I recently had the opportunity to meet with a member who needed help with their marketing plan. After touring the facility to learn more about what makes them unique, we sat down to talk about the specifics - when they advertise, where they advertise and how much they have budgeted to market their charming bed-and-breakfast. I learned a lot about how the CCEDC can help them leverage their membership as a marketing piece. I also learned that not everyone uses Facebook to its potential.

Facebook is a tool. Whether you use it personally to connect, professionally to network or a combination of both, it is there to help us stay in touch and reach out. Using Facebook for business is an ever-evolving world of keywords, photos and videos that can help you reach your business success by winning the impression game.Facebook for business (www.facebook.com/business/overview) has broken down the basics:1. Set up your page.2. Identify your audience.3. Create compelling content.4. Advertise.5. Measure and adjust. I like to focus on the compelling content part of it.Once upon a time Facebook showed every one of your friends and followers everything you posted, but the algorithms have changed over time. In 2012 page posts organically reached about 16 percent of your followers. Today, that number is decreased to less than 3 percent of your followers. To increase your views you need likes and shares. They can be earned with strategic and compelling content.Here are five tips to help you catapult your Facebook for business page:1Carve out time each week to schedule your Facebook posts. Set aside about 15-30 minutes once a week and schedule seven full days of Facebook interactions. If you get caught up in ordering supplies or working the register, you know that your Facebook efforts are still going strong.2Start by conversing with your audience. The Facebook gnomes will flag your salesy post and limit your audience if you have words like order now or call today in every post. Instead, get personal and connect with your audience with authentic emotions and conversational language. "We just tried the first batch of mashed potatoes made with locally grown potatoes and couldn't get enough, these will not last."3Make sure you are interacting with your audience. When someone likes, shares or comments on a post - thank them or interact by commenting back. Not only do you have them engaged but their friends may now see your post!4Post pictures and videos. This is true for all marketing efforts but especially on social media like Facebook, remember that people want to see pictures of kids, animals and people they can relate to.5Be consistent. Studies suggest that it can take anywhere from five to 20 touches before a prospect turns into a customer, with the average being seven. Be sure to send a consistent message and on a regular basis.When creating a Facebook page, remember that your message should appeal to your audience, make it interesting and valuable to your prospects and customers. If you are struggling to get started with your Facebook for business page, call our office at 610-379-5000 to schedule a one-on-one.