So often I hear business owners say, “I really need to get involved on Facebook but have no idea where to begin.” What we say to business owners is the first step is to face your fears. If your fear is that you’re afraid of making a mistake or post the wrong thing, know that on Facebook you have the ability to put your posts into draft for someone to look at before you publish them. Even if you happen to post something, but you’ve made a mistake, you can delete the post.

What about videos?

It’s all about live streaming these days. Having had my own negative experiences with live stream, I’ve decided to have some control over them. On Facebook Live you can choose the audience you want to see your live stream. Don’t miss out on live streaming but at the same time don’t miss out on being able to live stream by choosing only yourself to view the live stream. If after you view it and are happy with the results, make it public.

I do a lot of taping for a church and make it a point to videotape on my phone first, view it, and then upload to Facebook if I’m happy with the video.

Is it about privacy?

In the early days of Facebook, there were issues with privacy and security of your information. Now, there are so many options of privacy that even these who are the best social butterflies on their Facebook Business page can have their personal pages like Fort Knox. No need to be concerned about that.

Is it because you have no idea what to say or how to say it?

Do you have a website? You have information you can glean from that! Do you have before and after photos? You have great information to share! People love photos. Do you have businesses that you represent? Curate information from their website and source them on your Facebook page! Do you go to networking events, visit customers, or can show yourself using your product? Use video to show all of these!

Is it that you have no idea who to invite to be a Fan?

That’s easy. Facebook has ways to find people you can invite to like your Facebook page. You can even invite business associates or fans from your own email list. You can ask employees to invite people to like your Facebook page. And, of course, you can always purchase boosts or Facebook ads to increase your fan base.

Maybe it’s none of the above.

Maybe, because you don’t use social media you think your customers don’t. Find out. You don’t need a Facebook account to find out. You see there is this thing called SMO, Social Media Optimization. Social media channels have discovered they have a value when it comes to being found on Google and all other search engines. A person can find you not only with your website but also your social media channels. All you need to do search for the company names of some of your best customers along with the word Facebook. The search should be like this Interlace Communications, Facebook. What will come up is information like this in the search.

Do that for a few of your clients. If they are on Facebook, bite the bullet and get on Facebook. If they are on LinkedIn, set up a profile page and get involved. Why? Because if your clients are there, so are others like them who need your products or services. Do you need to get involved? No. You just need to hire a business to assist and helping you get involved.

So, what you are waiting for?

Need help to get started? Our team of social media experts are ready to help you set up your social media channels and advise on what are the next steps. Alyse Mitten and the team of Interlace Communications have been working with small to mid-size businesses since 2009 on marketing their businesses both online and in print. Give us a call at 484.709.6564 or email kasey@gomaava.com.