In May 2013, Facebook released some pretty astounding statistics showing audience engagement on Facebook. It’s been difficult for some businesses to understand why they need to get in the Facebook game. If you find yourself asking questions like these….then read on…this blog is for your business!

“Why should I waste my time on Facebook? It doesn’t seem like a professional social network.”

“Can I target my B2B audience through advertising on Facebook?”

I get asked these questions often by businesses and some just don’t realize the impact that Facebook has made in the social media and advertising world in the last 12 months.

Here are some Facebook stats you should know:

• 1.1 Billion Active Monthly Users
• $1.25 Billion in Ad Revenue generated in 1^st quarter 2013
• 4.5 Billion Likes Generated Daily
• 7.5 Million People Promoted their Posts in 12 month timeframe (these are easy promote post ads)
• 16 Million Local Business Pages on Facebook
• 665 Million Daily Active Users
• 751 Million Mobile Monthly Active Users

There are THREE reasons why YOUR business should not only have a Facebook business page but should be ENGAGING with your customers:

#1 Build a Relationship with Your Customers

This is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT reason to be active as a business on Facebook. Your customers are using it and it provides you with an opportunity to connect with your customers and build a trusting relationship. Feature your charity work or highlight an employee of the month. This will make your business feel “human” and encourage a relationship with your customer.

#2 Drive Sales using Facebook Advertising

Facebook launched the ability to advertise on their network in June of 2012. Since then billions of businesses have leveraged this to micro-target their customers. You can use Custom Audiences to target using email lists or you can use Partner Categories to target an industry such as small business owners.

#3 ENGAGE Your Customers & and INFLUENCE Your Prospects

When you engage with your customers by providing useful content, they become your brand ambassadors. When this happens, something powerful occurs on Facebook….Influence. Your brand ambassadors will SHARE your content with their friends thereby influencing them to Like your page or better yet, become aware of your business or products.

Consider these 3 reasons why your business should be focused on Facebook as a part of your integrated marketing strategy and how Facebook Marketing can help you reach your business goals. With proper planning you’ll be well on your way to Facebook Marketing Success. This blog is the first in a series of articles on using Facebook for Business.

For more information on Facebook Marketing and Advertising for your business, visit Jen’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/JenSmithSocial