Facebook Strategy For Business - Do You Have One?
Friday, January 9th, 2009Remember when the question was What is your Internet Strategy? Was your company late in adapting? If so, hopefully a lesson was learned. So today’s question is What Is Your Facebook Strategy?
What is Facebook? Facebook is the most powerful of Social Networking Sites For Business, and growing rapidly each day. If you don’t have a Facebook Strategy, it is time to start to put one together, and integrate into your overall Social Media Marketing.
Facebook was launched in 2004 and was originally for College Students. In 2006 it was open up to anyone with an e-mail address over the age of 13. Facebook has grown dramatically and evolved to where it is today, the premier Social Networking Site, with business marketing use booming. Here are a few key points in the latest Facebook Statistics:
More than 140 million active users The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older
2.6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
More than 13 million users update their statues at least once each day
More than 15 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each month
More than 2 million events created each month
More than 19 million active user groups exist on the site
Setting up a successful Facebook Strategy is critical today. Things to consider in addition to putting together a facebook profile are joining and creating groups, fan pages, finding friends, communicating with your facebook community, and so much more. Do a simple facebook search, you will be surprised at the results of companies marketing online in Facebook.
Ok, are you convinced that Facebook is a place you need to be to market and brand your company online? Want to know how to use facebook, what is Social Media Marketing, and how can social media benefit my business?
To answer these questions, let’s examine an actual Facebook Strategy. I have selected a friend I met on Facebook and will examine her Facebook Strategy in a question and answer format.
Jennifer Walden, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Walden is a premier Manhattan Plastic Surgeon, and is often asked to comment, as a medical expert, on CBS, ABC, Fox News, and other media outlets. Dr. Walden has covered issues including current cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, prevention of breast cancer, and many other topics.
JF: Hello Dr. Walden , and thanks for answering some questions on Facebook Strategy.
JW: My pleasure.
JF: How long have you been using Facebook and what other Social Media do you find beneficial.
JW: I have been using Facebook for about a year, and have connected with many of my friends and contacts. In addition to Facebook, I participate in MySpace, Linkedin, Twitter, some medical specific social networking sites, blogging, television and media interviews.
JF: I have noticed your profile on facebook , and was impressed with the great information, including links for anyone interested in plastic surgery, breast cancer awareness, and your volunteer work. Tell us about setting up your facebook profile , especially why you seem to make patient education a priority.
JW: Orignally, I set up my facebook profile to connect with friends, family, and contacts. I have subsequently added information and resources for people interested in plastic surgery. Patients now have so many choices to research medical issues, while I believe it is important to do research and read articles, it is also very critical to consult with your Doctor, to make an informed decision.
JF: Dr. Walden , you belong to a Facebook Groups that I admin, You Tube Contest , and one that I set up for a Health Care Attorney, Legal Issues Affecting Doctors , tell us how do you decide which Facebook Groups to join and participate in?
JW: I look for relevant facebook groups, where I can get good information, either for my business or personal interest. The Legal Issues Affecting Doctors is a great resource for keeping current with medical legal issues. I am a University of Texas football fan, and love to use Facebook to stay in touch with the team and school.
JF: Tell us how to search for a person on Facebook, and how you go about adding Facebook Friends.
JW: I like to connect with friends, family, and contacts, or anyone interested in cosmetic plastic surgery. Facebook has a very user friendly friend finder to help you connect with friends and contacts.
JF: I also noticed you have posted links to news and articles in the Facebook Posted Items section, I found them very relevant to your specialty, how do you decide what links to post?
JW: I believe strongly in patient education and look for items that include relevant information on cosmetic plastic surgery.
JF: Dr. Walden , tell us how you decide what photos to upload. I noticed some very cool photos of you in the operating room, and some very nice and appropriate personal photos.
JW: Personal photos are great for family and friends, medical related photos are great to reinforce patient education.
JF: Tell us about Facebook Fan Pages.
JW: Facebook Fan Pages are great for topics you have an interest in, in my case Texas Football, and Fashion Issues. I also have my own Facebook Fan Page, for people interested in cosmetic plastic surgery.
JF: Dr. Walden , you have done a great job of implementing a successful Facebook Strategy, including integrating with your overall Social Media Marketing . This is critical, and something we always advise our clients to do in setting up their Online Marketing Strategy. How important do you see Facebook, and Social Media for online corporate marketing in the next few years?
JW: I see Facebook and other Social Media increasing in popularity. Facebook will be a must for online corporate marketing. Companies will need to balance their need for a powerful Online Marketing Strategy, with the desire of facebook users to have quality Social Networking Experiences.
JF: My favorite TV reporter is Megan Kelly of Fox News, I enjoyed your interview with Megan on new cosmetic procedures, tell us a little about being interviewed as a medical expert on news shows.
JW: The news shows are a great way to educate patients and is something I enjoy doing. I agree with you about Megan Kelly, she is awesome, and is always prepared and sharp.
JF: Dr. Walden , thanks so much for taking your time to answer some questions on Facebook Strategy. On the blog post for this episode, I have listed some very informative links on your Web site, including your various media interviews on current cosmetic surgery issues. Any closing thoughts or advice for people looking to join or improve their Facebook experience?
JW: I would suggest that you have fun in using Facebook, and other Social Networking Sites. If you treat people like you would like to be treated, you will have a rewarding experience.
JF: How would someone go about contacting you?
JW: I can be reached at 212-288-9009; my Web site is www.drjenniferwalden.com, e-mail drjenniferwalden@hotmail.com
JF: Thanks again Dr. Walden , I look forward to staying in touch with you on Facebook.
JW: Same here Jim.
Dr. Walden Video Links
Dr. Walden Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
Listen to Podcast Episode with Dr. Walden
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