The majority of Facebook business pages tend to be a little dull, with the occasional Like, but not much else changing the landscape of posts by the business trying to get people interested in what they do. The reason so many business pages are so dull comes down to a lack of personality. I don't want a personal relationship with your logo and when all you talk about is business, I'm not sure if I really care, because it's about you, not me.
People want personality and they want to know that you're interested in them. Businesses that do well with Facebook are businesses that bring some personality to their business page that goes beyond just promoting the business. The following tips I recommend to businesses trying to bring life to their fan pages.
Tip 1: Put together or promote events that are community oriented. Even if you don't own a brick and mortar store front, you can still get involved in promoting an event. And if its an event that's not overtly connected to your business, you can still tell people you'll meet them at the event to chat and enjoy it. By getting involved in your community, on and offline, you can present people an opportunity to meet you as a person, as well as a business.
Tip 2: When you get comments, respond to them. It always surprises me how many businesses don't respond to their fans. It doesn't take a lot of time, and it really builds rapport when you take the time to respond. It's also another opportunity for you to engage people and let them get to know you. I always try to respond to people so they feel acknowledged. Another benefit as well is that the more comments you get, the more likely your original post and the comments will show up in the top news feed in your network.
Tip 3: Post pictures and videos. Don't limit your messages to text. Posting pictures and video can be a great way to show people your business and your personality. Pictures invite people and also invite them to respond. Videos can also do the same. At the same time, don't go overboard on them.
Tip 4: It's about them, not you. Yes it's your fan-page, but its about the people who've chosen to fan it...if you want them to interact on your page. The successful business pages are ones where there's a collaborative relationship at work between the business and the fans.
Tip 5: It's okay if its not always about business. Not everything you post needs to be about business. It's okay to share the occasional personal tidbit or interest on your business page. Let people see that you are actually a person by posting about interests that aren't overtly business related.
Tip 6: Put together a contest. Think up some trivia questions and offers prizes who get the questions right. It's fun to do and people will remember it. Whoever wins will also remember you. You can also do giveaways, again with the point being to mix up your Facebook page and get some engagement going.
Your Facebook business page doesn't have to be the typical business page. Inject some personality into it and then keep it and have fun. Wouldn't you rather have people associate your business with your personality? If they get to know YOU, then they will also know more about your business than they would if you keep it strictly business.