Week 7 - MKTG 347 - Facebook Marketing Guide For Beginners

First things first, who is on Facebook? Well, the minimum age requirement for a user to create a Facebook profile is 13. The most popular age group on Facebook is around 18 to 29. Generally, popularity decreases with age. However, with the many people on Facebook, a general audience can definitely be targeted. An easy way to get your idea or product out there is with Facebook pages. These are simple to make and can be easily linked with your personal account. Users can "like" the page, comment on posts, and add insight to what you are marketing. People who like the page will get notifications when a new post is made on that page, so it invites them to check it out and possibly react on that post. Unlike a personal profile, pages can be liked by anyone. This eliminates the need for mutual connections for people to find and like the page. A huge advantage to Facebook pages is that they are free. However, the downside is that it can be difficult to build a following with natural likes. You can boost your page to gain likes, but we will get into that in the next blog.

For marketing purposes, you want to have a page with a clean cover and profile photo, as well as a detailed description of what you are trying to market. Simply, the profile photo should be your logo, and your cover image can be creative or tell some sort of story. Your description lets possible fans know what you do, or what you plan to accomplish. Here, you can explain why you are different and any other details potential followers might want to know.

Week 6 - MKTG 347 - Importance of a Band Website

With all the social media platforms today, bands often wonder if a website is necessary. Through all the discussion, in the end, bands need a personal website. In a way, it acts as a central hub for all of your information and content. It also serves as an easy way for people to look up a band. For example, if a fan, promoter, record label, etc. wants more information on your band, a website is one of the first places they will look for. The band has control of the layout, so displaying tour dates, bios, contact information, and music/videos is easy.

A website lets bands also build a consistent image. Basically, the band thinks about how they want to be portrayed in not only a live setting, but with what they want to include online. This can show the style of music the band plays as well as their level of ambition. In that sense, local cover bands do not need to worry about websites as much, as they can only get so big. For bands releasing their own content and want to make it big, a website must show those intentions. 

Week 5 - MKTG 347 - Building Facebook Fans

For many offline businesses, it is important for them to promote their page in their physical content. They should invite clients or customers to check out their page on contact details, flyers, menu, brochures, business cards, and even products and materials. Emails sent to clients can also have the Facebook page attached so that it can be easily accessible.

However, for companies with online profiles, cross-promotion can help gain fans. In the age of social media, people do not have just one social profile. Firms can get their message out on several platforms to reach these people. Having a common theme can get people to check out their Facebook page to like, comment, and share content. Not everything needs to be posted, it is all about posts that are worthy of sharing. Creating a new post to inform people about new material being released is a great way to let fans know that you have something new to offer. Posting too often can come off as being annoying, so it is important for companies to effectively spread out their posts.

Week 4 - MKTG 347 - How Smaller Companies Use Facebook

Social media gives smaller companies a way to advertise what they are all about. For many companies, it is more about having a personal conversation with people. Instead of creating an ad and then leaving it on their page, they want to react to people's reactions. Commentating on reactions give the consumer a more personal connection to what they are involved with. It shows that the company cares what people think.

A great way for these companies to promote what they are selling is by using Facebook Deals. This service offers bargains and coupons to consumers who stop into physical stores via their smartphone. Facebook Deals can offer loyalty programs, premiums and other promotions.

Advertising with Facebook is something small companies should consider. Companies can target potential customers based on what they like. A budget can also be set so that no unnecessary spending occurs.