Why Brands Should Utilize Facebook

You hear about networks you should be utilizing as a professional all the time. Do these networks actually work? Are they worth the time and effort they require? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and blogging are some of the networking tools discussed in “Share This” by CIPR. Since Facebook is one of the largest platforms utilized, I would like to discuss the platform and what it is designed to enable brands to do.

As discussed in the book, Facebook is mainly used to connect with friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues. This platform is not only utilized for sharing stuff with other people, but also to build communities and engage with them. Brand pages and profiles allow a two-way dialogue between the brand and the community interested in the content.

Brands can amplify their message when they utilize Facebook. When a brand has conversations with fans, these conversations can be shared with that person’s friends. Sharing the conversations is a powerful advertising tool. Brands can also enable people to share actions they take on websites on their newsfeed. You can socially enable your business when these actions are shared.

In the past, brands could provide a link to its website and allow customers to purchase products. Now, communities can view brand pages and shop directly from Facebook. Providing this option to customers is easy and convenient.

Facebook is a great tool for brands to utilize, especially with the numerous communities present on this platform:

“Facebook is used by many types of organizations to do a variety of things—from selling more products to creating positive sentiment and communicating useful information. The most successful uses of Facebook all tend to have a few things in common: defined goals, clear strategies and a thorough understanding of what appeals to the audience.” –Share This, Pg. 68

Facebook is only one network that should be utilized, but it is one of the most important and beneficial for brands today.