Working with Facebook and the British Chambers of Commerce, Business West are pleased to welcome a blog from Sorcha de Gras, SBG Program Lead for Facebook. We understand the value of Facebook for Business so wanted to share this blog with our business community.
Find customers in your area who’ll love your business just as much as you do, with Facebook and Instagram
The mobile phone has revoluntionised the high street and how we shop. Increasingly, people are turning to their smartphones to find a local restaurant, book their next appointment or buy their weekly groceries. More than ever, an online presence is vital for any small businesses to reach customers and grow.
With this in mind, here are some handy tips to get you started, build your online presence and reach more customers in your area.
Raise your profile
To make connections with your local community, make sure your business can be easily discovered by local people. A Facebook Page and Instagram business profile are great starting points because you can list your location, easily find and follow people nearby, and even provide directions to your store or business.
No physical store? No problem
Even if your business is an online-only business or provides services rather than products from a physical store, it still pays to boost awareness of your business and build a community of supporters in your neighbourhood.
Not only is this community likely to amplify your brand through word of mouth and recommendations, it can also be where you find new employees as your business grows.
Reach customers in your area
Make sure you show people where your business is located, whether or not you have a physical store, on your Facebook Page and your Instagram business profile.
And be prepared to get involved in the online conversations happening in your community. Tag and mention your neighbouring businesses, talk about local events and show your appreciation for your local area with visual posts that celebrate your surroundings.
For more on growing your business with Facebook and Instagram, visit facebook.com/business
Tips for connecting with your community
● Draw up a calendar of local events and tailor your postings, ads and promotions to them — try an in-store promotion (or online discount code) to mark a community celebration or bring your customers together for a special event.
● Use Facebook and Instagram messaging so that local customers can easily contact you for more information.
● Activate Reviews on your Facebook Page so that customers can comment on their experience of your business.
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