Inbound Marketing Blog

Facebook, like every other social media platform, is always evolving. Most recently (rolled out in summer 2017), they updated some key components in their news feed algorithm. If you’re one of the millions that noticed a recent change in your Facebook News Feed, you may have had the initial reaction I did, which was annoyance.

“I’ve seen all of these already… days ago, because they’re a WEEK old. Why am I seeing them again?”

Okay, I know that sounds petty when it’s written out, but isn’t that how social media has wired us now? We want to see the most recent news, not week-old news.

After doing more research, I realized that Facebook actually did something right.

Social media is an incredible tool that allows you to connect instantaneously with users all over the world in the blink of the eye. Increasingly, businesses are utilizing social media as a way to connect with clients and prospects. However, what many professionals don't realize is: it’s all too easy to commit social media taboos and not even know it!

Why does this matter? Because, believe it or not, you can be penalized, or receive flak or kickback from these, and you definitely want to avoid that. Read on to discover six of the most common taboos we've identified that can harm you.

For the first several years from the advent of social media, businesses could take advantage of a HUGE audience to peddle their wares and promote their offerings FOR FREE. Could it be too good to be true?!?!

In short: yes.

I would never suggest that Facebook used shady crack dealer tactics to get people hooked and then start charging. However, at some point, someone (besides venture capitalists who--surprise, surprise--actually wanted to turn a profit someday) had to start paying the salaries of the smart, hardworking people of Facebook if we all wanted to keep using it to connect with friends, family, communities and to reach wide audiences as businesses.

If someone uses the Check-In function on Facebook when they visit your business, they are telling their friends on social media that they are currently at and enjoying your services or products. This results in free advertising, increased brand awareness, and is essentially an endorsement from that user.

Did you know that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?  That’s why the more check-ins you can garner on social media, the better! Here's a fun graphic we found that portrays the trends over the last few years.

I've noticed an interesting trend in Facebook... more so in the last few months, but I think it's been growing for a number of years. Facebook has always been intended to bring like-minded people together; to bring friends together. It's been intended to allow people to continue to build relationships when they aren't in the same physical location.

Sometimes it feels as though the purpose of Facebook has become a place to tell everyone else they are wrong. It seems it's become a place that does a very good job of sowing the seeds of discontent. Because of this, I think it completely changes how we market.

If you are a social media manager, (or simply manage multiple business Facebook pages as part of your job), then you probably have already realized that Facebook has made some pretty significant changes to how you manage and interact on Facebook as the business. Or more specifically, how you CAN'T interact on the platform as the business.

Recently, we have heard many concerns about Facebook's new response time indicator on business pages. This is a big deal when you pride yourself on being responsive. There is no reason for alarm. There is a simple solution that doesn't require you to be on Facebook 24/7.

Brands have entered the world of Facebook. You've probably hit "like" on a few of your favorites, or maybe on a friend's business. But why? Why do you like brands or not like them? Let's take a look at the statistics:

What are They Thinking?

According to Vertical Response, 87% of people do like a brand on Facebook. Out of these:

• 82% think it's a good place to get in touch with or interact with brands
• 35% feel like they're listened to by brand on Facebook
• 75% for more connected to a brand they like on Facebook
• 69% have liked a brand's page just because they saw a friend like it
• 50% think the brand's Facebook page can be more useful than their website

First impressions matter. When people come to your Facebook business page, the first thing they'll see is your cover photo. Since it'll create that crucial first impression in the minds of potential customers, your photo needs to look its best.

Just the Right Size

"How do you do that?" you may ask. First, make sure it has the proper dimensions. Facebook cover photos should be 851 wide by 315 tall. You should also leave open space where your profile image overlays your cover photo.

You may be doing better on followers, but is the only sound on your Facebook... Crickets? You're posting regularly, (we hope) but no one responds. We've found some pretty nifty tips for increasing Facebook engagement, which we've used ourselves, and thought we'd share:

Let's Play a Game

Yes, games work! They're fun, they show your personality, and people like to play. The key is not making them about you or your business, but about your audience. Be sure to check out Facebook's guidelines first, then go wild!

Here are some games you might try out!

Best Guess

Run a "Take Your Best Guess" competition!