What works on Facebook these days?

I've noticed that the organic reach can be increased if you follow few simple steps.
The main trend is... COLLABORATION.

1/ SHARE A POPULAR PHOTO/POST FROM A PAGE WITH BIG AUDIENCE

Not long ago, it didn't really matter if you published your own photo or shared somebody else's. But now, from my experience, popular photos from popular pages GET BIGGER REACH.

FB also changed the way it displays shared posts. Now, it looks more like a 'friendly handshake', before it looked like a 'slap in a face'. You get the idea...

2/ CREATE SHARING CIRCLES

I know it sounds odd to talk about circles on FB, but the idea is - collaborate with business, tag them and share their content, providing they share yours. Make sure this is a win/win situation (eg. kids product sharing what's on for families sharing healthy tips on nutrition).

3/ PROMOTE CONTENT WITH GIVEAWAYS

It looks like you can benefit from a shared audience on FB, so collaborate on giveaways, share and promote it.



What is the weakest link I've encountered?

As much as it sounds silly, many business still haven't secured their FB user name, meaning that if you want to mention them in your post, it's a real struggle. Also, don't forget to make it a reasonable one, especially if your regular business name is long.



READ ALSO: IF COST PER ACTION IS ON YOUR MIND

Facebook Ad Term Glossary

Planning a FB campaign? Make sure you are aware of the latest image dimensions
plus check out Jon's ad term glossary (trust him, he is one of the best around).

Courtesy of: JonLoomer.com

How to get more engagement on Facebook?

The more time you spend figuring out how to get more engagement on FB, the less time you actually have to engage your audience.

Post fresh content daily?

Yes and no. I wouldn't recommend it to all FB pages. You might be better off with 3 a week and boost the best updates with highest virality/engagement

Post more updates a day?

Rarely. If you do so, make sure you don't post them one after another. Some people receive 'notifications' and if they see 5 of them in a row, they'll probably be slightly discouraged to click on any of them.

Use a third party scheduling?

Again, it depends. Just make sure you know the app you're using (and timezones). I came across some posts that were published via third party app and the link was broken (so I wasn't able to 'get' to that post).

Secret tip?

Short videos via YouTube. Don't forget to create a playlist with related videos first, then share the video. If people watch until the end and are 'hungry' for more, you don't miss your chance because another video starts playing straight away.

READ ALSO: MARKETING GUIDE 2014

Far side of Facebook

''Organic posts are most popular social tactic but paid ads are more successful''

The strategy has changed so much since FB went public. It's a matter of fact --> no advertising = no reach. Read about other recent interesting digital marketing stats

READ ALSO: HOW TO GET MORE ENGAGEMENT ON FACEBOOK

If Cost-Per-Action Is On Your Mind

Let's be honest. As much as I like Facebook and consider to be an essential part of online marketing, there are some times when I would call this social platform a Failbook. On the other hand, problems are hidden opportunities and coming up with a smarter solution or different approach can bring you unexpected results. We all like little victories, don't we.

Since Facebook changed its algorithm in publishing stories, we'd regularly take advantage of promoted stories. Read about another, in some cases sure to be more effective approach.


READ ALSO: EXAMPLES OF OUTSTANDING FACEBOOK CAMPAIGNS

Let's get engaged!

Aim for engaging content, but let's be honest - without using 'promoted stories', you'll never reach high enough. Facebook is about reaching your customers when they are not at your store (for example) and building loyalty (helps you develop your business). Combined with special offers and product insights, you will get them buy the products and spread the word for you.

Source: Uploaded by user via John Haydon on Pinterest

You've Come a Long Way, Facebook Baby

There is so much happening around FB these days, I can't wait to have a bit more time to actually write about it - hopefully before it will all become 'yeah that was ages ago' type of update.

Meanwhile... Hello conversion measurement!

READ ALSO: MARKETING GUIDE 2014

Fans and super fans - do you know who they are?

When shopping on the internet, people try to shop wisely - they do not buy impulsively first thing that flicked on their nose, but look up information, compare the competition, scan the reviews. According to research company Get Satisfaction 81% of customers are looking for information about the products on the website of the company. But also the Facebook page of the company have become a popular source of information - customers are interested in community of fans of the company and their opinions. The questions on Facebook can be answered from an authorized employee of the company, but also from active fans. Ambassadors (active customers) are for new customers a trustworthy source of information than the company itself.

According to Get Satisfaction There are four basic types of Facebook users that act as active members. They are Fashionista Proffesionals, Knights with Shiny Macs, Web-Building Techies and Bargain-Hunting Mamas.

Young women from 25 to 34 years included in the category are secured, childless, and interested in social media. They want companies to build a solid relationship, they are also willing to become ambassadors. They like special offers.

Young men (21-24 years) are those who want to try the latest technical innovations as the first, mostly having fun with other buddies. They are happy to share their experiences.

Similarly, on the other male group "Knights with Shiny iMacs", are mostly educated men aged 24-35 years, who are versed in the latest devices, social networks are active and their purchasing power is also not negligible. They do not mind to provide advise other customers and are happy for others when they are useful.

Mothers (35-44 years) are mostly interested in bargains and discounts. They like to communicate with other mothers and are therefore very beneficial for businesses - manage the family budget and spread their experience on, should it be cooking and product choices.

You can find the original infographics (and much more) HERE.

In addition to this clever graphics, let me add few things.

NEVER underestimate the power of young. Altough these four facebook groups are very well explained, there are one or two groups missing. Teenagers. I believe that they are the future force of social media. These are the ones making choices in terms of brands and products. These are the ones that will be there in the next 40 years, keeping your brand alive.

No internet? No worries...

This article was posted on Mashable's site just before the Sandy storm in the US. If you thought you need internet to post updates on Twitter and Facebook, then apparently, you do not ;)

Outstanding examples of marketing with Facebook

Check out WINNERS OF FACEBOOK STUDIO AWARDS 2012.

Find out the best creative Facebook professionals:

• Is the work social? Are people and social interactions at the core of the idea?
• Does the work seize the creative opportunities of using Facebook? Do your Page posts have killer copy and great photography? Are you creating content that makes the Facebook experience better?
• Does it scale? Is it easy for people to interact with and share your content? Are you using Facebook marketing products to extend the reach of your message?
• Did the work drive business results? Did you deepen relationships with customers, increase sales and drive word of mouth at scale?

READ ALSO: HOW TO GET SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS RIGHT #NOMAKEUPSELFIE