Does fear inhibit your productivity on Facebook?

Businesses are recognizing the value of social media, but are still coy about the most productive ways to use it. Some of your doubts or fears bring to mind questions like “Is it worth my time?” “How am I going to handle it all?” “Will my company look silly?” and “Is it a good allocation of resources?” ?”

This weekend I visited my optometrist for my annual checkup. Aside from the usual small talk we engage in, she told me that her husband encouraged her to join Facebook to promote her business. Needless to say, she is terrified of the work she will have to do to make sure her business is represented correctly.

I tell you this because the fears you may have about putting your brand in the social media space may be real. So are your concerns about spending money and using company resources on something you’re unfamiliar with. But in today’s hyper-competitive business climate, you need to be where your customers are.

Big brands like Nike know this. Honda and Starbucks are great examples of brands using social media to engage customers and build brand loyalty. But they are not tackling social media on their own. And you don’t have to either.

Let your agency worry about the weather

One of the best ways to overcome your time fears is to work with an online marketing agency that understands the intricacies of the social media industry. A good agency will allay your worries about when to post Facebook updates and how many to produce throughout the day. You don’t have to think about what to say and when to say it because an agency can create an action schedule for social media activities.

Manage your brand reputation

Many times, social networks are based on consumer opinion and cannot be tamed, but they can be managed. This is also something that an online marketing agency can do for you. An agency can facilitate and moderate discussions for you, so you don’t have to worry about negative Facebook comments damaging your brand.

Where is the return on investment?

By creating a Facebook Page, you give more than 600 million people access to your brand, millions of whom have never heard of you before. Millions of whom will never see the ads you run on billboards or run in magazines. The opportunity for your business to turn Facebook promotions, contests, and coupons into revenue is there, and it’s real. An agency can work with you to develop campaigns to ensure your money is well spent.

Facebook Comments

What are some reservations you have, if any, about opening or actively promoting a Facebook Page for your business?