Fern & Hayley
I know you have a lot on your plate trying to run and grow your dog training business, and learning another skill can seem overwhelming. However, there is no denying the power of social media, especially Facebook.
Here are my steps to getting started with Facebook with the goal of leveraging its power to grow your business.
Step 1: Create a Fan/Business Page
You don’t want to use your personal profile for business purposes. Trust me here, I made that mistake in the beginning and I’m still digging out of that hole.
Instead create a business page (note that you must a personal page in order to create a business page). As you’re going through the page creation process you’ll be asked to name your page. Take a moment to really think this one out. I recommend you pick a name that is interesting and long so that it will draw attention when you post comments.
My dog training business page name is “A Better Life with Your Dog with Fernando Camacho.” That big long name really stands out next in all the simple people names when I leave a comment on a post. People can’t help but notice it, get a little intrigued and click on over to see what I’m all about.
Next you’ll need to spend some time uploading an eye catching cover image and thumbnail. Make sure you use pictures that are not too small that they seem grainy or blurry or images that don’t really fit and have to be stretched. It has to be good enough so that people will be impressed enough to “like” your page.
Once your page is set up make sure you always switch over to your business before you interact and leave comments. You can do that by going to the blue bar at the top of your personal profile page and clicking the little triangle in the right hand corner. This will open a drop down menu where you can click on your business page and then all interaction you do will be as that business page.
Step 2: Like Other Local Business Pages
Use the search box at the top of your Facebook page to find local businesses in your area that have pages on Facebook. Start with the dog related ones (daycares, groomers, pet stores) and then add any other local businesses (restaurants, clothing stores, boutiques, etc.). Lastly, like some large national dog related pages like Dog Files, Life with Dogs, Bark Magazine, etc..
Once you like these pages they will show up in your business page news feed so you’ll be able to see what they’re posting, so you can interact. The big national dog pages are where you can get some really cool content to post on your page.
The more local business pages you find and like the more potential clients you can get in front of. Start paying attention when you’re traveling around in your area and if you see a Facebook logo on signage or merchandise, make a note to find and like their page on Facebook.
Stay tuned for Steps 3-5 coming soon!
I am not social media savvy and my website just sits there with only 9 likes in a year. I can sure use this info but there are still things I don’t understand. Could someone please put out a book called “Business Pages on Facebook for Dummies?” My goal this summer is to get some action and interaction on my business Facebook page. I do not have a personal Facebook page.