WILL YOU BE MY FRIEND???

Here we are, back in elementary school, asking others if they will be friends with us.  We do whatever we can to encourage others to like us.

Inviting new followers to your business Facebook page requires a strategic approach that combines engaging content, audience targeting, and networking efforts. By following these steps, you can steadily grow your Facebook following, ultimately increasing your brand's online presence and potential for business success.  What's the easiest way to gain new friends?  Ask them to like you!

Start With Your Email Clients

What's better than a Target Customer????  An actual Customer!  Your email list is your gold mine.  The names on your list ARE your customers.  You've worked hard to develop the list over time.  You have many loyal customers on your list.  Don't assume that they already follow you on Facebook.  Some do.  Others do not.

Craft an email to your existing list, asking for their support by following your Facebook (and other social media) page.  You might want to think about compelling reasons to follow your page, such as Facebook-only promotions and campaigns, new product announcements that are not sent via email, first notice of classes and events, Facebook Live events, and, don't forget, Facebook freebies (like free pattern downloads, recipes, and tips).  

I think it goes without saying, but just in case, I'll say it anyway.  In your email, be sure to include a hyperlink to your Facebook page (and any other social media accounts you want to invite them to).  I've even included picture steps on "how to set up Following Settings," encouraging customers to select "Favorites" in their News Feed.

Craft a Crafty Post

Facebook doesn't like us to come right out and say it, "Please Follow Us."  So you have to be a little more crafty with your language.  Take some time to consider a campaign or promotion that you will offer only on Facebook.  Then announce the campaign using language like "be sure to get updates by following us on Facebook."  I've even created posts that encourage followers to adjust their settings to includes us in their Following Favorites (see image above).

Do NOT include language like, "we're trying to increase our followers."  Facebook frowns on that kind of language, and the FB auto bots will reduce the reach of this type of post.

You can, however, THANK your loyal followers, which subliminally encourages others to become loyal followers.  I often use a Facebook Freebie to thank my loyal followers.

I also like to publicly celebrate my Facebook milestones, which also subliminally encourages new followers.

Personally Invite New Followers

On the surface, this might seem like the most time consuming tip. But actually, Facebook make this the easiest way to organically grow your business page.  

As potential customers interact with your posts, Facebook keeps track of those who are already followers and those who are not.  And Facebook provides you with tools to invite those who have not already followed your page to do so.  You just have to push a button.  Wow, can it be that easy?  YES!  Yet many businesses do not take the time to invite new followers using the easy button.

You can invite new followers from your Professional Dashboard or from Meta Business Suite.  For the purpose of this blog, I'm going to show you how to invite through Meta Business Suite on your desk top or laptop.  Start out by clicking on the HOME icon.  Scroll down to "Grow Your Audience."

See the button that says "Send Invites"?  Click it.  It will bring up a list of individuals who have reacted to your posts.  You can easily select the whole group by clicking the type of reaction you want to include (hint, include them all).  It's that easy.

You can also use Meta Business Suite on your phone, using the Explore button to send invites. It's just that easy.

Personally Invite New Followers

How often should you Invite New Followers?  At least, DAILY.  Remember, the reason they are on this list is because they have reacted to, commented on or shared one of your posts.  You want to send them an invite while the post is still fresh in their memory. If they remember your post, they will be more inclined to respond positively to your invite.  

If you wait days, weeks or months, they may have forgotten the post, and probably won't remember that you were the originator of the post.

If you really want to get aggressive with inviting new followers, you can check to see if new follower invites are available each time your reply to comments (which should be several times per day.)

Before inviting new followers, ensure that your Facebook page is appealing and engaging. This includes having a professional profile picture and cover photo, a detailed "About" section, and relevant posts that showcase your brand's personality and values. A well-maintained page is more likely to attract potential followers.

Growing your page organically is easy.  You've just got to ask people to be your friends.  And don't forget to use the "Easy" button (Send Invites) through Meta Business Suite.

Join our Social Media Facebook Group

Did you find this tip helpful?  Join our Social Media Facebook Group to stay up to date on social media trends and helpful hints.

Looking to refine and grow your Facebook page?  I offer two coaching groups to assist you in extending your business model through social media.  Facebook Beginners Bootcamp for those who are new to Facebook, and Facebook Success Formula for those who are ready grow their online business with strategic posting strategies and schedules.

New groups form EVERY month.  Don't see a day/time that works for you?  Email me, and I'll work to set up a schedule that best meets your needs.

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