Marketing Commentary from interlinkONE
Multi-channel marketing communications - all in one!
Tips for Using Facebook in Social Marketing
Posted by 
on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 
at 11:52 AM 
in Facebook can be a quintessential tool in social marketing when used correctly. Facebook, a social networking site that was originally created for college students, has exploded on the internet. It is now open to everyone with networks including colleges, companies, and locations.
With more than 350 million active users, it is no surprise that Facebook revenue will be close to $600 million according to marketingpilgrim.com. That is 350 million people who could possibly be viewing your company’s profile, 350 million chances to wow someone.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of Facebook for businesses is that it allows you to connect to your audience in a more personable manner which is very effective at fostering trust and credibility for your company.
Things to Remember:
1. Keep your information contact information, web address, and any other pertinent information current and accurate.
2. Beware of over posting. It could be considered spamming.
3. Use events to get the attention of your fans, group members, or friends. Whether you are launching a new product, going to a convention, or having a company outing, use events to build excitement and share your news with a wide array of people.
4. People remember pictures, not words. Post photos whenever you can.
5. Take advantage of the option to “Message All Members” in a group when you have something special to share.
Tags Marketing: Channel and Media Review in the Airport
One of the ways that I measure the use of marketing items is when I am roaming the airport before my flight. Yes, that’s right; I watch the humans and observe the channels and medias in use. I want to know exactly what channels the travelers are using, whether it be Print, Electronic, or Television at that precise moment while at the airport waiting. I also look into what medias in that channel they are using. For example, in print, it may be newspapers, magazines, or books. In electronic, it may be mobile, laptop, net books, e-readers, iPods, and more. In television, I want to see what station is on, and then I try to gauge the interest of the people watching. I do a quick count of the folks in a specific area and get a rough number of the audience. Then, I do a quick count on the channels and medias so that I can report via Twitter and Facebook. It is very interesting to see how things have changed over the years, but even day to day or the time of the day makes a difference.
I do it for fun, but if you were marketing to an audience in the airport it may be helpful to gather this sort of information. I actually did a count several times, in the same way, while on the plane. Some airlines have planes carrying Direct TV which changes the game, but typically the amount of printed material rises dramatically while on the flight. On one trip I was really blown away by the amount of e-readers in use. Now, Wi-Fi on board is finally making the push– something I have been waiting for a long time. The ways to reach the target audience in the airport and in flights is changing. As always, Marketing must remain flexible.
See you at the airport. – John
