Have you ever wondered what the difference between a Facebook Business Page and a Business Account is?  Often, I have business owners tell me that they don’t want their Business Page associated with their Personal Profile account. Lucky for them Facebook actually gives business owners choices.  Facebook allows businesses to create a presence in two ways.

1. Create a Business Page
2. Create a Business Account

Let’s take a look at both options…

Creating a Business Page:

Using your personal profile account, you are able to create a Facebook Page for your business.  Business Pages ARE searchable and indexed by search engines.

[NOTE: Personal Profiles ARE NOT searchable!  Often, I see business owners using their Personal Profile AS their business instead of creating a Business Page. This is not effective at all if they want to be found on Google, Bing, or other search engines.]

Your Business Page allows you the opportunity to promote your business, while also offering valuable information, tips, updates and even customer service.  On your Business Page you can upload a profile banner instead of simply your logo.

In addition, you can create a custom landing page. Consider this a mini-website inside of your Business Page. Here you can add more content, images, links back to your website, a map to your location, Buy Now buttons, and even capture email addresses for your email marketing efforts.

Having a Business Page is essential to every business owner who wants to grow their business.  Use Facebook as your Page to “Like” other Pages, and commenting on them will give you more visibility.

Now, there are some people who don’t want to create a Business Page which is associated to their Personal Profile account. That’s where a Business Account comes in.

Creating a Business Account:

So, what’s the difference between a Business Page and a Business Account? Lots!

Using Facebook’s explanation, “Business accounts are designed for individuals who only want to use the site to administer Pages and their ad campaigns. For this reason, business accounts do not have the same functionality as personal accounts. Business accounts have limited access to information on the site. An individual with a business account can view all the Pages and Social Ads that they have created, however they will not be able to view the profiles (Timelines) of users on the site or other content on the site that does not live on the Pages they administer. In addition, business accounts cannot be found in search, send or receive friend requests, or create/develop apps.” 

Other limitations may include:

• Inability to link to your Twitter account
• Basic information will be limited to year founded (no address, phone number, or hours of operation)
• Lack of detailed information about your business. Limited to website, overview, mission, and products
• Inability to tag friends in photos
• Unable to get a vanity URL.

While I appreciate the rationale behind not wanting to create a Business Page through a Personal Profile account, I also don’t see a clear benefit of creating a Business Account either.

What are your thoughts about a Business Page vs. a Business Account? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Eydie

Q. I get daily requests from my Facebook friends to Like their pages. My feeling is that I would rather Like someone’s Page because it interests me and I see value in it. I don’t feel as if I should Like a Page because they want more fans. What’s your take on this? Am I being too picky? Lynn B.

A. Here’s my answer, Lynn…It’s all up to you.

According to a study done by ExactTarget.com, “A click of the ‘Like’ button means different things to different people. It creates an opportunity for further engagement, but it is merely one step toward the types of meaningful, cross-channel relationships marketers need to succeed.”

Also mentioned in the study, close to 40% of consumers Like company Pages on Facebook to publicly display to their friends that they like a particular company. In addition, people will Like certain pages to receive discounts and promotions.  Another 34% of Facebook users will Like a Page so they can stay informed about company activities. Nowhere in the study did I see that people will Like a Page for the educational value they receive. Odd, because that’s one of my main reasons for liking someone’s Page.

My feelings are that many Facebook users will Like a Page to merely show support to their friends. I, too, get requests from my Facebook friends to Like their Page. But, if I Liked everyone’s Page, then my wall would be overrun with even more status updates I really don’t care about. Let’s face it, I’m not always interested in what you post – nor are you always interested in what I post.

Personally, I prefer to Like business Pages which offer me valuable content. Am I learning something from them? Are they offering me information I can use in my business or personal life? If I Like their Page and interact regularly, will I be able to gain credibility in their eyes? Is the company using their Page for customer service? And yes, I’m always on the lookout for a free offer, coupons and promotions.

On the side of the Page owner, such as myself, many strive to build up their numbers. The larger the audience, the higher the chances are that someone will take the bait. But, are they building a quality fan base?

Myself, well I prefer quality. I would prefer that people like my Page(s) because they WANT to, and that they are gaining value from my status updates and not just because I’m building my numbers. Of course I want a large following, but not at the expense of quality.

What I often see are Page owners posting a status update saying, “I only need 20 more people to Like my Page to reach my goal of 500″.  When I see that, I see a business only interested in the numbers, and not the quality of fans. Truly interested fans will eventually buy from you. Uninterested fans won’t. Why are they wasting their time on getting uninterested people to Like their Pages? Just so they can say, “I have 2,000 fans…Look how great I am”.  I suppose that those 20 fans could be interested, but why not entice them, instead, to become fans by posting the benefits of liking the Page. How will they gain by liking your Page?

So, Lynn, if you feel strongly about NOT liking someone’s Page – then don’t. Like what you like – not what you don’t like. Would you buy something you don’t like? Nope – you wouldn’t.

Anyone want to offer a debate on this subject? I’m willing to listen and learn! Leave your opinions below.

Eydie

Q. Sounds like Pinterest is the newest and latest social networking site. Would
you be able to tell us about it and would it be a business tool? Dale S.

A. I was afraid someone would ask me about Pinterest one of these days. I’m not
using Pinterest, so I’m probably not the one to ask. However, you did. So, I’ve
done some research. Actually, I went to my daughter to explain it to me…and some help from Social Media Strand.

You’re right, Dale, Pinterest a hot social site. Much like social bookmarking sites like Digg, Stumbleupon and Delicious, Pinterest allows you to create virtual bulletin boards and then “pin” things up on them. Think of these bulletin boards as similar to your refrigerator door covered with your kid’s paintings.

You are posting things that you want to share with others, like vacation or wedding photographs, recipes, or fabric swatches of your new curtains. Post pictures of your pets, kids, shopping trips…anything at all! You create a board, give it a title and description, and your good to go.

According to Pinterest, you can pin something to your virtual bulletin board in two ways:

1. You can pin an article you find on the Internet to a virtual board that you’ve created. Keep in mind that Pinterest is image based so you’re unable to pin something that doesn’t have a picture.
2. You can browse Pinterest for more content. Check out pinboards created by other people. You can find everything from DIY to fashion
   to news and blog sites. When you find something you like hover your mouse over the image, then click to “re-pin” it.

According to the Pinterest, iPhone app description, “browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests”.

So, against my better judgment, I signed up for Pinterest. Moments after signing on via Facebook, I received a ton of emails telling me that I’m being “followed”. Like Twitter, you are able to follow people and you can follow other boards. Following a board means you are only following that specific board, and not following everything that the person has pinned.

But, can you use Pinterest for business? For the answer to that question, I went straight to Google and ran a search. This is what Social Strand Media had to say about how to use Pinterest for business:

1. You can create boards for types of products you sell.
2. Add boards for “things we love this week” or “Sale items”
3. Service providers can create boards for “Tips and Tricks”
4. Create a public board where you can get input from your customers, such as “Top picks”
5. Once Pinterest opens its doors to everyone (and no longer invitation only), consider offering a discount to just Pinterest subscribers – all they have to do is follow a specific board or like a specific pin.
6. You can also tweet your pins.
7. Add a Pin It button to your website, or specific product pages so you make it easier for others to share your products/company with others.
8. Bloggers, you can add a pin to your blog or website to allow easy sharing of your content.

Are you using Pinterest? I’d be happy to hear from you. How are you using Pinterest? What tips can you share with us? Would you like us to follow you – leave your Pinterest link below.

Eydie

Well, it’s Wednesday – and that means I’m coaching small business owners at the Orange County Institute for Women Entrepreneurs (OCIWE) in Santa Ana, California. Today is part two of our Business Blogging Bootcamp, and everyone is busily writing their first blog posts.

We’re taking a bit of a break right now so I thought I’d ask my readers a question. If you were in my class right now, what one question would you ask me about business blogging?

Ask your question in the comment box below.

Eydie

Dear Eydie,

Q. I’m ready to begin marketing my business online, but with so many options available I don’t know where to start. Do I start networking on LinkedIn? Colleagues of mine tell me I should sign up for a Twitter account first and others say Facebook is where I would make the most impact. What do you suggest? Bewildered in Banning

A. You are right Bewildered in Banning! There are many social media options from which to choose.  Yours is one of the most common questions I’m
asked.  “Where do I start?” Business owners who haven’t started marketing online, other than with their Web sites, are being told they need to get with it and begin networking and building relationships online, but no one is telling them where to start.

I’m here to tell you that, as a business owner, your starting point should be creating a business blog!

Now you are asking, “How do I network on a blog and how will a
blog work for my business?”

Well, let’s take a look at the big picture.

1. Google search engine spiders love blogs. They love the fresh, consistent content. They love the links, they love the images, and they love the engagement! Blogging is the best way to organically optimize your Website.
2. With the right keyword-rich content, a blog will attract your target clients to your website.  People who are searching the internet for your products and services will use specific keywords to find what     they are looking for. When writing your blog posts, the subject matter should be valuable and informative. Educate your readers
   about what is happening in your industry, product uses, how-to information, or anything that makes your readers see you as the expert in your field.  People love doing business with experts.
3. Blogs are interactive, so make it your home base.  By funneling your LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook connections to your blog you can continue your conversations by giving more information, more value, and helping them solve their problems. All roads should lead to your blog.      
4. Capturing email addresses on your blog will give you the opportunity to send them even more great information. Consistent email marketing will help keep you top of mind. Give your blog audience something free in exchange for their e-mail address; like an industry report or a free e-book.
5. A business blog is also a way for you to learn about your clients and potential clients. Listen to what they have to say about their needs and about how they feel about your products and services. Put on your thick skin and be ready to hear the bad comments as well as the good ones! However, take the bad and use it to make your business better.

Business blogs are here to stay and they are an ideal tool for you to use to demonstrate your expertise and increase your credibility. Someone once told me to think of it as gifting your readers with your knowledge and wisdom.  Blogging is your opportunity to capitalize on all the knowledge and skills you have accumulated over the years by teaching what you know to others who need and want information.  Help others to solve problems and overcome challenges while building relationships, loyalty and trust. Because we all know that people do business with people they know, like and trust!

Friends, please share your advice with Bewildered in Banning. Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

Eydie

Greetings,

One of my former clients and good friend, Maria Elena Duron – Chief Buzz Agent & Inspiring Identity Coach – recently wrote an article about QR Codes and how you can use them for your personal branding.

What’s a QR code? Hmmm, QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). They are used to take a piece of information from static media and put it in to your cell phone. They can store (and digitally present)lots of data, including url links, geo coordinates, and text. The other key feature of QR Codes is that instead of requiring an out of date hand-held scanner, many smartphones can easily scan them using the appropriate app.

Getting back to Maria… I’d like to share her article entitled, “Successful QR Campaigns for Your Personal Brand”. Here’s Maria’s take on the QR code and how to use it successfully in your business:

Though QR codes have been around for a while, it is only recently that more and more brands are taking advantage of this technology and using it in their marketing and promotional campaigns. Skeptics continue to cast doubt that this technology will really click in the long run, while other people believe that it is here to stay since it is one of the best options for linking items in the physical world online.

Though this issue is still up for debate, there’s really no reason for you not to be
able to launch a successful QR campaign for your personal brand. It may end up being a fad, but right now, it’s still an effective marketing strategy that can
help you increase visitors to your site and physical store.

Of course, it’s important that you know what it takes to get a successful QR
campaign going for your personal brand. Here are some excellent tips for using QR codes.

1.  What is your purpose

Your main reason for using QR codes in your personal branding campaign may be simply because everyone else is using it, but before you go ahead with this strategy, it’s important to define what your purpose is in using these codes.

What exactly do you hope to achieve? Where do you want to lead visitors who view your QR code with their smart phones?

As a personal brand, you’re probably not going to offer those who view your code special deals or rewards. You can, however, offer information about you – you can lead them to the contact information on your website, or even to your mobile business card. Vizibility.com even gives you the ability to customize what information will appear when people scan your code, which can include your best Google results and links to your social and professional profiles online.

2.  Make sure that your QR code is working, and linked to a mobile-optimized page or site

One of worst things you can do is give your visitors a non-working QR code, or a working one that links to a site that they can’t view properly on their smart
phones. This is why it’s very important that before you use any QR code in your
campaign, make sure to test it first with different smart phones, to ensure that
it’s working. Having a non-working QR code can end up damaging your personal brand.

Also, some people tend to forget that only mobile phones are able to read these codes, and they link to a website that looks awful when viewed through a mobile device. So always make sure that the page or site you’re linking to is optimized for mobile. If you still don’t have a mobile-friendly version of your site, there are currently a lot of tools available online to help you create one.

3.  Offer value when visitors scan the code

The information that people receive when they scan your QR code on their phones should be something that’s completely different from what they can already see.

For example, if you choose to include a QR code on your business card, the code
shouldn’t link to similar contact information on your site – it should offer
something unique and different, something that provides value to the person
doing the scanning. Otherwise, what’s the point of using a code?

For example, Vizibility.com gives you a QR code that provides instant access to your curated online identity, optional contact information, handpicked online
profiles, and more. It instantly gives your visitors some new and useful
information about you so you can create a strong impression and establish your credibility.

What users should remember is the fact that QR codes are simply a technology that when utilized well can effectively help you in your personal branding campaign, but when used incorrectly, can even end up damaging your brand. It’s not the code that’s important – it’s how you use it to provide value to your visitors.

If you’re not sure where to start, you should consider trying out Vizibility.com,
which is gaining in popularity as an excellent way to rank high and well in the
search engines when people search for your name. For personal brands, signing up for a free version of the site already gives you access to your own SearchMe Button, Link, and unique QR code that you can choose to include on your business cards and other materials you use to promote yourself.

So make sure that your QR codes are working for you, and give your visitors a great experience when they scan your code.  Read the original article. Liked what you read? Get more great info from Maria Elena Duron.

How do you think a QR code would be an asset in your business?
Share your thoughts with us by using the Comment box below. And, if you liked this article, please share it with your online community.

 

Eydie

 

Want your own QR Code? BrilliantMobile.com can accomodate you – along with text marketing and a smartphone ready website.  Use my special code to get a great deal on text marketing. FREE Triat: 100 texts and 100 emails (regularly 10 texts and 10 emails). This deal was created ONLY for me! Use Promo Code: ES100
www.brilliantmobile.com

You’d like to increase your opportunities to network with clients, customers, prospects, power partners, vendors, and even competitors, right?  Sure you do!  As a business owner you should have a solid online marketing plan, which will bring you, increased visibility in order to reach those you wish to network with. Listen close and I’ll tell you about a robust new feature which LinkedIn just added.

LinkedIn recently made some changes to their static, go nowhere Company Pages. Now when you use LinkedIn you can interact with the people who are following you, as well as those companies you follow. Until now, LinkedIn Company Pages have been detached from the rest of the action. Now you can post updates on your Company Page just as you would on your profile.  Your followers can Like, Comment and Share your Company Page status updates about job opportunities, company news and anything else you post.

To activate the new feature you need to be the designated Company Page administrator. From the “Overview” tab on your Company Page, click on the dropdown “Admin Tools” and select “Edit”. In “Edit” mode, select “Designated Users Only” and type in the names of the people who should have Administrative rights. Click “Publish” to save.

Another feature LiinkedIn added was the ability to track status updates. According to LinkedIn, “You will be able to see impressions and engagement on each Company Status Update. An impression = views of the status update. Engagement = total interactions (comments, likes, clicks, shares)/total impressions. This data appears approximately 24 hours after an update is published and will continue to update on a daily basis.” For more detailed information on LinkedIn Company Pages follow this link: http://www.eydiesoffice.com/linkedin-company-guide/

Once you’ve created your Company Page, how are you going to handle it? Let’s take a quick look at some of the ways you can expand your business.

• Your company overview page should clearly contain descriptions about what your business is all about. Who your ideal clients are and how you solve their
  problems.
• Include images, list of key product and service features, and a link to the page on your website. Also, include a link to a special promotion page on your website, and even a YouTube video if you’d like.
• Build your followers by encouraging your employees, vendors, customers and prospects to follow your Company Page.
• Message your LinkedIn connections and fellow group members and ask them to consider following you. Let them know what the benefits are and how you can help them.
• Always provide valuable information, which will help your followers to enrich their businesses or personal lives.
• Engage with the companies you follow and don’t forget to interact with people from companies you follow.
• Monitor the new Analytics feature so you can track visitors to your page. Read more about gathering insights.

Whether you own a mom and pop business or a business with hundreds of employees, it is more than worth your investment of time on LinkedIn. Keeping in mind that LinkedIn is indexed by search engines, it’s a strong force and venue for you to be setting you business apart from your competition and to provide ongoing value to those who are connected to you and who follow you.

Share with me how you are going to use your new LinkedIn Company Page! Use the comment box below.

Eydie

Q. I embarrassed to say that I’ve never used Twitter before. I have so many questions, but the one which is on my mind right now is this. If someone follows me on Twitter, do I have to follow them back? And could you give me some reasons why we wouldn’t want to follow someone? Debra S.

A. There isn’t any written rule that says you must follow those who are following you, Debra. People follow you for a number of different reasons. Some just want to raise their follow numbers and will follow anyone on the planet, and others follow you so they can gain knowledge and insight from you.

Of course, Debra, those who follow you want you to follow them so they can market their products and services to you. Most everyone has something to sell. From the latest get rich quick scheme to miracle age-reversing skin creams, and everything in-between. We all have something to sell, but it’s up to you to decide whether or not you are interested in what your followers have to offer you.

For example, let’s say you own an organic health food store and I’m interested in learning more about organically grown fruits and vegetables, I would want to follow you so I might become better educated in that area. On the other hand, if I sell pet accessories and you don’t own pets, you might not be interested in following me. And that’s okay!

So, go ahead and follow the people who add value, fun and entertainment to your life. They might not follow you back – it’s all part of what makes Twitter quite intriguing.

Now to answer the second part of your question….why we wouldn’t want to follow someone?

Here again, everyone has their own reasons for not following someone on Twitter. To answer your question I did some research online to see what the most common reasons were why people won’t follow someone back.

1. No profile. How would you know if you wanted to follow
   someone if you didn’t know anything about them?
2. No profile picture, along with a full profile, is one
   of the most popular reasons people don’t get followed on Twitter – or even on Facebook and Linkedin.
3. Inappropriate profile photos. Nuff said!
4. The follow number is much higher than the follower
    number. When the numbers are highly off balance people may wonder why there aren’t more followers.
5. Tweets may be boring or irrelevant. They should add value and interest.
6. Only tweeting quotes. Generally this means the tweeter
   has no thoughts of his own. Don’t get me wrong, quotes are great and should be used – but in moderation.
7. Too many self-promoting tweets. Promoting oneself on
   Twitter is okay, just don’t do it in each and every post.
8. Unacceptable/inappropriate subject matter. Again, nuff said!
9. Hogging the Twitter page. Posting 20 updates at one
   time pushes other Tweeters off the page.
10. Twitter is not a dating service. Don’t use it as such.

Here are some good Twitter to do’s:

1. Re-tweet great posts.
2. Respond to Direct Messages sent to you.
3. Offer great information.
4. Engage in conversation.
5. Be helpful and supportive.

My suggestion is to focus on the quality of the people you follow and not the quantity. The size of your list is not the end goal. The end goal is to create relationships and have people see you as someone they can relate to. Remember, people buy from those they know, like and trust!

What suggestions do you have for Debra? Share your suggestions in the comment box  below.

Eydie

When was the last time you purchased an e-mail list? Tell me, how did that work for you?  Over and over again I hear that business owners are STILL purchasing e-mail lists. Purchasing e-mail lists makes you a spammer. Plain and simple!

Why put your reputation and business at risk? Purchasing lists are  truthfully, very ineffective.  You have no idea where those e-mail addresses came from, and how the seller acquired them.  The people on those purchased lists have no idea who you are and have no interest in you or your business – even though you think your business is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

A meager list of interested customers and prospects heavily outweighs a large list of people who couldn’t give a darn about you.  A list built of a permission-based audience will yield you more sales than a list filled with people who will only get irritated and click your e-mail as spam.

Did you know that some E-mail Marketing Service providers flag your account after only a few spam reports?  Imagine having a large list of uninterested recipients and the bulk of them reporting you as spam. Say good-bye to your account….and any credibility you might have had.

Why are you wasting your money, not to mention taking this gamble? You’re business is not a race horse you’re betting on at Del Mar. You’re a legitimate business owner so let’s do this the right way.

1. Place an Opt-In e-mail subscription form on your website.  When someone signs up via the Opt-In form it is recorded as such within your E-mail Service Providers system. Now you have explicit permission to market to them.
2. Add  an Opt-In  link to your one-to-one e-mail signature line. Every e-mail service, whether it’s Ymail, Gmail, AOL, or Outlook, has that feature.
3. Brick and mortar locations have the luxury of placing a guest book or sign-up sheet at their point of sale.
4. Take advantage of social media venues to grow your list. Your Facebook Business Page can host an Opt-In form.
5. Offer incentives, such as a free e-book, to sway subscribers to sign up for your e-mail marketing list.
6. Although not explicit permission, ask new acquaintances you’ve met
   at mixers and other networking events if they’d be agreeable to receiving your e-mails. Make sure you let them know that they can unsubscribe at any time.

I know you don’t want to be a spammer.  So take some time and build your list the right way.

Take the time to be a trusted email sender! What methods do you use to get permission?

Eydie

Branding your business online is as important as any other branding efforts you make off-line. Why would online branding be any different?

That’s what I asked myself the other day when I came across a website that told me conflicting stories.

Initially, it seemed that the website’s primary business focus was the travel industry, but as I cruised around the site I saw pages, articles, and ads for various direct sales products she was involved in. Make-up, kitchen products, and heath & wellness products.

I became very confused.

Was this person a legit travel agent? Was this her passion? Was this even her primary business focus? Was her travel business not doing well? There were a number of questions going through my head. And if I was confused, I’m sure that other prospects were confused as well.

Branding is more than just your logo and your business colors.

It’s about how you are perceived – the communicative stamp you put on your business. What is the emotional connection your clients and prospects feel when they see your name?  When you think of Volvo you think of safety. Volvo does one thing well – and that’s building safe cars. What do you do well? Are you showing that on your website?

When you are promoting multiple businesses on one website you’re not connecting properly with your site visitors.  You’re also not giving prospects that perception that you are doing one thing well. They’re only getting confused as to what it is you do.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have your side-businesses – they’re fun and add additional income, which these days is much needed. But, you need to keep them separate. Brand each one separately.

Be clear about what your focus

Allow visitors to your site to KNOW and CLEARLY understand what it is you do well! Brand your expertise. If you’re a travel agent, let people know that you are the travel guru. If you’re a bookkeeper, show that you are indeed the one to trust. Are you a Virtual Assistant? Brand your knowlege, and excellent customer service.

Don’t confuse visitors to your site by promoting non-related side-businesses. Not only does your brand go out the window, but it’s not professional.

Okay, so what if you’re a health coach – should you promote your health and wellness direct sales products on your coaching website?  I’d say yes, because it complements your primary brand.  I, myself, have affiliate links on my website. They also compliment my site and they support my brand.

Juggling multiple businesses can be tricky.

It has the potential of tripping you up. But keeping your fun side-businesses out of sight on your primary business website will allow your prospects to learn about your brand, and what it is that you do well – the business you excel in and are passionate about.

What’s on YOUR website? Do you agree or disagree with me? I’d love to hear your opinion, so use the comment box below you share your thoughts.

Eydie