Businesses should take a subtle approach to Facebook

Businesses hoping to make their mark on Facebook should do so in a soft, subtle way, according to advice from Caterersearch.com.

As almost half of the UK interacts with brands on Facebook in one or another, those starting an independent business, hoping to start a franchise or indeed buy into one should be considering how their business can capitalise on this audience.

They must remember that it’s not a medium upon which to sell; rather, it’s all about engagement. Marketing expert Barry Chandler shared his advice with the website, stating: “Facebook is not an advertising channel…

“It should be look at as an extension of the business and an increased opportunity to continue conversation that might have been started… every business thrives on recommendations and word of mouth; it’s the cheapest, most effective form of growing the business,” Chandler said. He even went on to say that any fans built on Facebook will inadvertently do the marketing on behalf of the business, by spreading the word.

However, it is important to set up the proper resource needed to manage a Facebook page before taking the leap – something which those setting up a business or franchise should consider when creating their workforce. “If you don’t participate, people will feel ignored or rejected,” PR expert Petra Clayton added.

Despite the fact that a softer approach is required, that doesn’t mean Facebook can’t potentially generate business for new companies – with business2community.com confirming that social media boasts a 100 per cent higher lead-to-close rate than traditional outbound marketing techniques.