Using Facebook As A Marketing Tool: 5 Tips

Marketers are always in search of new avenues to market their content and to target their user base more effectively. With over 1.79 billion monthly active users, Facebook is undoubtedly the most popular social network, and definitely one that every marketer must tap into. However, tact is of utmost importance when using Facebook as a marketing tool.

Unlike traditional advertising, marketing on Facebook needs to be personal. Your target consumer needs to feel like they're a part of a growing community, not like they are a resource you are trying to sell your brand to. These five tips can help you market your content on Facebook in a way that strikes the right tone and gets results.

1. Use an image, infographic, or a blog video

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. More specifically, on Facebook, photos account for 62% of all brand posts, and 77% of all post engagements. When marketing your content on Facebook, you want to make it as visually appealing as possible. Most people tend to remember eye-catching images more than the text they read. Using the right images will boost your content and pique your user's interest. For best results, select an image or video that captures the essence of your message/post.

2. Make your content brief

A good rule-of-thumb to follow here is to keep your content crisp and succinct. Make your Facebook post a teaser, and give your target consumer a few good points that will make them want to visit your website. With more and more people going mobile, no one has the time to read lengthy posts on Facebook. It doesn't capture anyone's interest and doesn't keep the user wanting more.

3. Actively participate on community and page discussions

While your primary motive is to engage your users with your content, it is important to realize that your user may come back to you with more questions. Thus, make sure to have a page admin at all times, to respond to queries and comments from users. In an AdWeek column, John Constine (formerly the Lead Writer of Inside Facebook) noted, "Communicating directly with those who Like your Page by replying to their wall posts and comments on your Page updates can help fans feel appreciated, increasing their loyalty and the likelihood that they'll follow your calls to action." Further, to keep the buzz going on, post questions for your users to answer and debate.

4. Use contents, giveaways and incentives

Contests and giveaways are a low-cost yet extremely effective way to market your business online. Keeping aside the cost of the prize, giveaways and contests help you increase your user base. Contests and giveaways help the consumer feel more connected to your business. It is also a great way to get your users to market your product or business to their friends and family. Make your contest post sound catchy or upload a short video explaining the rules to get the attention of your users.

5. Promote your content using Facebook ads

This is truly money well spent. It's a safe bet to say the majority of your target consumer base updates their interests on Facebook. The benefit of using Facebook ads is that they target users based on their interests, not based on their search history. This ensures that you're not wasting time and money marketing your content to someone who isn't even remotely interested in what you have to say.