Recent statistics show that Facebook is now nearing 650 million users. A lot of business owners have Facebook pages and are using them to grow their business. Many, however, have jumped onto the Facebook bandwagon without fully understanding the site and how to utilize it effectively with minimal cost.

These are just a few things we’ve found that most businesses still don’t fully understand:

1. The Difference In Profiles and Pages: Personal profiles and business pages are two different things. You can only have one personal profile but you can have as many business pages as you’d like.

2. How Google Reads Facebook: Business pages get indexed by Google. That means you can get additional visibility and SEO benefits simply by having a Facebook business page. If you are only networking via your personal profile then you are missing out on a lot of great exposure that only a Facebook business page can offer.

3. Automating Posts: Post automation is a great way to save yourself some time when making posts to your Facebook page. Schedule your posts in advance so you can ensure a steady stream of quality content going out to your Facebook business page. HootSuite is a fabulous tool to use if you want to schedule posts in advance!

4. Using Applications: Applications are a MUST if you want to enhance your Facebook presence. A few include:

Networked Blogs: Automatically adds your blog posts to your Facebook page

Static FBML: Allows you to create some wonderful customized landing pages

Events: Allows you to create events like webinars and teleseminars and then invite your Facebook connections to RSVP to the event and even make comments on your event page - Great exposure for any of your free or paid events!

Selective Tweets: Allows you to set up your Twitter account so you can send specific tweets over to your Facebook profile just by ending the tweet in #fb.

Facebook to Twitter: This one allows you to link Facebook to Twitter so all of your Facebook business page posts are automatically posted to Twitter as well - A great timesaver!

5. Facebook’s Policy On Requesting Connections: Facebook has a semi open policy when it comes to adding connections. You don’t have to personally know each person you invite to be a friend, however, you should have some connection to them. For example, you should belong to a common group or a common business page. It’s also helpful to add a personal message to each request letting the other person know exactly how you know them and why you want to connect. If you send a friend request to too many people who complain that they don’t know you then Facebook will red flag your account and could possibly shut it down permanently.

These are just a few of the things you should understand before you jump into a Facebook strategy for your business. Facebook can mean a tremendous boost for your business if you are networking correctly. It can also quickly become a tremendous waste of time and can end up doing more harm than good for your overall business plan when handled incorrectly. Do you understand how to get the most out of your Facebook business strategy?

On February 8th we’ll be holding a webinar to discuss How to Use Social Media To Support Your Professional Goals. Get answers to:

1. What can I expect from social media marketing?
2. Should I hire a virtual assistant or can I feasibly learn to do this myself?
3. Which tasks are safe to delegate and how can I delegate them?
4. And much, much more!

There’s limited space so we encourage you to sign up early in order to secure your spot. You’ll also receive a couple of free bonuses when you sign up! Click here to learn more http://bit.ly/SoMepg1

Have questions that just can’t wait? Call one of our experienced Virtual Services Representatives and ask now! 888-827-9129

We hope to see you all on February 8th!