How to grow your facebook fan page

AKA, how to throw a great cocktail party.

If you’re like me, you give your party guest list a lot of thought so that everyone will have fun, meet new people, and learn something new.

Huh, that sounds a lot like what your facebook fan page should do.

Gathering an audience/following is key to your social media experience. I’m starting with facebook here, because it was requested by one of my readers, and because it is most relevant right now to small town social media. My experience shows that a much higher percentage of people are on facebook than Twitter in the smaller markets. So lets start here, but we’ll get going on twitter next.

How can I get more fans on my facebook page?

Strategy: Think about what you hope to accomplish with your fan page. What is your voice, what will you talk about and what will you do? And how often will you do it? Are you managing it or are you assigning one of your charismatic staff to handle it? Give yourself some guidelines and stick to them.

Be authentic: Social media outlets are a sacred space. Users want to interact, learn and laugh. So. Don’t tell me what to do and don’t talk down to me. I really hate that and I’m sure you do too. You will lose followers if you are a bore.

Develop relationships: This is not about selling your product. This is about developing a community and brand loyalty. Which drives sales. Show interest in your followers and interact with them proactively. Make them feel special.

I received this suggestion from @krisbordessa: Suggests getting fans involved. When they comment (on your page), their friends see (it in their newsfeed) and join. She’s still building hers: Team Challenges

Some basics:

• – Invite people to become your fan on all your marketing materials, radio ads, website, email marketing.
• – Create a signature for all your employee emails with a link and invitation.
• – Set up an easy to remember URL: at this link http://www.facebook.com/username

Be creative: ROW Adventures is giving away a trip to Galapagos. I received a facebook screenshot from them via email the other night along with ten compelling reasons why I should become a fan. I immediately asked if I could use it as a good example. Not only can I possibly win a trip to GALAPAGOS, but I also can engage in meaningful topics and issues like: eco-travel and sustainability. I can meet people that will be on my upcoming trip and post the photos and video after my trip. It’s making your website obsolete. All of this is important to their customer.

How can you apply this to your current and potential customers?

• – Buy a flip cam and do a video of a cooking demonstration, a wine pairing, the ski conditions.
• – Show photos of the special of the day, the new snow, the big fish that was just caught on your guided fishing trip.
• – Backstage pass: Give fans an inside look behind the scenes.

@lisadjenkins manages the Hells Canyon Visitors Bureau fan page. When I became a fan, she immediately welcomed me on the fan page status. Everyone in the group now knows I am there, and it made me smile, and feel welcome. She informs fans on events, new products, the weather, and deals and ideas for getaways.

Finally, keep in mind who you want at your cocktail party and focus on quality over quantity. Stay focused on your message and your strategy.

Who else has ideas for organizations trying to grow their fan base? Please comment below, and provide a link to your fan page. I’d also like to hear about what you want to read here. I take requests. and thanks for the feedback so far!

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