Updated November, 2011
Use Facebook search to help you identify people and other businesses that might be interested in your Facebook business page. Let’s look at how you can find them to tap into this rich vein of conversations related to your niche.
How To Use Facebook Search
When you type keywords into the search box, you are shown a list of results. (See first screenshot above.)
The Facebook search box works differently from a Google search. The most important tip after you type in your keywords in Facebook: DON’T hit enter. Why not? Because if you do, Facebook will return only the top search result. It’s the Google equivalent of the link I’m Feeling Lucky. You MUST use the magnifying glass icon to get a list of results.
In the screenshot at top, I typed in the keyword phrase “cake baking,” thinking of Zanda Panda, a business that makes silicone cake molds. This search gives people, pages, places, groups and apps using that keyword phrase.
You can filter your search results and narrow the results by clicking on one of the links at left. (See screenshot above using the Pages filter.) If you want to find people with “cake baking” in their profiles, you would click the People link.
Participate in Facebook Groups and Other Pages Related to Your Business Page
To listen to conversations in your niche, explore the related Pages and Groups in your search. Check out various pages in your niche and Like some. Comment on their pages as your page.
Think of Groups as a good place to learn, network and make new friends. That’s what Facebook is all about, even for businesses. Maybe pick one or two with larger memberships to join.
How to Listen and Contribute
Decide who in your business will take responsibility for Facebook, and how much time they will spend on it. Set parameters.
Have that person stop by those pages and groups regularly. They should not sell or be overt about business interests. Think contribution, not promotion. They should listen at first, then start to answer questions, provide resources, and help others to achieve their goals. This activity may well cause people to want to learn more about that person and your business. If the groups are well chosen, this person’s involvement will help your business better understand your niche and its pain points.
Facebook Business Basics
See also all 15 posts in the Facebook Business Basics series
And see examples of Facebook business pages, or add yours, to our FB Business Pages Directory
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