[ChrWright]

I know this subject has been brought up before, but I wanted to start a new discussion about how those who are using it are building their network.

I've had my FB page for a few months now, and I see tremendous value in having an easy to access space for past, present and future clients to interact with you--and demonstrate how much they like what you do. (Provided you are turning your clients into raving fans on every project.)

Social networks have a powerful exponential element, with each new member expanding your reach not just by one, but by a number equal to everyone within their own network--like branches on a tree. It's easy to use, it's free, and more and more of those in my target demographic are plugging in and connecting with family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

This week I started a pay per click campaign, both locally and nationally, for a project video I just posted to my page. It's a time progression from start to finish of a mid-century modern kitchen remodel we finished recently. I'm targeting fans of modern design and the MCM style, in the hopes that folks will stop by, check things out, and become fans.

You can see the video here:
http://www.facebook.com/WrightWorks

Right now, I classify myself in the "network building" phase--with my primary goal just to bring in new fans and keep them checking in on what we're up to. I'm very curious to hear from anyone else who is either already incorporating social networks in their marketing plan or have plans to in the coming year.

 

[CookeCarpentry]

Chris - my wife actually just set up a facebook account for the business within the last week or so.

I am still learning the ins and outs of it all, but I imagine it will be linked to our website in the coming year (which is getting a planned overhaul), as well as a link in any email correspondence.

I don't know about a facebook pay per click campaign yet, we are still working out the kinks of the google PPC/adwords campaign.

 

[ChrWright]

I'm not sure how your wife set it up, but some contractors are setting up their business pages like a personal page and I think that's a big mistake (and as far as I know frowned on by FB).

Fan pages are a better fit for your visitors because that can become fans without exposing their personal content to you. If someone has to "friend" you, in order to get updates and see your content--you're going to attract far fewer folks to your network IMO.

 

[CookeCarpentry]

Chris - I do believe it is a fan page, but am uncertain for sure.

But do agree with your original post intent, that this is certainly an area of social networking that is growing at an unbelievable rate, and it is up to those on the bleeding edge to take advantage of it and make it into yet another marketing advantage.

 

[angus242]

Some may think FB as a dead end or unnecessary. I look at it as free advertising. While not my main avenue of advertising, it is a new and alternative way to get the message out.

Actually, I've found our FB page is much easier to update and keep current over the company website. I was screwed by a web designer and subsequently, the site looks like crap. I don't have the budget for a complete overhaul so for now, I've been directing people the FB.

Another thing I've been doing with FB is trying to gt my suppliers on board. This way, we can link or become "friends" and now are marketing together. For instance, my counter top guy has a page. I then post pictures of my finished projects on his page stating our project using their materials.

The downfall to FB is the necessity of having "friends" to grow your network. There are people that visit the FB page that don't have an account of their own.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to use FB, but for now it's easily updated and I would say a benefit to the business.

 

[ChrWright]

Can you guys both post links to your pages? :thumbsup:

 

[Plaster Ayn]

I just finished a meeting with my SEO person. According to her, social networking is also important in search engine placement. I have only started to use FB to market my businesses so I don't have a lot of data. One thing I am keeping in mind is that I don't want to over do it as some of my friends have. Its a delicate balance.

 

[arnldmtman]

Awesome video, Like the kitchen!

 

[ChrWright]

I just finished a meeting with my SEO person. According to her, social networking is also important in search engine placement. I have only started to use FB to market my businesses so I don't have a lot of data. One thing I am keeping in mind is that I don't want to over do it as some of my friends have. Its a delicate balance.

Agreed. Another mistake I see a lot is approaching social networks the same as other mediums like print, tv, etc. It can't just be about YOU. To be successful, you'd better be genuine and interested in your network (and the things THEY are interested in).

Really, all of our marketing should be about CONNECTING with prospects and who THEY are...and not focusing on the I/WE/OUR perspective of your company. For social networks this is especially the case.

Don't be just another idiot at the trade show screaming, "Slow down folks, come on over here and let me show you what it's all about."

 

[TimberTom]

Agreed. Another mistake I see a lot is approaching social networks the same as other mediums like print, tv, etc. It can't just be about YOU. To be successful, you'd better be genuine and interested in your network (and the things THEY are interested in).

Really, all of our marketing should be about CONNECTING with prospects and who THEY are...and not focusing on the I/WE/OUR perspective of your company. For social networks this is especially the case.

Don't be just another idiot at the trade show screaming, "Slow down folks, come on over here and let me show you what it's all about."

Well put. The buzz around social media is all about connecting with your "audience", rather than marketing directly toward them.

 

[CookeCarpentry]

Can you guys both post links to your pages? :thumbsup:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wayne-PA/Cooke-Carpentry-Construction-LLC/156572952567

Chris - let me know if this works.....

 

[RCPainting]

Using the Favorite Page feature adds others' biz page to yours, makes it much easier for people to spread the word.

 

[shanekw1]

Worked for me and you are +1 fan Cooke.

 

[mustardseed]

Hi Christopher, I really like what you did with your FB pages and your website. Very nicely done.

 

[MagicPoolSvcs]

Great job.

We use our Facebook page to help " brand " us.
Most of our calls are coming from Google, but we are still waiting for one from FB :clap:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-FL/Magic-Pool-Services/116121093133

 

[ChrWright]

Great job.

We use our Facebook page to help " brand " us.
Most of our calls are coming from Google, but we are still waiting for one from FB :clap:


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-FL/Magic-Pool-Services/116121093133

You have enough fans to get a simplified URL for your FB page.

www.Facebook.com/username

 

[DaVinciRemodel]

Perfect timing for the subject. I'm using our time off for the holidays to investgate internet social networking (tweeting, FB, etc.).

I have to admit - I know nothing about this stuff.

Is there any control on your "freinds". If you have it out with your plumber and part ways badly - can he distroy you out there?

By the Chris great vidio and kitchen.

 

[Winchester]

www.facebook.com/winchesterconstruction

 

[Alyssa Gagen]

The testimonial application is also GREAT for contractors.

 

[Alyssa Gagen]

Drop a link and run?

Come on Alyssa... you can at least give us a LITTLE idea what you're trying to convey. :blink:

Haha! I am sorry, that was an accident! I tried to erase it, but I would not let me! I was trying to let you guys know about the apps on facebook and how beneficial they are. From my experience, the testimonial application is a great tool for contractors.

Sorry about the hit and run!