediately getting questions like I was–powerful way to demonstrate how you are going to serve when your elected.
I am tenacious about being responsive and getting answers for people. Everyone values a sense of urgency in help them with their issue or question. Don’t miss that opportunity to build that trust.
3. Let people know how they can get involved. It is always tough to ask for things, but I found that people (especially those joining a Facebook Fan Page) are usually willing to do small and specific things for you. I think asking your fans to help you accomplish a big goal, i.e., winning an election or getting more fans is exciting and energizes your whole community.
4. Leverage other websites or social media. Don’t forget all the other social profiles, blogs, or other online resources that you have and can leverage in your campaign to promote your Facebook Fan Page. These other sources can help drive traffic and interest to your page and generate more community members.
5. Don’t get too local, the world is smaller than you think. When you are select who you are going to promote your fan page to, don’t narrow your target audience too far.
Example: I sent it out to all my old (Lexington, KY) high school friends. Turns out one of them married someone from Flat Rock, MI and they are telling all their friends and family now. I feel victory!
Take a look at how I set-up my Bill Rice for Flat Rock, MI School Board Facebook Fan Page.
Feel free to join. You can see how I learn and use the page along the way and who knows you might know a voter or two in Flat Rock, MI.
Anyone out there with more experience at building and promoting Facebook Fan pages? I would love to hear your ideas and feedback.
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