By Janette Speyer and Alison Brown, Web Success Team

Social media marketing and online marketing are becoming the main players in the marketing business. Using social media to promote your business is a great way to generate leads as well as prove that you’re an authority in your industry. Creating a Facebook business page can help get the word out about your business and locate potential customers. Generating “Likes” increases your business’ visibility online and allows you to connect with people that you know are interested in the services you’re offering. Below are some persuasive reasons as to why cultivating Facebook followers can benefit your company in the long run.

1.  Fans are more likely to help you promote your business

It has been proven that fans are 547% more likely than non-fans to perform desirable acts that will benefit your business. If you ask them to promote your brand or refer your business to friends or colleagues, they are more likely to do so than people who aren’t connected to your company at all.

2. Fans are more likely to engage with your brand

A survey taken by SocialCode has shown that fans are 291% more likely to engage with brands than non-fans. Once they “like” your page, then this is the beginning to getting interested parties engaged with what you have to say. You’ve “caught the fish,” now you just have to reel them in

3. Fans are more likely to make a purchase

The same survey by SocialCode found that fans are 350% more likely to make a purchase than non-fans. The survey found that when it comes to making a purchase, fans do so at a rate of 7% where as non-fans only do so at a rate of 2%. The more fans you have, the greater your chances are at getting people to make purchases.

4. Fans are more likely to install and use an app

SocialCode found that fans are 239% more likely to install an app than non-fans. It’s also been proven that on average, 63% of fans use the application once it’s been downloaded. Fans are more likely to install an app compared to non-fans because they are engaged and trust that your app is worthy of taking the time to install and use your app.

5. Fans are more likely to enter a contest

Fans are 545% more likely to enter a contest than non-fans. Getting fans engaged in contests is one way to attract more business and get people interested in your services. If you don’t think contests are particularly important for your company, think again. Even very small contests or polls that entice people to get engaged can do wonders for your fan base.

6. Getting to know your fans

By using the Facebook page analytics section you can see how engaged your fans are. You can see how many people viewed your post or how many people engaged by “liking” or sharing your content. These analytics can help you curate better content that will further engage your fans, hopefully generating more business for your company.

Why Getting Fans Is Crucial

Promoting your business through your Facebook page is a great way to find potential clients and leads. Once someone is a fan, you know they’re interested, and that’s the hardest step in marketing: getting people interested! Even if you are on a small budget, Facebook advertising allows you to create an ad for your Facebook page and share it with users for as little as $1 a day. You can build your fan base overtime and eventually connect with people who will make a purchase, help promote your company, or drive more traffic to your website. Also, the more fans you have, the more likely your name and fan page will show up in Google searches. Facebook fans are invaluable in helping your company succeed. Get out there and start promoting your page, you might be surprised just how quickly you can get fans to like your work!

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• Facebook Marketing: Best Practices and Tips
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