Facebook and Pinterest: Key Points for Businesses

After a brief hiatus, we are back to blogging at Constant Raving!

To dive right in, last week we taught a class on Facebook and Pinterest to a great group from the Home Builders Association of Charlotte.

We wanted to share with you some key points that we addressed during our course that we think are important for everyone who is using social media for their business to know.

Facebook:

The Law:

·      The FTC monitors social platforms for FTC violations

·      You must disclose all endorsements

·      Federal Guidelines carry a $11,000 penalty per infraction

·      You can read more about this at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

Facebook Guidelines and Promotional Guidelines:

·      You must run a contest through third party applications

·      You cannot use status updates as a promotion or sweepstakes

·      You can read more about this at http://www.facebook.com/promotions_guidelines.php

It’s a Conversation:

·      Social media is the new phone call

o   Would you hang up on a lead?

o   Would you hang up on negative feedback?

Social Media Habits:

·      Understand your target audience

o   When are they online?

o   What type of content do they like?

·      The biggest spike on Facebook occurs at 3pm ET on weekdays, particularly Wednesday

·      Fans are the least active on Sunday

Timeline Optimization:

·      Creativity is key – words get boring!

·      Facebook’s “Ranking” algorithms determine which posts get shown

o   Videos trump Photos, which trumps Links and Text is last

·      Having the popular kids as fans (600+ friends) will not help your page

Pinterest:

What is Pinterest?

·      Online virtual Pinboard

·      The #3 social network, following Facebook and Twitter

Why should I use Pinterest for my business?

·      Brand Reinforcement

·      Interest -> sale is quick and easy

·      Drives traffic to your website, improves your SEO

·      Provides an informal focus group

How can I use Pinterest effectively?

·      Repin, like and comment on others Pins

o   It’s all about reciprocity!

·      Keep Pins and Pinboards brand relevant

·      Run Competitions

·      Integrate your website and social media

·      Dedicate time

                               Melissa and Caitlin after presenting on Facebook and Pinterest

If you are interested in learning more about Facebook and/or Pinterest and how you can use these social media networks effectively for your business, contact us! Also, if you are interested in having us teach a class to your group on Facebook, Pinterest, or any other social media sites, please contact us. We love teaching about our favorite subjects!

Email Melissa and Caitlin at: ConstantRaving@mvoc.com

Call Melissa at: (919) 244.7503