So you have a storefront, or you've been handing out catalogs, or maybe you have a web page! That's great! But did you know one of the most important ways to get new customers today is through social media? Social media is taking the marketing world by storm. You don't have to buy ads in magazines anymore to make a splash. Social media has opened the door to literally millions of opportunities and ways to connect with your existing customers, find new customers, and market your products. Even spending twenty minutes a day on facebook can make a big impact on your business success. 

Why Should I Use Facebook? Is it Really That Great? Good question. A lot of people think about facebook and think personal. Sure, facebook is cool for my personal life, but what does that have to do with my business? Or, you get nervous. "I don't want to scare away all my friends and family by constantly advertising!" Good point. In fact, one of the awesome things about social media is that it isn't about just advertising. In fact, the best companies only do product promotions in 10% of their social media marketing. 90% is just engagement and providing useful information to the audience. 

So let's go over the 5 reasons you should use facebook for your business.

Reason #1 - Facebook gives you a HUGE audience Facebook has over 1.15 billion users! Out of those users, 700 million check facebook EVERY day. Facebook offers up to 2 billion connections between local businesses and prospects. In fact, 70% of facebook users are connected to at least one local business. If you use facebook properly you can exponentially increase your market, your audience, and your sales.

Reason #2 - Facebook lets you network 50% of all facebook users are likely to follow a friend's recommendation when buying a new product. If you can create a company facebook page then your customers and friends can leave reviews, testimonials, and spread the word with their friends about how they like your products! You can offer promotions or giveaways to people who spread the word about your company as a way to get the word out there.

Reason #3 - Facebook Builds Trust in a Company Facebook feels more personal than a company web page. You can directly interact with your customers all day, any day through your facebook page. 82% of buyers say they trust a company more when its CEO or leadership team are active on social media like facebook. 

Reason #4 - Facebook Saves Time (and Postage!) No more mailing out catalogs or knocking on doors. No more sitting in your shop waiting for someone to walk in. Keep your laptop open and your phone on! You can attract customers anytime you have a free minute. Use African products and take pictures to show your customers the benefits! Talk about how great your house smells because of the oils you're burning! Take a selfie wearing African jewelry and post it on your page! Ask your customers what they'd like to get for Christmas this year. Give advice to other small businesses like yours. There are so many ways to connect and show that you're not just a nameless, faceless business - you are a person who cares! People will want to know where you got that necklace you're wearing, how your acne improved because you used tea tree oil, or how they can make their house smell like heaven on earth!

Reason #5 - Facebook Ads Are Effective Did you know facebook ads are 1,000x more targeted than print ads? And they're cheaper! You can test out a facebook ad for as little as $1 - and you can customize the audience you want it to reach! Say you want to advertise Shea Butter. Make your ad (a picture, a link, a tip, etc,.) choose your target audience (the country, state, interests, likes), connect your paypal account or your credit card number and you're set! You can watch your views go up and your sales increase.

 In Conclusion I hope that this post has helped you to decide whether or not to use facebook for your business! We wish you all the success in the world. Have a question or comment? Talk to us! You can leave a comment here or you can call us at 1-800-500-6120. We'd love to hear from you!