Does Facebook Still Matter for Small Business?

As the user base for Facebook skyrocketed in the past few years, the organization altered the algorithms that generate the posts that show up in user feeds to favor friends, not businesses. While this seems like a solid attempt to improve the user experience, it hinders the organic reach of small businesses who like to connect with their clients and customers online. While you may becoming frustrated that staying in touch with all the people who Like your page is becoming increasingly difficult, your efforts are not fruitless. Maintaining a social presence on Facebook is important for a number of reasons that can drive your bottom line. Before you pull the plug on your business’ Facebook page, consider these four reasons to stay logged on.
Customer Relations
Despite the fact that your content may not be reaching many of your fans’ newsfeeds, your page is still a landing ground for new, old and potential customers to find out information about your business. People are less and less likely to dial the phone number, as they opt to send messages in hopes of a quick response. As long as you remain active on your page, providing updates on important information, sales and specials, people will go there to see what’s new and they’ll continue to use Facebook as a means of communicating with your business directly.
Reviews and Chatter
Just like Yelp, Google and other online directories, Facebook is a popular place for people to leave reviews. These reviews are often included in Google search results, which means it’s another way that you could be found online. While receiving negative reviews can hurt on a personal level, it is important that you respond to them, as well as the positive ones, in a calm and professional manner. Doing so allows users to see that you care about what your customers have to say.
Aside from direct reviews, Facebook allows users to tag products, brands and companies in their own posts. When someone mentions your business, you’ll receive a notification, giving you a chance to see what people are saying, and respond in kind.
Converse Publicly - As a Brand
When you have a business Facebook page you can actually communicate with other pages as your brand. When you leave witty comments, cute remarks or just give a lot of love on other brand’s posts (competitor or not), people will see your brand’s name. This is a free way to give your business a public voice. Who doesn’t like free advertising?
Cheap Advertising Options
Speaking of advertising, Facebook does offer targeted, paid ads. While FB is a free platform in general, the paid options can offer a boost to sales and specials that people may not otherwise see. Just be sure to do your homework regarding the costs, and what sorts of paid posting works best for your particular business type, as there is not a one size fits all method. Should you choose to do so, for just a few dollars, you can potentially reach thousands of people in your own community or around the world, depending on the audience you select.
In short, yes, Facebook does still
matter for businesses despite being pitted against the odds of their
updated algorithm. Facebook is designed to be a community space, and
as long as you participate in that community, you will be seen and
loved. If you’d like to learn more about
social media management
for small business
reach out to the
Internet marketing experts
at MORBiZ. As part of our
web
presence campaigns
, our team builds and manages
business’ Facebook pages that host engaging content designed to
bring customers right to your doorstep. Give MORBiZ a call at 1-855-266-7249
or use our
contact
form
to request a free web presence evaluation for
your business!









