Facebook fan pages are nothing without the fans, and attracting fans to a brand new fan page must be done quickly in order to spread the buzz about a product or service on the worldís largest social network. Anyone who has ever created a Facebook fan page knows that attracting new fans goes beyond just inviting people you already know because you soon reach a limit. Perhaps friends of friends will spread the word, but that only goes so far. Real Facebook fan page success happens when you reach thousands and do it quickly. But how is it done? The secret lies in a few trade secrets of the most successful Facebook fan pages:

Get Noticed with Keywords: New changes in Facebook fan pages allow you to maximize your online exposure with the use of keywords. By adding to your fan page specific words or phrases related to your business, using them in your URL and including them in your public postings and status updates, you can increase the likelihood of your Facebook fan page coming up as a search result on Google. The beauty of key words is that you are more likely to find people who share your passions and interests for a particular field, or attract shoppers searching for the exact product you sell. Once they find you on Facebook and click ìLike,î youíve got yourself a new fan and a potential new customer.

Reach Out with SEO: Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a proven strategy for increasing exposure of a website or brand name. SEO operates in conjunction with major search engines and takes advantage of search engine "crawling" that seeks out optimal search results in articles and blogs, and can be used to attract Facebook fans, too. By creating timely and relevant articles or blog postings with popular search phrases included in the title and throughout the text, you increase the chances of Google targeting your site or article in search results. Simply link readers back to your Facebook page with a "Follow Me on Facebook" button and the odds are in your favor that they will click "Like" and become a long-term fan. With SEO, it is important to make your articles engaging and informative; packing your text with keywords and phrases may initially capture search engine attention, but supplying well-written and attractive articles or blogs will make readers want to know more about you and your product or service. For writing help, visit one of the many online freelance writer forums and find someone to create affordable and effective articles for you.

Make the Most of Photos: Using photos to promote your page and reach out to prospective Facebook fans is inexpensive and highly effective. One means of using photos to get Facebook fans is to take a photo related to your fan page or business and tag the friends of your current fans. Considering that most people on Facebook have nearly 150 friends, you can quickly reach a large number of people in no time at all. Those friends of your fans will receive a message that they have been tagged in a photo. In nearly every case, they will be curious to see the picture and be led right to your fan page. Itís simple, but it really works!

Photos can also be used as a promotion gimmick that has shown great results. Ask your Facebook fans to take photos of themselves using and enjoying your product and offer a discount or special prize or promotion for those who post them on your Wall. Go ahead and tag their friends in the photos to invite them over to your fan page and see what happens!

Link Up with Successful Sites: Find a website that attracts the kinds of fans you want for your fan page. Contact the page administrator and offer a mutually beneficial link agreement, in which you promote their site on your website or fan page, and they will do the same for you. You can also post links on fan pages similar to yours to spread the word to like-minded Facebookers, which is simple and easy to do.

Spend Five Bucks: Networking sites like www.fiverr.com offer fan page builders unique opportunities to link up with thousands of potential future fans for just a few dollars. On fiverr.com, Facebook users with hundreds and sometimes thousands of friends offer to invite all of their friends to check out your fan page and it only costs you $5. It's a quick and simple way to spread the word about your new fan page at lightning speed!

Make Them Click "Like": If some of your fan page material is protected and accessible only to those who click the "Like" button, itís a great way to generate some excitement and encourage people to become fans. An effective way to do this is with coupons, giveaways and special promotions advertised on a customized landing page for first-time visitors to your page. If you can create enough interest and intrigue, youíre sure to collect new fans who are excited to learn more about what you have to offer.

Creating a Facebook fan base in a short period of time is not an impossible dream. Even for people with limited budgets and few marketing skills, it is entirely possible to spread the word about a new Facebook fan page without being a computer expert or knowing thousands of people. Facebook fan pages grow in popularity when you know the tricks of the trade. Regardless of how you choose to reach out to prospective fans, make sure that the Facebook fan page you are endorsing is full of entertaining features that will make people glad they found you. Post regularly, keep information current and timely and you will keep your new fans eager for more.

Bill Enross knows why Facebook is the hottest social media network in the world and how to help your business thrive with Facebook fan page applications and Facebook marketing tips. Call Bill at 508.203.1660 to learn proven ways to monetize Facebook and traffic generation techniques for Facebook that get results.

Caminito Argentinian Steakhouse, Northampton MA

This steakhouse has increased sales by 30% in one year, compared to a negative industry average of 15%. They have used various social media avenues such as-
* Their own cooking blog loaded with videos and photos with links to other social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, FriendFeed, Flickr and Delicious
* Their own YouTube Video Channel
Most importantly they monitor their web marketing using Google Analytics, news and alerts and use it to gain ideas to improve their products

Martell Home Builders

This company specializes in building new homes and sells 80% directly to buyers without the use of real estate agents. Their clients can monitor the status of their home projects by logging in to the site and receiving Twitter updates from the building contractor. Martell also runs an entertaining blog and tweets clients on important news in the industry.

Danny’s Meat & Catering, Racine MI

Short on cash, Dave decided to use affordable email marketing. He got people to sign up for a free email newsletter, by using a creative free gift offer as an incentive: free birthday steaks. In six months he grew his list from 30 to over 2000 subscribers, increased sales by 15% and reduced marketing costs. His creative marketing approach has generated free publicity after being featured on Fox 6 News.

Blenz Coffee, Vancouver, British Columbia

This chain of coffee shops used a social media sites’ search box for localized market research. Using Twitter’s advance search, they were able to find people within a 10 mile radius of their shops who tweeted about coffee –related terms. They then invited them to their coffee shops and also set up meetings with influential coffee bloggers. They have seen increased foot traffic and sales and were recognized as one of the top marketers during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Wiggly Wigglers, Herefordshire, UK

A gardening business located in a rural, farming community that has achieved global recognition and awards from the likes of Dell for its social media strategy that is run by the farmers wife called Heather! They have an active blog, 2000 member Facebook Group, tweet a great deal, have a YouTube Channel, a Wiggly Cinema and to top it all off, a weekly iTune Podcast that has thousands of listeners all around the world and that has received 5 star reviews. Not bad for a company that deals with a topic as ordinary as farming and biodiversity.

All these stories just go to prove that your local business can leverage the power of online marketing in ways that are relevant to your niche and suitable to your budget. Online marketing has leveled the business playing field so that you can compete with the “big dogs” in your industry for a fraction of the costs and get a slice of the pie.

1. I am not a techie

People often think they need to be a technical juggernaut to use the Internet and nothing could be further from the truth. People everywhere are using the Internet- kids under 10, teenagers, students, stay-at-home moms, retired persons, and even grannies. So much of the Internet has been simplified and there are so many forums full of people who are ready to help you out for free. The thing to remember is that you can conquer your fear by empowering yourself with knowledge. You can start just by browsing other business websites and getting familiar with how the web works. Also sign up for the numerous free courses and free email newsletters available.

2. It’s too hard

If you think you’ll be writing code or doing some complex graphic design, think again. That’s what website designers, graphic designers, software developers and everyone in between are there for. There are lots of great companies that help get your local business launched on the Internet.

3. It costs too much

Well it’s true that any business venture requires a monetary investment but the cost of setting up a web presence is a way lot cheaper than setting up a brick and mortar store. Once you have gotten the start-up costs out of the way, a lot of the other things can be done minimally or for free. Email letters, articles, Facebook pages, Twitter account, web content are some of the things you can do all on your own for free once you realize how it all fits into the big picture. In fact, if you’re short on cash, Internet marketing methods could be a life saver to your business because so many of them can be done for very little money or absolutely nothing.

4. My business is too small

Being too small may just be a blessing because the Internet has made the world flat. It is an equal opportunity employer. Your small business can play on the same level playing fields as the big guns in your industry and you probably have a better chance of success because you don’t have a whole bunch of bureaucracy to work through to institute changes. You could be located in any part of the world – Hollywood, a slum in India, the Amazon Forest or the North pole – and still conduct business with an Internet connection. Plus social media has given celebrity status to the most unlikely businesses like one-man companies, small bakeries, enthusiasts, writers, bands, etc

5. I’m scared

Actually this is the real reason why local business owners don’t want to go on the Internet and it’s understandable. Anytime we need to change course and try something new, that basic human instinct of fear rises up and squashes any hope of success. But the best weapon against fear of the unknown is knowledge. We don’t fear what we already know. And we can never know until we step out of our comfort zone, open our minds to learn and dare to take action. And once we do that and make progress, we will look back and wonder why we ever took so long to get started.

Did you know that Google Places is the easiest and fastest way to get your local business listed in the top 7 searches on any major search engine? And all for free? And using information that you as a business owner already has on the tip of your fingers?

You may be wondering how I can possibly make these claims. Well consider this awesome fact: anytime someone enters local search terms into Google ( that means those search terms referring to a town or city or state or zip code), it automatically triggers Google to display Google Map listings on its first page of search results and those listing cover up to 30% of the screen. Every other search result related to WebPages, videos and images gets pushed further down, so that makes Google Places an incredible marketing strategy for any local business.

Here is a list of basic information you already know as a local business owner that by correctly submitting will increase your chances of high rankings.

1. Business Name
* Official registered business name, mailing address, phone number and website URL
2. Business Category
* You can choose up to 5 categories to describe your business niches
3. Hours of Operation
4. Payment Options your clients have when they buy from you
5. Photos- already on your webpage, on your camera or on your walls to be simply uploaded
6. Videos- already on your webpage or on your YouTube account, or your video recorder

But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This next set of information will be like feeding steroids to your business listing. It all revolves around a very simple yet often overlooked principle: your business’s unique selling proposition i.e. the things that set your business apart from your competition in very unique ways that will make a customer choose you over them.

Submit your USP details in the area called ‘Additional Details’. Go through this list and the examples provided to jog your creativity:

* Pricing- Moderate, $15 buffet. $30/month
* Facilities and amenities- kid friendly, free parking, valet service
* Handicap accessibility- handicap accessible
* Areas of specialty- plastic surgery, pet grooming
* Delivery- free delivery, delivery in Bay area only
* Locations served- serving downtown LA only
* Currency- USD, Cash only, Cash and Credit
* Significant achievements – Voted Best Bank in Norfolk County
* Type of clients- 3-5yrs, over 18
* Products or services offered- commercial painting, foreclosure assistance
* Nearby landmarks or attractions of interest- 1 mile from New York Museum
* Well known clients- State legislature, Governors Mansion, Bruce Willis
* Endorsements, TV Features- As seen on NBC, featured on Oprah Winfrey Show
* Policies/Values/Ethics – equal opportunity employer

As you can see, optimizing your business listing is something you can do very easily as a local business owner if you creatively describe the special attributes of your business.

P.S. Be sure get your Free Social Media Marketing Report

1. Treat them with respect

Remember that your list is human. It consists of moms, dads, policemen, lawyers, plumbers, office workers, typists, students and business people to name just a few. As you keep that in mind, always address them as if you were standing at their front door or seated in their office. Proper social manners and plain decency will reap your business loyalty and mutual respect from them.

2. Communicate on a regular basis

Just because you gave your list a free gift and made killer sales after that doesn’t mean you should just dump them and only resurface when you have another product to sell. People don’t like to feel used and cheated. If your list only feels that they are a money-making machine for your business, they will drop you like a hot potato and unsubscribe faster than you can sign more up. Communicate regularly like once or twice a month but definitely not daily and when you do, just talk to them. Don’t use each and every email to try and sell something. Instead focus on becoming friends with them.

3. Let your list talk too

It’s really irritating and boring to be in a conversation with someone who does all the talking and doesn’t let you get in a word edgewise! Let your list also get a chance to talk back to you. Ask them questions, open discussion on a topic, have a contest- anything that will give them a sense of ownership and importance in the relationship.

Giving your list a voice provides feedback information that benefits your business because they will tell you exactly what they are thinking and what they want- that’s free market research information right there.

4. Position your business as an expert

The advantage you have as a local business owner is that more often than not, you are also a specialist in your business field and being in the online world, people respect and listen more to experts because of the large amount of junk information available in cyberspace. Leverage your specialist knowledge by becoming the person people go to for advice and help because you know what you’re talking about. Selling will become much easier for you because people will trust whatever you honestly recommend to them.

1. Adopt a minimalist approach

It’s tempting to “fill out” your web pages with unnecessary content just make it look weighty but that only gives your readers viewing fatigue. Keep it simple so that users can quickly scan your content and find exactly what they want.

2. Text Layout

Make sure your text is divided into short sections complete with titles and subtitles. Also give information in point form or bullet form, and space it out into brief paragraphs so it’s easier for your users to read.

3. Links that open in new windows

If your website has multimedia content like videos, audio files or PDF documents, make sure that their links open in new windows so that as the large files are downloading your user can multitask and remain on your web page. That saves her time.

4. Be consistent

If your website has multiple pages, maintain a consistent design theme. Make sure navigation tools, colors, layout, text font and other features are the same on each and every page. You don’t want your user to feel that they have clicked the wrong link and wonder whether they are still on your website or not.

5. Look professional

If you want to be taken seriously, it helps to have a professional looking website instead of one that looks outdated or created with childish- looking freebie templates. It pays to have a website designer help you get your look together instead of trying to do it yourself.

6. Graphics and media

There’s nothing more annoying to a website user than drumming his fingers impatiently as he waits for your website to load heavy graphics and multimedia. The world is getting busier and people’s attention span is getting severely shorter, so keep those graphics simple, your videos about a minute in length and resize your images for fast loading. Your website should not take more than 15 seconds to load.

7. Spelling and Grammar

It’s often the basic things we get wrong. The spelling and grammar of your content should be perfect. Wrong spellings and confusing content shows you don’t pay attention to details and turns off users. They will probably wonder why they would want to buy anything from you, if you can’t even get your spelling right.

As you may know I'm in auto repair and collision facilities here in eastern Massachusetts every day, and last week I had occasion to listen to 2 very different stories relating to the "how's business" question. Please keep in mind both of these facilities are in a densely populated metro area, and both have been in business for over 20 years.

Business #1 – Parking lot almost empty (usually overflowing), owner said they have been very slow for the past month, and overall 2010 was not a good year.

Business #2 - No place to park, cars (waiting to be repaired) literally on the sidewalk. Owner said it's been his best year ever, and no let up in sight. AND, he said (unsolicited) he KNOWS it's because of the number of 5 star reviews on his Google Place page. He's added a button to the home page of his website and asks every customer (when they are picking up their car) to please go to his website and click on the Google Review button, and leave him a 5 star review if they are pleased with the work, and to call him immediately if they cannot in good conscience give him a 4 or 5 star review. He then does whatever needed to make them happy and get the good review.

Later that evening, I discovered that Business #1 has never even claimed his Google Place page, and has accumulated 3 reviews, none over 2 star, and all with very negative comments.

The take away here is; if you haven't claimed your Google Place page yet, you'd better, and you should begin to gather reviews just like Business #2 above.

Need help? Call me anytime – 508.203.1660

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