Facebook Local is an exciting new way to mix up your social media presence in Vancouver.
Never heard of it? Don’t worry – you’re not alone!
Facebook Local is still flying a bit under the radar as it’s been working out the kinks in its system. For small businesses, it has significant opportunities to connect you with your target customers, and early adopters will have an edge over the competition.
Here’s how to use it!
The 411 on Facebook Local and why it matters for social media in Vancouver
So the first step in getting on the Facebook Local bandwagon is to know what it is! Basically, Facebook Local is like Yelp, FourSquare, and Facebook Events all wrapped up in one neat little app package. You can see where your friends have checked in, learn about close-by events, and review – or read reviews of – businesses like yours.
While Facebook Local is separate from Facebook, the two apps sync up. Because of this, things like your event invitations can be seen in both apps.
How to use Facebook Local as part of your social media in Vancouver
1. Make sure all your Facebook pages are merged
The first time someone checks in at your business, a page is created that is separate from your official business page. If you search for your business name and find one of these unofficial pages, click on it. Once you are in it, you will find a button at the top asking if this is your business. Click that button and follow the instructions that follow to merge this unofficial page. Merging the pages will help eliminate confusion when people try to find your business.
2. Create an event
On your official business page, you will be able to make an event, just like you always have. Once you choose to create an event, you’ll be led to a page where you fill in all the details about the time, place, description, etc. All of this is just like normal on Facebook. Once you have all the details written up, then it’s time to take your event live!
3. Promote, promote, promote
Now you’ve got your event – and the perfect way to raise your business profile! How do you do that?
Well, where your business and event sit in the Facebook Local search rankings is based on how many likes you get. Yup, it’s one giant popularity contest. And like every popularity contest, the way to win is clear… so it’s time to promote your event!
You can create flyers to hand out in your business, email blast your clients, buy a Facebook ad, etc. Luckily, as you move up in the rankings, you’ll be connecting with more people, making it easier to get likes.
But to get yourself to that point, you’ve got to promote your ass off!
4. Keep the engagement going
You’ve got engagement with your event, but you want to bring it over to your business.
The best way to do this is to encourage check-ins and reviews. Ask clients to review and check-in at your business. You can also spark reviews by sending out an email request and by adding a review request at the bottom of your receipts.
Still not getting enough interaction? Host a contest based on check-ins or reviews! Don’t forget that your contest can be cross-platform, tying together your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers.
Looking to diversify the reach of your social media in Vancouver? Take a look at which platforms your should be on! Feeling like you’re spending more of your day managing your social media? Let us handle it for you – letting you get back to the work you love!
