Discover How Facebook Can Snowball Traffic to Your Website
Facebook. I hear that word everywhere now: on the radio, on television, and even in conversations while I’m standing in line at the grocery store. Facebook seems to be taking over the world…and judging by the numbers, that statement isn’t that far off.
- Over 300 million active users (that’s one for each U.S. citizen!)
- An Alexa ranking of 2, just behind Google.
- The fastest growing demographic is people age 35 and older.
- People spend an average of 20 minutes a day on Facebook.
A couple of notable points here:
- That’s a LOT of people. A lot.
- The fastest growing demographic (35 years and older), is probably the same demographic that has and is spending the most money.
- Guess what the average time people spend on a given website is…10 seconds. Facebook: 20 minutes.
Ridiculous numbers. Ridiculous.
I guess this is why we’re seeing more and more companies today ditch the website address on commercials and are putting in their Facebook addresses instead. It makes perfect sense, and it’s a sign that we should be doing the same thing.
How Facebook can Snowball Traffic to Your Website
I’ve been doing a little research with Facebook and how it can be used as a promotional platform, and what I found out wasn’t necessarily “new” to me, but seeing how Facebook could work from a marketing perspective really opened my eyes, and was the reason why I started the Smart Passive Income Fan Page.
First of all, it should be pointed out that you can’t use Facebook to sell or promote anything directly to your fans. Well, let me correct myself. You can directly sell stuff to your fans, but you shouldn’t. In fact, the Facebook Terms of Service as of October 12, 2009 says you are indeed allowed to directly promote and sell products to your fans (of a Facebook Page, not a Facebook Personal Profile), but my point is that if you go into Facebook hoping to hard sell your eBook or whatever it is you have for sale, you’re going to upset most (if not all) of your fans, you’re not going to convert very well, and you’ll just end up wasting your time.
The idea is that the Facebook platform allows you to directly connect and interact with people who are interested in you and what you have to say. It’s all about establishing that relationship and gaining people’s trust, which is probably the most important asset in any online business today. If someone asks you a question via Facebook and you answer back, that person is more likely to do business with you in the future. It’s in the same realm as Twitter as far as how it should be used, but Facebook has a lot more features, obviously.
Phil’s Fly Fishing
To get an idea of how powerful Facebook can be for a blog or website, let’s make one up for fun. Meet Phil.
Phil loves to go fly fishing. Actually, he loves it so much, he created a website, philsflyfishing.com, where he talks about fly fishing in North America and sells some gear too. To promote his website, Phil decided to create a Facebook fan page.
Phil setup a free fanpage (I’ll show you how to do this in a video later), and named it Phil’s Fly Fishing Fan Page. He inserted some company information, a link to the website, and uploaded a few photos just for fun. At this time, Phil has zero fans.
Phil wrote a new blog post about Brown Trout and included a paragraph at the bottom explaining that he created a Page on Facebook and he would love everyone to become a fan. The next day, Phil has 5 fans.
When Bob became a fan of Phil’s Fly Fishing Fan Page, a notification was sent to all of Bob’s friends that he became a fan of Phil’s Fly Fishing Fan Page. Since Bob is a fly fisherman, many of Bob’s friends were fly fishing enthusiasts too. When they saw that Bob became a fan of Phil’s Fly Fishing Fan Page, they clicked on the link and became fans too. Two days later, Phil has 15 fans.
When Joe, Bob’s friend, became a fan too, a notification was sent to all of Joe’s friends…and so on and so forth. This could go on forever, but I’ll keep this part short. Because of the notifications that are automatically sent out, fan pages can go “viral” fairly easily. In addition, if you’re in a specialized niche, you’re more likely to find a string of people interested in the topic just from this process. Let’s say that Phil now has 25 fans.
Some more cool stuff…
Phil’s been updating his Facebook Page with some really interesting material. For example, he posted a link to the biggest fish ever caught on a fly fishing setup, and a notification was sent to all 25 of his fans with the link. Sam, another one of Phil’s fans, commented on the link saying something like, “That was the biggest fish I’ve ever seen! Thanks for the link Phil!”.
Now, all of Sam’s friends get a notification that Sam commented on Phil’s link, and the whole “viral-like” goes into effect once again. Some of Sam’s friends notice his interesting comment, and make their way to Phil’s fan page. Phil now has 35 fans.
And even more cool stuff…
Bob, one of Phil’s first fans, is actually headed to Canada for a vacation. On Phil’s Fan Page, he asks, “Phil, I’m headed to Canada next week, do you know any good spots near Ontario to go fly fishing?”
Phil responds with, “Hey Bob, I actually have an entire section on my blog about Fly Fishing in Canada, check out this link here. Have fun!”
When Phil does this, not only do the rest of Phil’s fans get a notification of the response, but they get the link to blog as well. Some of them actually find he’s selling gear, and make a few purchases at the same time. Nice.
Getting even more ULTRA targeted fans…
Phil decides to actively search for fans of his Facebook page. He creates an advertisement like the one below:
He also makes sure this ad gets shown to EXACTLY to who he wants. He knows that most of his customers are over the age of 50, male, and in the U.S. and in Canada. So that’s exactly who he targets:
Oh yeah, and he targeted people who have fly fishing in their profile. How ninja is that? He set the bid price to $0.30, which means that every time someone clicks on that ad, which get’s shown to males over the age of 50 who like flyfishing, he will pay $0.30.
After a week, his ad was shown 113,890 times and clicked 370 times, which means Phil spent $111.00. Phil now has 462 fans. (Don’t forget – those fans notify their friends when they become a fan.)
So he has 462 fans. What’s the point?
How Can Phil Leverage his Facebook Fans for Business?
One day, Phil decides to offer a promotion for some of the gear on his website. He updates his fan page status with the following:
He could take it even further and say the discount is JUST for the fans on Facebook. They’ll feel special, and if any fans comment, their friends will get notified and possibly see the deal too.
Conclusion
I hope you can see how powerful Facebook is.
Phil’s goal was to eventually make sales by first establishing a relationship and a fan base for his website first.
For me and my Facebook Fan page, my goal is to connect with as many people as possible, funnel them here to my blog and subscribe for more content. As you know, I’m not currently selling or actively promoting any products, which makes it even better because I think people know I’m in this to help people.
I’ll be creating some videos about how to exactly create a Facebook Fan page and even a highly targeted ad to go along with it, so make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’re interested in that, since I will probably not be putting that content here on the blog, at least right away.
It’s up to you if you’d like to create a Fan Page for yourself. I just wanted to illustrate exactly why you might want to do this in case you were wondering. Cheers!
photo courtesy of allriversguideservice.com
Posted on : October 12th, 2009
Related posts:
- How to Boost Blog and Website Traffic with Article Marketing
- THE Blogger’s Guide to Facebook
- Promoting with a Facebook Fan Page – Revisited
- Cold Selling Sucks – 5 Ways to Build a Relationship With Your Traffic
- How Well Can You Describe Your Website in Just Three Words?
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41 Comments (Click Here to Leave a Comment Below)
I couldn’t agree more! I use facebook regularly to drive traffic to my blog & website and it really works. I haven’t done anything with paid ads yet, but it sounds intriguing.
good stuff, Pat. I’m looking to incorporate facebook too.
I was always skeptical about Facebook though. how do you separate business and personal. In your case it is ok, because you are the brand. but sometimes, your customers might not be interested in seeing pictures of your vacation to Barbados partying.
Hi James, that’s an excellent question.
How I handle that is actually by creating the Fan Page, which is totally separate from your personal profile. You can create a fan page for your own name, or for a company, website, band, group, charity, etc. that you own.
For example, I have a personal Facebook account with about 650 friends, mainly from College and High School. I thought about just using that account for my business, but I decided to create a Fan Page instead in addition to my Personal name because I could then give my friends the option to follow me and that aspect of what I do if they wanted to. Of course, most aren’t that interested, so I feel more comfortable putting links and helpful online business articles only on the Fan Page. Hope that helps
Have you thought about creating a Facebook Group, with the actual “Smart Passive Income” brand LOGO (like the header of this blog)?…..
….I know that you had basically just wanted to brand yourself with the black and white picture…I think that works significantly in gaining trust….but, you could create a Facebook Group, and use it in conjunction with your Facebook Page….each has Pros- and Cons-….but, when used in conjunction you can fill in alot of “gaps” with potential communication…and, essentially “corner” users/web traffic….into even greater exposure to your message…
I know “corner” sounds violent….lol….but, the truth is, Facebook Pages are great, but they are limited in how you actually communicate….those who are really interested in hearing what you have to say, can join your Group….
Unfortunately, Group’s can only currently mass email until they reach 5,000 members, then that functionality is withdrawn (so it’s helpful to keep your group under 5,000 of the most dedicate and passionate users…)…who will retweet your posts, etc…
Another benefit of Facebook Groups is that, unlike pages, Facebook Group allow mass emailing…yep…that means your messages go strait to Facebook users’ inboxes, just like they were getting an email from a friend….
Unfortunately, Facebook Pages, I believe only allow for “Updates”……which is a different “mode” of message delivery entirely (People WILL get your Facebook group messages….honestly, I can’t remember the last time I read an update from a Facebook page)……
I would really consider using them in conjunction…but, use your Page to brand yourself, and encourage the most passionate users of your page to join your Group, branded by your LOGO….
hm….Facebook’s platform has really transformed (several times) in even just the last year or two….so, I forgot that, with Facebook Pages, you can still inject those updates into your fans’ newsfeeds…that is a great way to maintain communication/seek feedback….
…I’d definitely consider taking it to another level with Facebook Groups, as well….the ability to have direct access to someone’s inbox can show an even greater level of trust….I’m suddenly thinking of Seth Godin’s “Permission Marketing”….people will not only join your group, but they’ll actually be ready and willing (and acceptant) to read your message that is sent to their inbox…. (I know I’d read them)…..
So…your group would have at least one member
lol
Howie, check out this article about groups vs. fan pages. I think you’ll find it useful:
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/facebook-group-vs-facebook-fan-page-whats-better/7761/
Pat, I love the detail in this article. I haven’t created an facebook fan page yet. I can’t wait to see the video on how to create one.
Awesome article Pat!…Your presentation was outstanding…
I’ve written a ton of articles, about my experience using Facebook, on the Info Barrel platform….
…I have roughly 10 or so of my Facebook articles linked directly from my Top-ranked Squidoo lens called “My Facebook Experience”….
http://www.squidoo.com/my_facebook_experience
It’s right up the alley of what you talk about in this article….
I’m sure it has changed, but, back in 2008, I recall Mark Zuckerburg (the Guy who created Facebook)….talking about the growth of Facebook….if I recall correctly, he said that Facebook was growing by roughly 70,000 new users per week (yep…Per WEEK)….wow….
Pat,
Thanks for the reminder of the power of Face Book. I just recently started a Fan Page, that is coincidentally about fly fishing (flyfishingreporter.com) to help drive traffic to my website (same name) but I’m not sure I did it right as I can’t seem to access the page from my personal profile. I’d like to sent it up so I can publish my RSS feed from my website to the Fan Page.
If you could address this in your video or by way of a reply to this comment I’d really appreciate it.
Love your blog by the way – good stuff.
Whoa, that’s ironic! I’m learning how to do put an RSS feed into the Fan Page right now, so I’ll definitely create a video once I figure it out. Thanks!
Great thanks!
p.s. Do you fly fish?
Actually, no I don’t. I do love to go deep sea fishing though.
Hey Pat…if you don’t mind me asking…was your blog created with a WordPress template as the starting point …..or did your designer customize it 100% free-hand…?
Hey Howie, this blog was made from scratch. It used to be a two column theme (which I actually might go back to because things were a little more organized), but it was later redesigned to what it is now.
When you began working with Vision Master Designs, if you don’t mind me asking, how did the process move forward? Did you just email him? Meet on a forum?….
Now that my blog’s Logo is nearing completion, I’ve been contemplating my next step….it’s a little intimidating with a million and 1 different WordPress themes/designers to choose from…I had initially wanted to do the coding “in-house”…I bought book after book about XHTML and CSS…..
….and, one last thing…hm…I know it may be personal to say exactly how much you paid….but, is $500-$1,000 reasonable for a custom design?….
I have read so many awesome things about THIS wordpress theme….
http://diythemes.com/
ever hear about it? It actually taughts itself more as an “SEO optimized framework” rather than just a “WordPress” theme…
Hey Howie,
When I began working with Michael from VMD, I actually found him on elance.com. He was a reasonably low bidder for the project I posted (not the LOWEST bidder), and so after I awarded him the project, we basically spoke via email, and then migrated to gmail chat because it was real time. I gave him examples of websites I liked and features I liked from each, and he basically did the rest. We chatted every few days to see the progress, and eventually it was done.
As far as the DIYTheme you’re talking about, “Thesis” is the name of the actual theme, and I have indeed purchased it before. It’s good, and comes with many features, but everyone and their mom has it. It’s up to you though. Hope that helps!
Is that the theme you currently use, for this blog, Pat?….have you had experience using several different themes….? do you have a favorite? (I’m guessing…your current one?) lol
Hey Pat,
Have you ever had difficulty contacting Michael from VMD? I’ve been using the “Hello” email address on his website, and it doesn’t appear to be working……I sent him an email 2 weeks ago, and again this week, and no response…
hm…love his work and thought he might be a great person to work with…
Hmm…that’s weird. You can try contacting him via twitter. His username is @rowoot.
Pat, I have to admit that I almost didn’t read this post. Then I reconsidered because I realized that I usually learn something from you, and tonight was no exception. You’re a talented teacher, and I believe that is your greatest strength. Keep up the good work!
Heya Pat!
Awesome post!
I’m your 100th fan as you pointed out 
I’ve never really gotten into the paid advertising on facebook but I know the potential is huge with so many members!
One question I have :
Is it better to create a fan page for your site or product, or is it better to have a group and why ?
Cheers
Diggy
Great question, Diggy. Here’s your answer right here:
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/facebook-group-vs-facebook-fan-page-whats-better/7761/
Hey Pat! Interesting and useful post as always. I’ve been looking into facebook for a little while now trying to find the best way to approach it with my content. After reading your post today and some additional readings I did prior to this, I would have to say that going with a fan page is a excellent way to reach more people with my content. Best of all – it’s free to setup!
Hey Steve, you definitely can’t beat the price
Pat, awesome article! I am proud to be among your early FB fans
And I will definitely be setting up my own FB Fan Page soon for Engaged Marriage. I agree with your statement above that it is important to keep your business FB activity separate from your personal stuff, so your friends don’t think you are some kind of spammer!
Great post, Pat. I’ve been thinking of doing this for a while with a couple of my websites and I think this post and just given me a shove forward. Thanks!
Hey Pat,
I see that a different design company created your “Green Exam Academy” blog/website (Blazer Six, Inc.)…..do you like them better than what Vision Master Designs did? (I think they both did a GREAT job…)….
Was there pricing/ the design process alot different?
Howie
Howie, pricing was extremely different. For this blog, it was about $200. For Green Exam, it was pushing $1k. Design process was the same, but the other blog has a lot more features and javascript type stuff going on that isn’t done here.
I love your example fan page.
Facebook is so viral, it’s amazing, I agree! I have made a fan page before but it hasn’t reached out to very many people yet. So I’m hoping one day it will.
never thought about using facebook before
thanks for advices man
i love ya post
Thanks a whole lot…
that was an interesting and very detailed article.
I like it! My partner and I were debating whether or not to create and maintain a facebook page for our website. I can see how it can increase the traffic, very cool.
We have a separate blog where we post all of our material but could we simply use facebook as an extension of the blog? Meaning, once we add a new post to our blog can we simply copy paste it to facebook?
That’s definitely something you can do, and is actually done quite often. You can even install certain applications that will pull an RSS feed and place it on your facebook page so it can all be done automatically.
In order for facebook to be successful for businesses, you will have to go in and interact with your fans every once and a while, and possibly give them content they cannot get on the website as well, so they get something out of becoming a fan =)
Awesome post! I’ve actually asked friends/followers if they’d like me to keep my social media accounts only “business” and they’ve told me they love my friendly, non-business posts and links to be scattered all throughout my other more freelance-related posts, so I’m continuing on as I have been.
I think you just helped us finalize our Facebook Fan page strategy. We were looking for a good method to keep things personable and professional at the same time. Facebook can be tricky when it comes to mixing business and pleasure.
Perfect explanation and a perfect resource this web site!
I’ve been on Facebook for a while now, but until now I had no clue what it is good for and how I can use it to promote my site. Noone before you was able to write an article I could really understand….
Keep up the good work! You are my inspiration for my future (business) development
Thanks!
I love Facebook adds. Even though I haven’t got much to sell, I’ve used them a few times just to put a word out. It is so easy to target, that even with the smallest budget, you know you aren’t wasting a cent you aren’t prepared to, and each pair of eye balls that see your add is exactly what you’re looking for – provided they’re not add-blind… But anyway, if you pay for clicks instead of impressions it doesn’t really matter if they pay attention or not.
I also love pages, I’ve got a few of them, even one for my favourite Ken-doll, who already has 12 fans.
The beauty of Facebook is exactly the fact that people hang out with people who are interested in the same stuff. Sure there’s a lot of ex-school friends who have nothing incommon with you, but if you would like to get the word out that your village cinema is turning 50 years and has a party, Facebook would be pretty good tool to let everyone you knew back home know about it. It’s brilliant really.
Btw, I found this page through Facebook add.
Really enjoy the idea. Hope fishing stuff info may assist someone fishing better.
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