Category Archives: tip of the week

8 Tips for Building a Rockin’ Facebook Fan Page

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a free, full skincare regimen from Rodan + Fields!

So, this is a question I get all the time (and I see people asking all the time), “How do I get more likes and engagement on my Facebook page?”

In case you didn’t know, I have a Facebook page, which you can “like” here.

The truth is, there is not one perfect answer. There is no magic formula or secret sauce. There’s no one RIGHT way. There are just a lot of ways that can help.

With Facebook CONSTANTLY changing it’s algorithm (aka: fancy word for how it decides what it shows in a news feed), we bloggers (and / or business owners) alike, need to stick together to figure out what tips or tricks we can employ to keep our page relevant and seen by our “fans.” I use that term loosely because I mean, they’re not fans, they’re people. Or something. You know what I mean.

Anyway, I am not claiming to be an “expert” – and frankly, anyone who does is giving themselves too much credit. BUT, I can say that I’ve had some experience at this and so I have a little bit of an idea as to what works and what doesn’t. So, take my advice for what you will, but here’s what I’ve done that’s worked for me.

NOTE: Now, this is NOT the end-all, be-all for Facebook page management. I could write a whole book, or heck, even a whole blog on the topic. But thankfully, there are people who have already done that so I don’t have to. Plus, that would be boring (at least for me). These are just SOME of the tips and tricks I have come to learn and use over the last few years and months. Mmkay? K! Let’s get to it.

+++

8 Tips for Building a Rockin’ Facebook Fan Page

1. It’s not about you. No, really, it’s not. And you should pretty much adopt this particular mantra for all of life. It’s not about you. We want it to be about us, but it’s just not. And when you apply this to Facebook, you want to think about this: “How could this benefit my fans? How can I provide added value?”

Yes, share your own content – your own blog posts, your own photos. But don’t drive your fans crazy with “ME! ME! ME!”

Think about content that is relevant to your brand or that your fans might like. For example, I LOVE posting or sharing hilarious things I find around the internet that I think might give my Facebook fans a laugh. Post or share an article written by another blogger (GASP! Promoting someone else?! Yes. Do it.) Post anything you like that you think, “Hey, I think my Facebook peeps might like this.” And see what happens. Most of the time, they’ll thank you for it.

2. Limit your self-promotion. If you share your blog posts on your Facebook page (which you absolutely should), limit it to AT MOST three times a day.

Here’s a theoretical posting schedule: So maybe it posts automatically when your post is published via a feed like BlogLovin‘ or Networked Blogs, then maybe it gets posted in a status update or Twitterfeed, and then lastly you post a link to the post along with a corresponding photo.

And spread it out throughout the day. Morning, noon, nighttime. Whatever works best for you.

Now, three times is the MOST I’d say – I’d even say two times is plenty for sharing a particular post.

3. Limit your words. Let’s be honest, most people are inherently a little lazy when it comes to social media. That’s why Twitter does so well by limiting you to 140 characters. The more TEXT you have in a status update or Facebook post, the less likely your fans are going to read the whole thing and engage with the content.

By keeping it simple and making your posts as concise as possible, you’re more likely to have your fans actually read what you wrote and, hopefully, respond or engage.

4. Ask a question! Poll your fans. Want to really engage your fans? Ask a question. But keep it simple (see #3). Simple questions like “Coke or Pepsi?” “Chipotle or Moe’s?” “What’s your favorite TV show?” “What did you get for Christmas?” etc. really give your fans a quick, easy way to give you an answer and leave a comment.

The big bonus here is the more your fans comment and engage on the post, the more discussion that occurs – maybe you spark a healthy debate in the comment thread – and that only shows Facebook that your page is the place to be – which, in turn, makes Facebook show your page in more news feeds. Thus, upping your edge / page rank within Facebook. That’s that whole “algorithm” thing again.

5. Pictures! Videos! People love looking at pictures. People love watching videos.

I don’t know what it is, but innately, people love looking at pictures of people they know, people they don’t know, whatever. People are curious in nature. So share good photos.

I pick and choose, but I share some of my favorite or best Instagram shots and those often get some of the most engagement. I mean, I shared this photo last week I took of a sunset and it got over 299 likes, 11 shares, and a bunch of comments all on Facebook. And that was without even trying.

And videos! Try sharing a music video you love. Or a hilarious video you found on YouTube. Or an inspiring video. People love videos. Find good ones and share ‘em.

The more good content YOU share, the more likely your fans will also, in turn, share it.

For example: The stat I really like to look at is that “PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS” stat. (see below) That number is the number of people who have shared a post, shared your page, or shared SOMETHING about or on your page with their friends or fans. The more people talking about your page, the more visibility you get. That’s that “FRIENDS OF FANS” number – so, over the last 7 days or so, 497 people have shared something on my page, thus exposing my page in some way to over 323,000+ people. Now, that doesn’t always convert to more fans, but it only helps. Instagram to Facebook Pro-tip: When you post an image to Instagram, you don’t have to share to all networks right away. So, share the photo to Instagram first, tag your friends or whatever, and then post it. Then you can go back to the photo, and click the “…” button, and share it AGAIN directly to Facebook. That way you can get rid of the @ symbols and # and whatever language doesn’t translate to Facebook. That also helps to make your photo feel fresher.

6. Host a Facebook-only giveaway. Now, it is REALLY important to understand Facebook’s Terms & Conditions when it comes to contesting and all that within Facebook. There are a ton of rules and a ton of no-nos and you don’t want to get flagged or get your page shut down.

Pretty much, third-party apps are the way to go. Now, there are a lot of third-party contesting apps that are confusing to use, but I have used the Rafflecopter Facebook page widget and I LOVE it.

For example, last month I hosted a giveaway with Boot Barn and it was SOLELY done through my Facebook page. The Rafflecopter widget requires entrants to “LIKE” your page before they enter – so it’s not only a great way to get a lot of fans, but also a lot of engagement.

I gained a lot of new Facebook fans in a short amount of time by doing this giveaway. I could have hosted it on my blog – but I wanted to think outside the box and offer something special for Facebook users. I mean, why not?

But, the key thing to remember is: it’s not about you / me (see #1) – so, sure, you can gain a lot of fans quickly that way, but you have to keep them interested. You have to post content that will not only engage them, but also show them that your page is a happening place for happening stuff.

There’s always going to be some attrition, but you can curb it by showing your new fans why they should stay.

7. Tag! You’re it! When you’re posting photos, TAG people or companies in the photos. And I mean actually tag them, not just in the update, but actually tag the photo. Now, some companies or people have tags turned off so you can’t tag them. BUT, there are a lot of companies that don’t. And, those photos will show up in the “Photos of X Company” on their page – thus increasing your visibility!

For example: You’ll know if you’ve tagged the company correctly when it shows up in “TAGS” under the photo. (see below)

And lastly…

8. Be yourself. I know, I know, this sounds totally cliche. But I’m serious. Facebook is all about that “personal” connection – and the more personal you can get by showing your personality, the more your fans will like you and want to engage with your page.

Even though you can’t “hear” intent, or posts, or inflection online, people can still read through what you’re posting and sharing. If you’re trying too hard, people will read into that and be turned off.

Just relax, be yourself. Share a funny story. Post an honest thought or feeling. Make a joke. People like honesty and realness in real life, blog life, and this even translates to Facebook.

#9. Bonus Tip: Okay, I know I said 8 tips, but I thought of this one after I made the graphic, so you get an extra one for kicks.

Make your Facebook fan page easy to LIKE. Add a Like Box to your blog or website, add a link to your page to your e-mail signature, add a button on your blog or website. Make it impossible for your readers to NOT know you have a page.

+++

Okay, so what do you think? Do you have a Facebook fan page? Why or why not? What pages do you “like” the most? Do you think it’s beneficial to “like” a page? What tips do YOU employ on your own page? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

And of course, you can find me on Facebook… you know, to see how I do this thing sometimes.

Authenticity, WHAT?

1 Reply

No excuses, but life has gotten in the way and my blog has suffered because of it. Ugh. Worst. BUT, as good ol’ Bobby Dylan once put it, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

Now, to the point at hand: Authenticity.

It’s a topic I’ve touched on, well, a few times. But it seems as though lately, a series of events, conversations, and life en general have further solidified my feelings on the subject. So, in summary, when it comes to authenticity:

Be who you are and rock the heck out of it.

Stop letting other people dictate what you should do, how you should dress, and what you should say. When it comes to applying for a job, throw the conventions of what you’re “supposed” to do out the window. Do what you know you should do (*within reason of course). If it’s been six months of looking for a job, and you still don’t have a job, change your way of thinking. Shift your priorities. Stop spending 119210928 hours in front of your computer applying for jobs online and get out there and use the people who know and love you. It’s not using them and abusing them, it’s taking your most natural resources that you have access to and being a genuine networking pimp.

Your friends, former co-workers, professors, and the like know you better than anyone. Ask if they know someone? Make that call. Make that connection. Go to another event and be awesome. Be memorable. Stop whining.

And when it’s not a job, but when it comes to life, just be yourself. I know it sounds trite, but I feel like the interwebs, and tv, and the opposite sex, and the same sex are all pressuring us to be/act/behave/talk/walk/sneeze a certain way. Stop pleasing other people. You can’t make other people happy until you, yourself, are happy.

Case in point – someone once told me my laugh was too loud. [SCREEEEEEECH] Guess what? I immediately shut down, became self conscious, and had a mini-identity crisis. Then I realized, that person sucks and needs to lighten up. Sure, I laugh loudly. Who cares? My dad has a loud laugh, my mom had a loud laugh, my sister has a loud laugh, and my family is happy and we love each other unconditionally and dinners (when we see each other) are hilarious.

Lighten up. Be yourself. And I guarantee, things will start happening for you. Whatever it is you want from life (relationships, dreams, jobs, money, whatever), it will come once you throw away the conventions and notions of what you THINK other people want to see, and you start being yourself and doing what you know to be true.

In my short 24 and a half years of life I’ve learned the following:

Laugh a lot.
Laugh loudly.
Work your butt off.
Laugh some more.
Work harder.
Love your friends.
Love your family.
Love unconditionally.
Work even harder.
Relax and don’t take it too seriously.

What do you think? Am I full of it? If so, tell me.

*All rules of authenticity are moot when general self-respect, decency, and not making a damn fool of yourself come into play.

Oh, two weeks ago I met the man with the world’s most contagious laugh. He exists. Thus, here’s proof that I, too, love to laugh:

Word.

A Little Advice From the Girl with 4 Jobs.

11 Replies

I know, I know. I’ve told you guys a gazillion times now that I’m working my butt off. Sorry to belabor (is that the right word here?) the point, but I have some advice for anyone who wants to listen… or read.

Even my change is important.

READ: These are simply some frustrations of mine and in no way aimed at anyone in particular. It’s more of a venting tool for me. Take it for what you will, take it for comedy, I’m not being condescending, but I am being serious.

Job 1: Art Gallery Retail Job

Please do not haggle me (or anyone) on the price of a retail item. Look, I am not the owner, nor the manufacturer of the item you want. I did not price it at $49.99. No, you can’t buy it for $25. Please, don’t get mad at me for charging you the actual price of the item. No, I won’t give you a discount. Is the item broken? Oh, it’s not? Then no, you can’t have it for free. So please don’t make me feel like crap when I charge you full price. You are not buying a car. You’re buying a poster. Buy the dang poster at full price.

Job 2: Retail Clothing Store at the Mall

No, we don’t have any “doorbusters.” Does it look like you are shopping at Radio Shack or Sears? No. That sweater you are holding is $278 and is practically made of gold and the hair of angels. We aren’t going to offer it 70% off before 9AM. So shut up.
You don’t have your receipt? You don’t have any sort of proof whatsoever that you purchased this item at any time, yet you want a full cash refund when you return it and you’re mad that I’m giving you a refund in store credit? Our store has an awesome return policy and a program in place to make returns super easy for you to return things. For all I know, you could have picked up that item when you walked in and said you bought it but are now trying to return something we already own. No dice, my friend. No dice. Take the store credit and scram.

Job 3: Server (mainly), Food Runner (sometimes), and Hostess (sometimes) at local Pub Restaurant

You paid for your meal with a coupon, gift certificate, gift card, or some type of similar voucher? Guess what? You still need to tip me. Just because you only paid $1.27 for a meal that actually cost $51.27 doesn’t mean you get to tip me off the $1.27. Many people don’t know that servers only make $2.13 an hour – and all that money goes to taxes. The only way a server makes his/her living is through tips. So when you only tip me $0.50 (cents) on a meal that should have cost $51.27, that is like $9 that I am losing out on. Oh, and I have to tip out a percentage of that to three different people, so in reality, I only made $0.20 (cents) out of that $0.50 (cents). Does that make sense to you?
Servers make $2.13 an hour. I said it before, I’ll say it again. As a server, my largest “paycheck” was $9. Yeah NINE (9) dollars. The $2.13 an hour goes to taxes. That’s it. The only money a server makes it off of tips. Keep that in mind the next time you walk out without tipping, or tip 10%.
No, 15% is not a good tip. I know many of you will disagree with this, but if you have EVER waited tables, you know that it is not exactly the easiest job. I have waited tables for 7 years and I can’t tell you how many times I have burnt myself, cut myself, dropped plates on my foot, sprained my ankle, sweated, been cursed at, walked out on, etc. It is a physically and yes, sometimes emotionally taxing job. Sure, some servers suck, but you have no idea what could be going on that day to make them a crappy server. Hey, they could be working four jobs. Cut ‘em a break and leave them an extra $2. It won’t hurt you.
Yes, sometimes your food taking a long time or coming out wrong IS NOT the server’s fault. Those guys in the kitchen work their butts off – and many times, there are only 3 cooks trying to make food for a completely full restaurant. It’s hard work. I respect the cooks and the dishwashers SO much. I could never do that job. So, if your food takes a couple extra minutes, politely ask your server why, and understand that they might be slammed back there. Unless you have to catch a plane or train out of town, an extra 5-10 minutes isn’t going to kill you.
When a food runner is standing at the end of your table calling out the names of the dishes, please wake up and respond. Although I have been working out lately, that tray that is on my arm when I am delivering your food is sometimes REALLY heavy and can be really hot. I can’t stand it when I stand at the end of a table, call our names of dishes, and no one responds. The table just keeps on talking and I called out, “Cheeseburger?” at least 12 times then the guy I am standing right behind says, “Oh woops! That’s me.” I say, “Oh, no problem. I didn’t need the 3 layers of skin that plate just burnt off.” If you see someone standing at your table, answer them. They are not decoration.

Job 4: Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Local Radio Station

NOTE: I haven’t told you guys about this job yet. I am actually really excited about this job. It is a part-time, hourly job, but I am really excited about the opportunities that this job can and will bring me. (More info to come later).

If you call a company and the receptionist (me) answers and I’m nice to you, please don’t be mean to me. I have gotten so many calls lately where the people are downright RUDE to me. And when I am pleasant to you and doing my best to answer your question, please be nice to me. Being nice goes a long way.

Okay, I’m done ranting. Well, not ranting, just expressing my thoughts/frustrations/things I have learned.

I want to know, what takeaways do you have? Do you disagree with me on anything? Is there anything you have learned in the workforce that you want people to know?

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

I love you. Yeah, you. Reading this.

Word.

Please, Stop Predicting. Start Doing.

7 Replies

Maybe this is just my pet-peeve, maybe I’m a bit cynical (who isn’t?), or maybe I’m just cranky and need a burrito. But if I read one more “Predictions for 2010″ blog entry, I think I might have to punch my computer.

Unless you're this lady, stop telling me what WILL happen.

And my computer doesn’t deserve that, she’s been nothing but loyal to me.

But seriously, stop making predictions and start DOING. Stop telling me what you THINK will happen and take the steps, do the work, and take the actions that are necessary to actually MAKE things happen the way you want them to. Don’t let “the man” do the dirty work for you.

That’s what I’m doing.

Do you think I am working four jobs right now because I predict I will be worn out in 2010? Or predict I will be broke? No. I am working four jobs right now and #hustling like whoa so that I can get over this hump, make a real connection, and be a rockstar in 2010.

Now, because I’m awesome and I like to contradict myself a little bit sometimes, I will say that I understand the intent of or purpose behind predictions. We can all see what is coming… in a sense – I think we all have a bit of clairvoyancy (is that a word?). I think it stems from our innate ability to have a vision for the future… and for all of those Nostradamus specials on the History channel.

(In my humble opinion, there’s a difference between having vision and being a “predictor.”)

But seriously, I don’t want to hear ANY MORE 2010 predictions. If so, I predict that I’ll open up a nice can of whoop ass on you.

(Ps: I am just joking about the can of whoop ass. I do not promote violence in any way. I hope that for those of you that are not aware of my sometimes sarcastic tone, that you can take my words for what they are. Just words.)

What do you think? Do you think predictions are valid or just lip service? Prove me wrong. I love being proven wrong.

Word.

photo credit: dailymail.