Confession: I must confess–Facebook frustrates me. From a business perspective, it has a horrible return. On average of the over 2,000 followers I have on Cornerstone Confessions, only about 20 or 30 actually see my posts thanks to Facebook’s new algorithm. And on the personal side, it’s often more of a time sucker than a benefit…no offense dear friends.
With that kind of a beginning, it makes you wonder why I stick around on this mammoth social media platform. Well to be honest I’ve thought about leaving Facebook several times as I’ve seen others do, but when I look at the facts (aka Google Analytics), Facebook is still the second most effective social media platform out there for Cornerstone Confessions behind Pinterest which means it is the second most important way for me to stay in contact with my readers…aka…you! In addition, it is where I can best keep up with old friends of mine despite moves and changes of social circles which I’m ever so thankful for. Finally, affiliate marketers still base a percentage of their interest in advertising on websites based on the number of the website’s Facebook likes.
So with that realization I’ve decided it’s high time to learn how to be more effective on this ever-changing platform and claim it for what it is…not what it isn’t. As Heidi Cohen has shared recent research has shown that Facebook is actually on it’s downfall and is expected to lose 80% of its peak user base by 2017. However, it is still the top social media platform out there so it deserves due credit until that change takes place. As such, here is my current plan of action for being more effective on Facebook in 2014.
7 Powerful Ways to Increase Facebook Engagement
- Use Facebook to give away freebies and discounts. When polled, most users like a page to get something free (a coupon, a product, a service, etc.) so give your readers what they want–freebies! To learn more about how to do this, check out this YouTube tutorial by John Haydon. By the way, like Cornerstone Confessions right now and get 40% of any Cornerstone Confessions product! And for those of you who are already a fan, click the Thank You tab on facebook for your free code.
- Share what people like to share and like most–quotes, questions, and humor–anything without a link. Facebook’s algorithm automatically lowers the number of views a post receives if the post includes a link. Bummer, I know.
- Post to Facebook first thing in the morning. Why? Because 80% of Smartphone users check their phones first thing in the morning. And, if not then, first thing in the afternoon.
- Share daily but no more than 3 times a day. You want your presence to be seen but you don’t want to be annoying. Whereas on Twitter 6+ tweets is more than exceptable, more than 3 shares on Facebook in a day from a brand is often viewed by followers as spam.
- Share Instagram pics. Instagram is an extention of Facebook so Facebook loves Instagram. Besides that we are in an image age; people are automatically attracted to picture posts over text only posts in a feed. On my personal profile I get more likes and comments from Instagram pics than any other updates I share. Maybe its high time I link my blog page to Instagram too, yah?
- Post directly to Facebook, not through a scheduling service or app, whenever possible. Facebook’s algorithm allows more readers to view a post that is shared directly on Facebook as opposed to those posted via Buffer or some other app. It may mean I won’t always post at the optimal time, but at least others will be more likely to see what I do post.
- Interact with my readers via messages, comment replies, and likes of their pages. Speaking of which, if you have a page you want me to like, share it in the comments. I’d be more than happy to pop over and check it out.
Whereas Pinterest and G+ are more content oriented, Facebook is more social oriented. So if you are going to stay on Facebook as a brand embrace the animal for what it is–a social platform–not a content sharing platform. That’s my new goal anyway. We’ll see how it goes.
Have any Facebook tips you’ve found to be effective on your page?
Share them below! I’d love to hear them. AND, share your Facebook page while you’re at it. I’m all about following fellow bloggers on social media. Can’t wait to find you soon!
Take it to the next level with these resources:
- 500 Social Media Marketing Tips by Andrew MacCartney
- Facebook Facts You Need to Know in 2014 by Jeff Bullas
- Questions and Conversation Starters for Social Media on The Chaos and the Clutter
- 3 Facebook “Like Button” Tricks You May Not Know on Hong Kiat
- My Social Media Pinterest Board which includes tips for everything from Pinterest to G+ and more.
This post is the 3rd of 12 in the 144 Plan to Social Media Smarts. To learn more about the 144 Plan or catch up on a missed post, check out the complete 144 Plan Training Log.
Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil. Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15–17)