Woman Facebook

image courtsy of mashable.com

Facebook has become part of many people (read: customers) daily routine. In fact, a recent study by Oxygen Media and Lightspeed Research shows that “as many as one-third of women aged 18-34 check Facebook when they first wake up, even before they get to the bathroom.”

Money and the Young Woman

Women in this age range are one of the most sought-out consumer groups, known for their spending ways. And they LOVE Facebook. Women are wired to be social, and Facebook satisfies this need, especially for this busy group.

Word of Mouth

Every business owner knows that word of mouth advertising is the best kind. Not only is it free, it comes from a reliable source. I know a lot of people with over 500 Facebook friends. That means if they update “I’m eating at X Restaurant” you just got free advertising to a LOT of people. I’ve seen conversations about the place occur in the comments, linking to websites and Google maps for directions.

Share and Share Alike

Having a Facebook Page (a business profile) makes it easy for a customer to share your information with everyone in their Facebook network. Post a photo of your new dish, customers having a great time or someone using your product. Photos can be easily shared to someone’s profile. Tag your customers (with their permission) and whenever someone looks at this person’s photos on Facebook, yours is included.

Stay Front and Center

Keep your Facebook Page updated regularly. I like to use Hootsuite to schedule my updates in advance for both Twitter and Facebook. Are you running a special? What’s your deal (or drink, special, photo, etc.) of the day? Also be sure not to be too “markety.” Use your voice and make it fun, showing people how much MORE fun they would have if they did business with you! I recommend updated about once a day, at least 3-4 times a week. It depends on your business. If you’re a restaurant you can do, especially on the weekends when you want to promote your weekend drink specials. The trick is to get yourself out there often enough that people will think of you the next time they need your services, but not so often as to annoy them, making then Hide you (which they can do without unliking your Page).

Calendar Girls (or Boys)

Facebook has a calendar that shows up as a tab on top of your page and, when published, goes into your news stream. You can also invite your Facebook followers. This is a great way to promote specials, events and seasonal items.