If you’re looking for a case study in “how to” for your brand on Facebook then check out the latest original (and mental) marketing campaign that Skittles launched here…. http://mashable.com/2010/10/18/skittles-dazzle-the-rainbo/. The clever engagement of skittles fans can teach us all a few lessons about how to successfully increase your brand’s awareness and generate greater interest for your product.

Here are some useful tips in getting the most out of your business’s page:

1) Use your Facebook page like a community meet and greet. Create a buzz around your brand by integrating entertaining videos, photos, quirky statuses and allowing consumers to feel in control of the conversation by opening up your comment wall. The transparent nature of social media has brought with it a desire for your customers to have a greater say in how they interact with your brand so embrace this.

2) Facebook filtering means companies can no longer blast out offers and advertising for free to increase revenue, therefore creativity and originality are beating age old “Half Price” offers hands down. The revolution has come and it’s in the form of pictures of a Meerkat exploring the land http://www.facebook.com/Comparethemeerkat. The lesson here…don’t try and sell too hard! Instead show some personality. Simples.

3) Live Streaming… if you think that live video streaming will help get your “brand message” across then check out this new (and free) app http://appbistro.com/facebook-business-app/products/livestream#

4) It’s an obvious one…however are you promoting your facebook page on your website? Install a like button and get everyone in the company to change their email footer to include a link to the fan page. Nice and Easy for recruiting fans.

5) New business cards? Pop your Facebook page on them!

6) Have you claimed your “vanity url”… this is the URL facebook assigns you. To begin with Facebook will give you one along the lines of http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bournemouth/Juicy/111353905587266. You need to go to http://www.facebook.com/username/ so that you can set the page to your company name. Looks more professional and is easier for fans to find you. (Note you need over 25 fans to claim your name)

7) Make sure you link your Facebook fan page to your twitter account… this makes it quicker to update both in one go! http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=2231777543

8) Take a good look at who you want to gain as followers on Facebook – remember the main users are 18-30 year olds…is it worth marketing your brand on Facebook in a different light to the way you currently do? Offering rewards for students perhaps?

9) Get organised with the admin! Keep your Facebook page up to date (daily) – add fresh content and be sure to answer fan’s questions. Its that two way communication that is the holy grail of social media management.

10) Competitions and Sweepstakes… a great way to get your fans involved with your brand, however make sure you’re in line with Facebook rules on this one! Facebook can be used alongside a competition however this needs to be hosted on your own site... we’ve just developed a top competition for GAME and will soon be integrating this with Facebook so…

...if you fancy some advice on social media, branding and anything Facebook then give us a call J 01202 312312