The Best Facebook Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

Here are eight quick tips to great Facebook content marketing:

1. Use images, but mix it up.

Images are key to Facebook posts, but don’t use them all of the time. Most of your Facebook posts should include images or links, but don’t be afraid to use an occasional text-only update.

2. Keep it simple.

Facebook posts with less than 80 characters have a 27 percent higher rate of engagement, yet people often think they need to write a novella for an effective post. Keep it short, simple, and fun.

3. Make fans cry, laugh or say “Wow!”

People love to share humor. Something that is truly funny is most likely to get shared. Barring that, a touching story, or something that they find interesting and think their friends will, too, is more likely to get shared.

4. Engage your social media fans.

Ask your Facebook fans questions. Have them vote for your next in-store promotion or new product line. Ask engaging, interesting and industry-relevant questions.

5. Tell Facebook fans what action to take.

Do you want Facebook fans to share your post? Ask them to! Do you want them to comment? Ask for comments! Do you want them to answer a question? Ask a question! Give simple, explicit instructions as to what you want them to do, and if they are interested in what you are posting they will share their input.

6. Give Facebook fans value.

Give a Facebook-only promotion.  “Mention this post and get ‘X’ OFF of ‘X’ today only!” Include an image of your product or service. Remember, “$ OFF” offers receive twice the engagement of “% OFF” offers.

7. Create consistent Facebook messaging.

Posting 1-4 times per week can create 71 percent more engagement with your brand, according to KISSMetrics. If fans are used to seeing your content, and they like it, they will look for it!

8. Share Facebook posts at the right time.

Thursday’s are the best weekday to post, and Friday is almost as good. Weekends are better! “Bankers hours” are the least-favorable time to post because people are working, and are less likely to engage with your Facebook posts, even if they read them. Schedule your Facebook posts in the “hot zone” of 6pm-midnight, with an occasional daytime weekend post.

Consider, the results if you were to convert 1 of 5 fans into customers. That would represent an expanded customer base that has purchased your products and service; and whom you can receive your marketing message at convenience, with no additional cost.  Talk about a great marketing investment!

Michael Peterson is the President of Franchise Beacon, a franchise consulting company specializing in the retail space which offers services to both franchisors and franchisees.