Using your Facebook business page to share your business story

First reaction

I’ll admit, I was not always very active on my Facebook business page.

Until Facebook forced me to be.

When Facebook made the new Timeline layout available in 2012 for business pages as well as personal profiles, I was at first annoyed. I didn’t feel like I had time to navigate the change myself, and I didn’t understand what the benefits were. But I knew that if I didn’t make the change myself, Facebook would do it for me.

Second thoughts

So I did it. I took the tour and plunged right in. And I enjoyed it! I was fully engrossed in it! The more I explored, the more ideas I had.

I realized that I have done a lot of writing for a lot of different people! And my Facebook business page gives me a place to display those samples proudly.

Third place

Now, I already have pages on this blog where I showcase different types of projects and pricing. And I already have a LinkedIn profile where I outline my work history in chronological order. Do I really need a third place to share my business story?

Well, yes.

Each of these online outlets allows me to share my story in a slightly different way to slightly different audiences. That’s what good communication does—it adapts the medium to the audience so that the message can connect.

Forthcoming

Throughout the first few years that I had a Facebook business page, it was little more than a place to post my blog link each week. I wasn’t really interacting with people on the page, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a page.

I’m still not ready to commit to a lot of Facebook interaction, but I think I’ve found an idea that will work for me: I’m using my Facebook business page as an “interactive portfolio.”

So, for example, when I’ve done a project for you, and we’re both happy with it, I’ll post a photo of it and create a “Milestone” event that shares the story of that project. Facebook Milestones can include links, so wherever possible I’ll link back to your business, hoping to drive a little traffic your way.

Need an example? Toni Ruppert is a visual artist, and she was commissioned by Living Springs Community Church to create some artwork illustrating three of their core values. Her paintings were unveiled in a ceremony in 2010, and I videoed the event. I posted that video as a Milestone on my Facebook business page. Because Toni has a Facebook presence for her art business, I was able to link to her in my description of that event. When she was notified of the link, she came back to that Milestone and left a comment. Cool, right? That’s what I mean by “interactive portfolio.”

I’d like to do that for all my clients. But, ahem, many of you do not have an online presence I can link to. (Leo Vela’s handyman business and Dave Brown’s roofing business come to mind.) I’m not trying to convince you to be online if you don’t need to be; I’m just saying if you are online and you want some link-love, my Facebook business page allows me to give it to you. If you’re not or you don’t, I usually can link back to a relevant blog I’ve posted, so that’s fine too.

Five questions

1. Will you do me a favor and check out LifeLines’ Facebook business page?
2. Will you please click “Like” if you haven’t done so already? (That helps me spread the word about my services.)
3. If you are mentioned in one of my Milestones, and you want me to add a link to your website or Facebook page, will you let me know?
4. If you are not mentioned in a Milestone, but would like to be, will you let me know that too? I’m adding Milestones little by little, and I’ll move you to the top of my list if I hear from you!
5. Will you hire LifeLines to set up and manage your church or business pages? (You might be surprised at the number of new customers and prospects you can interact with there!)

Facebook offers some great opportunities to showcase your work and attract new business. If you need help getting started, let me know!