Frankly, I'm talking with clients, friends, colleagues who feel a little overwhelmed by the urge to participate in Facebook. I am, too!  But I think it is important to remember that "moderation in all things" is not only good advice but the key to being a responsible and considerate social network participant.

My friend Gabriel Marguglio of Destiny Tech had some great quick tips for participating on Facebook as a form of conversational marketing. I've copied his blog entry below, but I'd like to add a few more thoughts.

1. Listen and watch the conversation a bit first before you jump into any network and start "selling" your own message. In fact, don't think of it as selling.  Imagine you are at a giant cocktail party where many can overhear your conversation.

2.  Making a good impression includes relevant info in your profile as well as in your conversations.  Be relevant, be polite, and listen to others.

3. Be careful who you talk to and pick your friends wisely. Monitor your contacts and make sure that these relationships reflect your brand and the demographic your want to connect with.  You can't know everything and control all, but you can eliminate a contact that behaves inappropriately.

4. Don't PUSH and SELL too much.  You don't want to be the person in the room who does nothing but press a flyer or a business card into your hand. You know how obnoxious that is.  Listen, comment, engage and, of course, point to what you can offer and make these resources known at a reasonable pace.

 5. Finally, don't feel obliged to participate every minute of every day.  MODERATION!

 

Facebook is the fastest growing social networking

website and business owners and marketing managers should consider adding conversational marketing to their toolbox of marketing strategies. Facebook has powerful features that can help grow your business if used correctly.  Follow these tips as you implement marketing on Facebook.

1. Profile: Build an attention getting profile that will make an impact. Think of this as your branding for your business. Include a good photo, contact info, a link to your website, education, work history, personal interests, etc.
2. Networks: Take the time when building your profile to include the city your business is in, your industry, and other networking information. Let potential business partners find you and make yourself more searchable.
3. Friends: Add friends to build your networking. There are tools to find friends that are already on Facebook. Use Facebook tools to meet people with common interests, build a relationship and gather them as friends to build up your base.
4. Groups: Join online groups that are related to what you do. This is an excellent way to make contacts and build from there. If you don’t see a group that is a close enough fit, form your own. An excellent way to brand yourself as the authority.
5. Blog: Create and syndicate your own blog on your personal profile page. Broadcast your blog using RSS and increase your exposure and increase your readership.
6. Comment: Make comments on other people’s profiles. By reaching out, you will start interacting and engaging with new people and contacts. The more comments you leave on these virtual walls, the more exposure you get.
7. Events: List your events and new services by creating an events page. Instead of printing flyers and mailers, use the Facebook Events app. to get the word out. You can invite anyone you want. Guests can leave valuable feedback.
8. Gifts: send virtual gifts to show your appreciation. Send a virtual potted plant or flowers to make that great impression. There are third party applications that allow you to give unique gifts. A great way to build strong relationships.

Original Blog Post: http://www.destiny-soft.com/facebook-8-tips-for-marketing-your-business-online