The simple ways small businesses can get more Facebook ‘likes’

JUST how do you get those coveted Facebook ‘likes’? Here is how to score the all important social wins that can be converted to real dollars.

You can always pay for more Facebook reach through its ad products.

AHHH, the coveted Facebook like. It only takes a second to hit the button and support a friend, business or charity — so why don’t we do it more?

Social media is just that. It’s a time when your target audience is relaxing, taking time out and connecting with friends. They don’t want to be bombarded with businesses advertising, or have their newsfeeds clogged with news about what your company is doing.

So how do you increase your Facebook fans, and attract likers who will add value to your business, without boring them off the couch?

PAY FOR IT

Social media expert Michael Grierson from BuzzNumbers says organically building an audience from scratch has become almost an impossible task on some social networks.

“The Facebook algorithm that decides what content gets displayed now largely prevents branded content from showing in newsfeeds, and with approximately 58 million tweets being sent each day, it can be hard to stand out,” he says.

You can always pay for more Facebook reach through its ad products.

“The good news is that there’s a highly effective and affordable shortcut to building a following — paid promotions.

“With a well-targeted campaign, Facebook followers can be acquired for between 50 cents and $1 each using Facebook ads.”

BE YOURSELF, DON”T BE BORING

David Jardine, from Red Fez Social Media Services, says while there is no one way that is going to work, your profile has to be authentic.

“The nature of social media is social, so what makes something popular — is what will make people like your page,” he says.

“Your Facebook page is like the foyer of your business.

People are usually relaxed when they’re on social media, so be playful and not boring.

“If you talk business all the time, people are going to get bored.

“Talk about yourself, the people you work with, the suppliers, the shipping department, the guy that tripped over the pallet in the back — be personal and jovial, people will respond.”

ASK PEOPLE WHAT THEY THINK

“Engaging with customers is not some etheric thing, it’s simply having a conversation!” Mr Jardine says.

“What do you talk about when they come in the shop? Ask those questions! The only difference is, instead of asking one specific person, you’re asking everyone.”

But his trick? Talk as though you were talking to only one person — not thousands.

RUN A COMPETITION, OR TWO

Mr Jardine says online giveaways have to be simple, engaging, and worth a person’s time.

“It has to be something they can do in a few seconds, which is all the time they have on Facebook,” he says.

Run a competition or two — like offering a free cleaner to the winner.

“So make it simple — a survey or a poll — and there are free apps for that — or a question they have to answer, or photo they have to submit.

“Anything quirky they can do in one second or less is great.”

His ideas include a ‘worst backyard photo’ competition for a landscaper, or a ‘best story’ competition for a house cleaner.

“They could write in 25 words or less why you should have your house cleaned, and the winner maybe gets one free clean — that way they get a new client, plus the reasons why people want clean houses, which is good for marketing, plus the viral spread of the competition.”