Facebook Strategies

[Former_Member]

So this isn’t your basic Facebook sharing thread:
 
 
I’m curious about what avenues and strategies you use to promote your Page?
 
I shared my Page with all my friends at the beginning.
I ran a coupon deal to reward those who shared my page with their friends, which got me a lot of likes but no one used their coupons...
I placed a Facebook ad, which wasn’t too successful, but it definitely increased my page awareness.
And I have linked my Etsy to it, so I have the hand-dandy ‘Like’ button for instant Likability, and have gained about 10 followers from that.
I am currently getting organized to run another share-and-reward deal, thinking about assembling a few items to give away for free; Something like the person who shares my Page the most gets a free gift, and the person who gets the most new Likes for me gets a free gift—I just need to figure out how to track that legitimately….Has anyone had any experience and advice to share on this concept?
 
 
Also, what do you use your Page for?
 
My Facebook page is predominantly used to display my work-in-progress, share my current projects, and gain some feedback. I try to keep it personal too, by posting thoughts and a little bit of randomness, all to convey that I’m a real person and not just a cookie-cutter page on the web. When I have upcoming events and exhibitions, I’ll also use it to promote the occasion, whether it’s a booth at the market or a major art showcase, and I makes sure to display my excitement about it and not just the simple facts of date and time.
By sharing my works-in-progress, my followers can see from start to finish how a painting forms, which I hope creates an attachment for some viewers, a connection per se. When a painting is complete, I usually only share a detail shot of it, to entice curiosity about how the final product looks, and to get my viewers excited to see it in person in upcoming exhibitions. I LOVE hearing someone say they saw the piece online and seeing it in person just blows them away!
For 2012, I’ve undertaken a major project of illustrating the Word of the Day. Every day I create an illustration directly influenced and inspired by the Day’s Word, which I’m given randomly from the Vocabology App. This project not only makes me draw every day, but my art has improved tremendously, my imagination has more freedom, and my works have a little more spontaneity. I share these daily illustrations on my Facebook Page to a) keep me motivated (obligated) and excited in this year-long project; and b) gain followers. It’s a double-whammy for me—I’m producing and sharing art while promoting it at the same time.
So, how do you use your Page?
 
And if you’re curious, here’s mine:
http://m.facebook.com/pages/briannareaganart.com#!/profile.php?id=167463019963577&__user=1225725968

 

[Former_Member]

Great thread!

I have only been posting my listings...Seems very Boring to me...
I need more hours in my day:)

[Former_Member]

I am just started to use Facebook too. I do post my listings and since I sell photography I post some photos that I take of my daughter. I have thought about posting the photos I take before and after I edit them, but am not sure if that would help or hurt me. I think some people would think that it is interesting, but others might be put off by how much I edit them. What do you think?

[Former_Member]

I try to limit the posts of my etsy listings. I don't want to bombard my followers with sales and "buy me!" posts. I think the Facebook should be more personal than that.

@ Elizabeth, maybe show variety, more than photos of your daughter? And there's definitely an art to photo editing, so I think it would be acceptable to showcase a before and after. Give it a try and then gauge what the feedback is, and let that determine your next step.

[TheNarrowGateWyoming]

I am on a bunch of groups that allow daily postings. PM me your FB user name and I will add you as a friend then add you on all the great groups I am on.

[PrettyPigDesign]

I am not sure what to do with my facebook page either. I don't want to spam people because I don't like it when people do that to me, but I would like to figure out something interesting to puto n the page....

[Former_Member]

Something interesting could be to post photos of your supplies, get your followers excited about your next project with those buttons! Or a photo of your studio space, so followers can get an idea of how you work. I think it's really important to show that there's a human behind the product...
If you do booths and bazaars, post the upcoming events, too!

[Former_Member]

Recently I have been using Facebook as "The Beer Tool" and going out making comments and posts on other walls that line up with my target market. I AM NOT SPAMMING, but today for example, I got into a conversation about a particular type of car I've worked on in the past. It was fun and I got a few new "Likes" from the crowd in the process.

[CarolaBartz]

I'm a bit at a loss about my Facebook page myself. I followed some of the advice I read in different discussions - keeping it personal, asking questions etc. I tried the "asking questions" and received two answers at the most. I try to keep it personal in showing some work in progress, but keeping out my private life and family members. I also visit other pages that I liked, leave comments on posts, images that I really like etc. I want to keep it genuine. However, I don't think that it has helped in getting more "fans" or visits to the shop (I'm not even talking about sales...). So I don't really know what to do with my Facebook page.

[fullmoonhowling]

It has been like pulling teeth to even get the 35 FB followers I have. Most of them are friends, who probably will not spend money with me, or other photographers who create lovely things of their own. I try not to post more than five things a week for fear of driving people away. I post new items for my shop, of course, as well as treasuries in which I'm featured and treasuries I have created. Occasionally I will post a video on the creative process or marketing--things of general interest. I can't really say that I see much traffic from FB to my shop. I am, however, having a good time, so I guess that's worth something. :)

[Former_Member]

I use FB to get more personal with my fans. I try to engage them in my business and me personally. I list new items and talk about upcoming deals and discounts. BUT I also add things like "What do you for fun on your days off?"
or
"Happy Springtime!!"

I try to ask general questions that have nothing to do with my business so they feel they have a personal connection with me....

[Former_Member]

@ Jacob-- I like this 'Beer Tool' concept... I may have to do my research...

@ Carola-- some things take time. Be patient, be consistent , and most importantly, be positive! Sometimes just showing your excitement imbues excitement in others.

[Former_Member]

I am so glad I am not alone in this! I am not sure what to do with that page. I tried the questions, but like posted above, no one or just one person replied. That was worse than not posting the question. But, if it brings me one sale, I will keep it. :)

[Former_Member]

I use my fanpage as just another medium to spread the word about my items.