10 ways to make the most out of Facebook

A large proportion of the world’s population are now on Facebook. In fact over 175 million people log into Facebook every day! This is a large number of people but of this amount of people how many people know how to get the best out of Facebook? Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your Facebook business page. This is an overview of what we believe are the key topics in using Facebook as a business tool.

1. Creating a Facebook strategy
With all new business ideas you need to have a strategy in order to be successful. The same goes for your business Facebook page. With Facebook you can create a unique page image, integrate applications to increase engagement, have a shop on your Facebook page together with many more interesting ideas to increase awareness of your business on Facebook.

2. Create a following
Develop a username that makes it easy for people to find you and enter as much personal information as you feel comfortable with. This will allow people to locate you. To increase your number of friends on Facebook you need to invite all the people you know through the search button or search for friends by using your email address book. Join as many groups as possible this will expose you to many more users of friends. If it’s very relevant to your business try to contact the administrator of a group and ask them to post on the wall. Make sure you contact them in a discrete manner so you’re not spamming and try to make your content relevant to the page you are posting to. Another way to create a following is to use Facebook campaigns. We will explore this in-depth in the following weeks.

3. Reward loyal supporters
If you have just set up your Facebook page, but your business is well-established. Encourage your existing customers to join your Facebook page and reward them with special deals.

4. Status updates
Status updates are of great importance to any Facebook page. Without constant engagement with a stream of updates you will have a very dull page with minimum interaction. The key to continuous status updates are to communicate and connect with your community. Each status update can be commented on and “liked”, which gives ample opportunity for feedback.

5. Applications
Facebook has an unending supply of applications to choose from. You can add tabs that have unique content, conduct polls, play music and much more. Even though we feel that custom tabs can be useful and creative we feel that you shouldn’t rely too much on them. You should concentrate more on your live news feed and keep it fresh, relevant and current at all times because this is where most of the conversation happens.

6. Importing blog content/links to blog posts
This is a simple, easy to use and can create greater interaction as users can read and comment on your blog post on Facebook. Make sure to always ask for feedback and keep interacting by thanking them or providing more insight to their comments.

7. Video/photos
Having a good selection of photos, videos or links that you think your friends might be interested in is a great way to create an interest in your page and develop more interaction with friends. In turn, they may like your video or photos and leave comments about them. This also keeps your profile current and boosts it to the top of the live news feed page. There are many ways to use videos and photos in a creative way. We will explore more of this in the following weeks.

8. Update regularly
It is essential that you update your profile and status regularly on Facebook. Keeping your profile current will boost it to the top of your friends’ live feed page. The news feed is of utmost importance. Therefore, it is crucial to have fresh, valuable and meaningful content on a regular basis. Tailor you content so that it grabs the interest of your friends. Remember that it’s like in real life relationships, so try to establish two-way symmetrical relationships and avoid talking to yourself!

9. Leverage your existing social networks
Whether from Twitter, Linkedin or StumbleUpon if you’ve built up a strong network for your business, utilize it to promote your Facebook page. There are unlimited amounts of social networking platforms and it’s very important to identify the most valuable to your business and connect them in the right way.

10. Examples
Finally, it’s always important to check out what your competition is doing or to see how some of the best are doing it. Take a look at some of these major Facebook pages to see what’s working for them:

• Red Bull
• Burts Bees
• Toy Story 3
• LiveScribe
• Coca-Cola

We strongly recommend that you have a look at Facebook studio. Facebook studio is a community for agencies and marketers doing great work on Facebook.

These are the ten key topics that will be covered over the next few weeks in trying to assist you with your Facebook strategy. If there is any topic that you would like more help with, please get in contact and VendingBox would be very happy to facilitate you.

9 Things You May Have Missed This Week

Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple, Facebook made big changes to privacy settings are two of many other interesting stories and tips to hit the headlines this week. Read on to see what else has changed in the world of social media!

4 Tips for effective Facebook community management
Are you looking for an easier way to manage your Facebook page? Andrea Vahl, Social Media Examiner shares four tips that will increase your value to your community. Click here

5 Commonly held social media myths….Busted!
Today, in the “Science of Social Media” Webinar, Dan Zarrella will bust some commonly held myths. Here is a look at some of the social media misconceptions which Dan will expose during the Webinar. Click here

First details about lift, the next social network from the founders of Twitter
Ev Williams, Biz Stone and Jason Goldman, the recently departed co-founders of Twitter are now working together again. On August 24, they announced their latest product, a stealth alpha app called Lift. Click here

Facebook makes massive privacy and tagging changes
I think you will be excited to hear that Facebook is launching one of the largest privacy overhauls in its history. The initiative will make it clearer with whom you’re sharing photos, status updates and locations. Click here

Steve Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple
Today’s main announcement is that Steve Jobs is resigning as CEO of Apple and handing the job to Tim Cook. Here is the letter from Steve Jobs himself. Click here

How to recover from a social media PR disaster
Company ‘slip-ups’ are inevitable, especially with instant reactions from the fast-paced world of social media. Companies need to be prepared on how to react in unpredictable circumstances. Here is a look at how you can bounce back from a social media PR disaster. Click here

How to leverage customers’ social behaviour for inbound marketing
Here are five questions to get you thinking about “where” your customers are most socially active online, and how you should act/share in return. Click here

Twitter enhances user profiles with image galleries
From Monday Twitter is rolling out “user galleries” to members. Galleries will display the 100 most recent images the user has tweeted from supported photo-sharing services. Click here

5 Steps to a successful QR code Marketing campaign
Are you wondering how to use QR codes to enhance marketing? Keep reading to learn some tips for implementing 5 essential steps. Click here

We hope the “9 Things You May Have Missed This Week” is of interest to you. Here at VendingBox we would love to hear from you and to share your views.

9 Things You May Have Missed This Week

Here is a quick look back at the main stories you may have missed this week.

Google launches futuristic shopping catalog App for tablets
Google just put a revolutionary spin on shopping catalogs. The company launched an Ipad app that takes traditional catalogs and adds a level of rich interactivity, as well as letting you purchase items on each vendor’s website. Click here

Roundup of latest F-commerce best practice recommendations
F-commerce is new and experimental but has really taken off the past few months. Here is a roundup of the latest F-commerce best practice recommendations by Paul Marsden, Social Commerce Today. Click here

The simple secret to increasing your social media following
In social media marketing, generating a large following can be extremely helpful for businesses. So what is the secret to increasing your social media following? Click here

5 simple steps to getting started with mobile marketing
Are you considering mobile marketing? Wondering how you can use mobile marketing to connect with customers? Here are a few ideas to get started in mobile marketing. Click here

How to: protect your business’s identity on twitter
With more and more small and medium sized business owners turning to Twitter as a tool to engage with customers protecting your business identity and reputation becomes increasingly important. Click here

5 social media success secrets for small businesses
Willing to learn how to use social media effectively and produce a positive return for your business? Here are 5 tips to drive social media success for your business. Click here

Google maps get a weather layer
Google maps just got interesting! This new weather layer to Google Maps means that users planning a day trip or a holiday can do it all from one free, Google-powered, ad-supported place. Click here

Google to acquire Motorola’s handset business for $12.5billion
Google and Motorola mobility have entered an agreement where the search giant will acquire the mobile maker for $12.5billion, formally announcing the beginning of Google’s official entry into the smartphone market as a vendor. Click here

Men sentenced to 4 years for inciting riots on Facebook
Facebook has been used in a vicious way over the riots in England and as a result two men have been sentenced to four years in jail for attempting to use Facebook to “organise and orchestrate” disorder. Click here

I’m sure our 9 news stories have brought you up-to-speed with what has been going on this week. Make sure to get in touch with us here at VendingBox; we would love to hear any comments or opinions you may have.

Social Commerce Trends 2011

This is a summary of some of the main trends from a new study “F-commerce: selling on Facebook” the new whitepaper by Dr Paul Marsden, a well-known social media strategist for Syzygy and editor of social commerce today.

Facebook Trends
56% of Facebook users have clicked through to a retailer’s website because of a Facebook post. This is a great percentage and retailers should utilise this tool.

40,485,186 The most liked Facebook shop? That would belong to Lady Gaga!! Not a surprise as she knows how to create word of mouth. There, she sells merchandise from CDs to Fame Monster USBs.

Social plug-ins let you see what your friends have liked, commented on or shared on sites across the web. 10k is the average number of websites that have integrated with Facebook every day since social Plug-Ins were launched.

The Facebook pop-up shop is a digital evolution of the pop-up retail model used by brands to showcase collections and interact with customers on a new level. 3rd Highest sales day for online fashion retailer Rachel Roy on the day it opened a temporary “pop up” Facebook fan-store. It’s not surprising that more and more people are seeing the benefits of shopping online. 67% of shoppers spend more online after receiving recommendations from their online community of friends.

F-commerce trends are divided into three main emerging micro trends; Social Networking, Mobile and Local trends;

1. Social NetworkingTrends
Social Networking Trends are constantly changing and evolving. Established brands are using social networks to reach their consumers, and small business owners are realising the power of creating a Facebook Page, or Twitter account to engage their customers.

Social networking is now the number one online activity. This is down to consumers spending 23% of their time online on social media sites.

42% of US online adults follow a retailer via Facebook, Twitter or blog. A further 28% of Facebook users have purchased something online via a link on Facebook. Purchasing online involves a lot of trust. 90% of online consumers trust recommendations from people they know; 70% trust opinions of unknown users.

2. Mobile Trends
The research shows that Smart phone user’s use their phones on a regular bases for social networking. For example 63% of Smart phone users use their handset to access a social network, at least once a week. While 79% of Smart phone users use their handsets to help with shopping and 35% of Smart phone owners have made a purchase on their handsets.

Mobile web access seems to be increasing on a daily basis. 34% of Facebook users access Facebook from their mobile phones at least once a day (32% view YouTube videos on a daily basis from a handset). Dr Paul Marsden reckons that by 2015, the mobile web access will overtake desktop access.

3. Local Trends
Social media isn’t just taking off globally this is also on a local level with 86% of customers using the web to find local business: 20% + of all Google searches have a local intent. This is also evident with mobile phone users. A staggering 95% of mobile users use their handsets to find local information and 88% of those users take action based on that information.

Local promotions and coupons on the web are also accessed by mobile phone users. 78% of mobile connected consumers have purchased from a local deals site. Nevertheless a lot of people like to view a product online before purchasing it in store. 45% of online European consumers have researched a product online and then bought it in a shop.

Social networking, mobile and local trends have grown quite considerably over the past year. According to Dr Paul Marsden this is set to continue over the next few years. We here at VendingbBox would love to hear from you and what you think will be the top trends for next year?!

9 Things You May Have Missed This Week

News stories, tips and trends, intrigued? See below for the 9 stories you may have missed this week.

Online retailers face new challenge – the tablet
Once you have set up your e-commerce website and you’ve optimized it for m-commerce and you’ve even got abroad the f-commerce train. The next new trend is t-commerce. Click here

Speed summary: 7 Top tips for F-commerce from New York Times
Try and make the F-commerce experience more exclusive and unique through these 7 top tips. Click here

7 Tips for retailers: How to make your mark in F-commerce
Doron Simovitcch the co-founder and CEO of shopping search engine and Facebook e-commerce solutions provider sortprice.com doesn’t believe that Facebook commerce is just a passing fad. Click here

Google+ could become the second – largest social network within a year
Google+ which launched in June 29 is quickly rising up the ranks of social networks. According to a new survey by YouGov PLC 13% of U.S. adult online use Google+. Click here

5 Tips for getting media coverage using social media
Here is a sample of the 5 best practices you can try that will increase your chances for getting media coverage using social media. Click here

911 Will soon accept texts, videos, photos
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a five-step plan to update the technology that powers the 911 emergency response system. Click here

50 Social media stats to blow your mind
“25% of hotels are still ignoring social media” and “Nearly twice as many men (63%) as women (37%) use Linkedin” Two of 50 intriguing facts on social media. Click here

Shopping turns social and mobile, a study says
According to new research by consulting firm, The E-tailing Group Inc. “More than half of frequent web shoppers turn to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter at least some of the time to gather ideas for shopping”. Click here

Top 10 Twitter trends this week
This week’s top 10 twitter trends compiled by Matt Siverman, Mashable.com. Click here

We hope you’ve learned something new! Make sure to share your thoughts with us and check back next week for another weekly update.

9 Things You May Have Missed This Week

Another exciting week full of new trends and ideas on; Social media, Ecommerce and F-Commerce. Check out 9 stories you may have missed this week.

7 Key findings on the use of social media and E-Commerce: New study
Jeff Bullas an Internet Digital Marketer has done a new study on how a lot of on-line retailers have been rushing into using social media as the next big Marketing thing and he feels it is showing some promise. Click here

The truth about what customers really want
This is a concise summary of both social media and social commerce into 50 actionable insights by Dr Michael Soloman, a well-known consumer psychologist. Click here

Bullish or Bearish on F-Commerce? The FT opinion [infographic]
So are you an F-commerce bull or F-commerce bear? The Financial Times has run a piece on f-commerce by April Dombosky entitled Companies Embrace the F Word. Click here

8 expected social media trends for 2011
If you are using social media as a marketing or communications tool, check out these 8 expected social media trends for 2011 to stay ahead of the competition. Click here

How social commerce works: The social psychology of social shopping
Understanding the social psychology of social shopping provides businesses with a strategic advantage over those who simply position social commerce as a set of tactical tools. Click here

Checking out 9 tips to increasing eCommerce conversions at checkout
Here are a few suggestions to help eCommerce sites increase conversions by plugging up holes in their checkout process. Click here

7 eCommerce Marketing Applications of Humor
So how exactly can humorous devices be used to increase conversions in eCommerce. Here are some eCommerce applications of humoristic tools that can improve the user experience for your potential customers Click here

Boxing up social commerce: Hot opportunity?
Subscription-based e-commerce models are quite hot right now. Would you box up your social business? Click here

Integrating educational content into your eCommerce site; 10 pointers
The ecommerce landscape continues to get more competitive. One tactic to look at is incorporating educational content related to the products you sell into your site.
Click here

We hope these 9 new stories are of interest to you. Make sure to share your thoughts and views with us and check back next week for another weekly update.

Does your brand have the F-factor?

We are talking about the Facebook factor, one of the most important challenges that a brand should face. Today more than 500 million of active users interact through social networks but still few brands own a page with E-commerce capability.
The shopping scenario has totally changed, with the social network now one of the main devices that a brand uses to reach its consumers. According to the Financial Times, Facebook is no longer a place to share pictures, comments and memories, but it has taken an active part in people’s choices and behaviours.
When we say “F-factor” we assume brands should be in the same place as consumers are, in the social network. Companies like; Procter & Gamble, Levi’s and Delta Air Lines are experimenting with what is called F-commerce.
According to research from Booz&Co, about $5 billion worth of physical goods are sold on social networks, users find F-commerce easy to use and easy to set up for their own businesses.
Predictions say that in 2015 the social commerce market should grow to $30 billion.
How to achieve the “F-factor”? Few users currently shop on Facebook, firstly because there are few brands on Facebook using E-commerce and secondly because users often are not motivated to press the “Like” button. The best practice for all those brands investing in F-commerce is to generate a complete “engagement” with their fans by selling targeted products specifically created for f-fans and offering special deals. Alan Fulmer, co-founder of Channel Intelligence said in an interview on Forbes: “What you have to do is offer something on Facebook that people can’t get anywhere else. Give them a reason to find you and keep coming back… You’re going to be funny in some way, or show them cool commercials. Or you’re going to be very informative and educate them. You also want to offer ways to save and win. Give them promotions, rebates, coupons, sweepstakes and samples.”
Statistics and experts confirm the growing phenomenon of F-commerce and VendingBox is proud to offer a wide range of F-commerce solutions to help brands improve their presence among their fans on social networks.
For further information please visit our website at www.vendingbox.net