You have a reputable brand that deserves to have a following… what do you do?
Facebook has been allowing businesses to market online for a few years now; but have you been an innovator or laggard in adapting to this marketing opportunity? If you have been slower on the adaption curve then others, no fear, there are a few options that you have when marketing your company on Facebook.
- Facebook Page
- Facebook Group
- Facebook Profile
Now, would you use a Facebook page, group or profile to market your company online? Well that depends!
Facebook Page
In most cases, if you want to be the voice for your brand, you will want a Facebook page. Facebook pages are created specially for self-promotion and brand building. A Facebook page gives your company a custom/memorable URL, gives the administrator insights about the page and allows for social advertising. Some recent updates with Facebook pages are…
- Notifications are sent to the administrator when fans interact with a page or post
- Photos are now showcased along the top of the page
- A news feed
- Like and Post on other pages
Essentially, a Facebook page is the best option if you’re pushing your brand!
More importantly, Facebook Pages are better for your SEO. External search engines index your company’s Facebook page because pages are visible to unregistered user thus easier to find! Facebook groups are not SEO friendly because they are closed to unregistered users thus making it harder for search engines to find.
Facebook Group
If you want to create a community, you will want a Facebook group. Facebook groups are a closed community; people have to be approved to join.
For example, I am a member of the RRU Professional Communications Course – 2008 group, at University we used this group to share ideas and updates about the on-campus communication courses at Royal Roads University in 2008/2009. This group was specific to the University, Program, Cohort and Year. It became the go-to resource for our small community at RRU.
Stick with a Facebook page when interacting with your customers. Use a Facebook group when you need to build a community and rally around a cause, initiative, course or program… keep it specific!
Facebook Profile
A Facebook profile is for personal use. No ifs, ands or buts here! Creating a Facebook profile for your brand is just silly, especially when Facebook has created opportunities for you to market your company other ways.
In summary, whatever your purpose for marketing on Facebook, be smart about your approach. Understanding you tools is a crucial first step. Don’t move until your confident and ready with the tool you will be using.
