A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.
By Debbie Gorski, WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz social media community manager
”I find it difficult to post every day on my Facebook page. I don’t know what to write about. Any ideas?” Michelle, Laramie
Developing a Facebook content strategy for your business page is the first step.
You clicked on a tab “Create a Page” and answered all the questions. You uploaded an eye-catching timeline cover photo. You uploaded your logo for your smaller profile photo. You may have even posted a couple of well-crafted posts on your wall and invited family and friends to like your newly created business page.
But now what?
Keep in mind what a page is all about. It isn’t about sell, sell, sell. Selling is secondary on social media. Social media is about relationships. Build a relationship with customers and potential customers. Personalize and humanize your page. People trust others when there is a personal connection.
Be sure to understand who buys your products or uses your services. If you are unclear who the typical customer is, contact the Market Research Center at (307) 766-2688. The center will provide a profile of a typical client. The more you know who your customer is, the better you can target social media posts.
Spend some time to develop a content strategy plan. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan, just a bulleted list to use as a guide for you and staff. You want to post information that will make an impact or provide value to readers.
The ideas below give generic topics. Provide the information as you would speak to a good friend, be yourself, and be open and honest. Limit your posts to around 80-100 characters; readers want quick information. As time goes on, posting on your wall will become more comfortable and easier.
Some content ideas should include information about your product and services; provide industry information such as trends, what’s new, resources, etc.; announce successes, awards, certifications or newspaper/magazine reviews; highlight or spotlight customers you have worked with and who love your business; post photos and videos whenever possible; announce when you will attend trade shows, festivals or volunteer efforts/causes; post workshops, webinars and classes; and post something unique or creative every week. Give readers a reason to check your page every week.
What strategies do you use on your page?
A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments is available at http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.typepad.com/blog/.
The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
