For some time now it’s been recommended that you start a Facebook page for your business and/or blog. In fact, many crochet bloggers and businesses start selling crochet on Facebook. This is where a majority of their customers and fan base is. So, what I’m about to recommend might sound a little crazy to you but keep reading, there is a point – I promise.
New to Crochet Business Blog? Start Here
Facebook Diminishes Reach for Fanpages
That was the big headline as 2013 came to a close. Some people panicked, others plotted different routes, and still others decided it was time to invest the money to reach their fans.
Social Triggers blogger Derek Halpern suggests that you DON’T pay for advertising to reach your fans unless it is for sales. You see, people like your page for various reasons-one being your great information. (see Warning: FB Fanpage article)
Here are some statistics about Facebook Likes: (see 7 FB Stats on Bufferapp)
- 35% of Facebook Fans Like a Page to Participate in Contests
- 42% of like a Fan page to get a discount or coupon
Derek says that it’s plain silly to pay for reach on information you give for free. I agree.
Will The Real Fans Please Step Forward
If people like your page for the information you give they are probably real fans. People who like for contests and discounts may be your fans but what happens when you stop giving things away? Is begging your fans to like a post, share a post or comment on post really what you want to spend your time doing?
Paying to boost or advertise to those people is an option plus you can reach the other billions of Facebook users who aren’t your fans with that same sale or new product.
What if you’re marketing budget says NO? What do you do then?
The Exodus Away From Facebook
An online friend just announced to her 10,000 fans that she would be leaving Facebook. Not all together as the page will still be there BUT all updates will be through email only.
Before she announced this I was evaluating whether I would leave too. I like G+ more but don’t want to abandon anyone on FB. But, if my organic (non-paid) reach is so limited should I invest the time at all?
I’m still evaluating all social activity from 2013 but one thing is certain – I’m going to spend more time on Pinterest as that (along with Google organic search) was the top traffic generator for this blog.
Here’s the Thing:
You are a business and as such you need to make the best decision for your customers. You know your fans more than anyone else – would abandoning FB be wise?
No matter what you decide I highly recommend that you start to build your mailing list. This is one of the core things I teach here on Crochet Business Blog.
Social media is still growing and more and more sales are coming from Mobile devices so you still want to keep an eye on that BUT an email list trumps it all. Why?
Social media in all its various forms belongs to someone else. They have ultimate control. Do you really want your only access to YOUR customers dependent on the business decisions of places like Twitter, Facebook, G+, and Instagram?
A couple of things to note: (all are optional)
- Comments are welcome and encouraged
- Visit the FB group and add your post for the day to the pinned post if you’d like to receive at least 2-comments on your post.
- Join the Crochet Business Blogger G+ Community
- Community Event: Crochet Bloggers Comment-a-thon
- Add your blog url to the #31CBBC linky (not the post url) – this will help you identify who is participating
- As you are visiting other bloggers, take note of any similarities you have or complimentary projects/services you have. This is a great time to jot down the blog name and get to know the blogger behind the blog.
- Don’t stress on writing a post each day. A picture with your thoughts, a video, a top 5 list, or simply a quote on why you like crochet all counts as a post.
Liked what you just read? Go ahead and leave a comment below or Share it with your friends on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Google Plus – click those social sharing buttons below.
comments are welcome
Are we connected? Join me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Enter your email below if you’d like me to visit your inbox weekly with tools, resources, tips, and just plain fun.
About Sara Duggan
Sara,
I too have considered pulling away some, as it seems I spend so much time on FB with little result; and yet just recently, I made a few changes, and have seen an increase in my organic reach.
I know that for me, it is time to grow. It is time to have my networking advance my work to a place where IT can actually connect with the right people. I have to learn how to push it into a spotlight, and step back, like the director of a movie. He isn’t standing in the theater telling the audience when to laugh, or when the tissues are needed. The work is done, and the film stands on it’s own merit. I won’t be acting rashly, as I am not there, I need to build a foundation, not a pedestal to stand on first.
Thank you for the thought provoking post this morning. I have more to ponder as I work through my next pattern.
Becky
Grammy’s Creations.
Becky, you are so right in not acting rashly – definitely not something you want to do while building a business. You sound like you have a plan of action and your working toward many goals. Good luck on publishing your pattern this year.
What a great article. I have noticed that gaining fans is not easy. Those fans that I do have on my 2nd page are ones that order and friends of mine. On my other page Simply Stitched by SheriAnne are all fans from contests and such and do nothing for me. I want to spend more time on my blog and gain that way, but I find it hard to do everyday. I have started to offer free patterns and I am seeing a bigger increase in traffic and sales of my other patterns. I enjoyed reading this Sara. Thank you so much for being the resource that you are!!
Sheri, I too want fans to be true fans. It’s fun to do contests and see those numbers grow but if they never return to my page or shop then it is a waste of my marketing time and dollars. For some people who work with brands numbers are important so for them it makes sense.
I’ll email you something that might be able to help you.
I know I spend too much time on Facebook! I’m sad with all the changes. I’ve also be trying out google plus, raverly groups and other social media outlets (like all of them) I think it’s important to reach out to all outlets possible because you’ll find different people use them. Different audiences.
Elisabeth, Yes, your audience is wide spread on everywhere. Changes happen and that’s okay it is their business but I you have one too. How will you stay connected with your fans?
I, too, have been seriously considering leaving Facebook for all the same reasons. I have a very small fan base (129) and maybe 10 interact on a regular basis. The reach has gone up again since I added a store to my page (I’ve only been visible at a couple of local craft fairs) I have more real interaction from Pinterest, G+ and Twitter. Social Media goals for 2014 are to get back to my LinkedIn profile, Behance portfolio, Ravelry, Crochetville, Hookey ~ all of which were severely neglected in 2013 partly because I *was* spending so much time working on Facebook regeneration after their changes…
Thank you for posting this, Sara… I look forward to reading more of your posts ~ very informative & helpful ~ have a fantabulous day!!
Carla Thompson recently wrote…Wrapping Up 2013
Carla, I worked hard on Facebook last year too. It really depends on your business and your fan base. The key is to know whether something is working (financially) for your business or blog and then to have the guts to stop it. When all proof is saying stop and you don’t it is just bad business.
Pinterest will be a good move for many crocheters because of the visual aspect.
I found your blog through a share on facebook…
Tanya, that’s lovely.
I am trying to get into G+ and am working on a newsletter as I type. I am a little unclear on the newsletter thing but I will keep playing. I just made a page on G+ and will give it a go.
Rebecca, which mail program are you using?
Excellent article, Sara. Your point about social media sites belonging to someone else is akin to having a blog on Blogger or WordPress.com. You really aren’t in complete control of your content. Gives me a lot to think about re: my Facebook fan page. I haven’t done one contest or giveaway and have about 420 likes so far. But you are right about the mailing list, something that I’ve neglected. If there is a simple tutorial somewhere on how to develop and maintain a list, I’d love to see it. It has to be simple to implement though because I’m already feeling overwhelmed and the year has barely begun
Patrice, I’ll put one together. I am using a new service for someone and I can’t believe how simple it is. It’s called Mad Mimi. I’ll be covering Mailing lists in week 4 of the challenge.
Sara, I’ve been on Facebook for some time, but it has been an uphill battle. I left for awhile and went full blast into building my blog presence, sharing in sites such as Crochet Pattern Central, StumbleUpon and Twitter, until Craftybegonia began to have an audience. Now, after THAT, people are coming into my FB page without me having to make hardly an effort. I don’t understand it, but I think it has to do with the fact that I advertise so much on Twitter. Anyway, I like Google Plus better, but I would like to learn how to move my audience into my mailing list, many of them have signed up, but not all.
Clotilde/Craftybegonia recently wrote…Sunny-Loo Flowerumi Bear
Clotilde, yes, it is hard work but as you can see because you personally built your audience your audience seeks you out. They aren’t reliant on what FB chooses to let them see. Simple reminders on social media will help – like “Did you know I have a _____ update list? Join in the fun”.
Hey Sara!
What a great article. I completely agree with your assessment that we need to be building lists because they are the lifeblood of our businesses. No matter where we go we can carry that list. However, I am on several social media outlets and I find that each one has it’s own “flavor” and has it’s own reason for being.
I look around and see so many “doing” Facebook in a way that isn’t helpful to them or their audience and yet feeling like Facebook is shutting them out. Facebook is trying to deliver quality content to its audience so the audience remains on FB. Yes, trying to grow organically on Facebook is tough. Yes, it takes a lot of work, but it’s worth the time and effort to truly connect with your audience and be able to get their input on SOOOO many things. NO OTHER platform has what Facebook has in it’s reach, it’s analytics and it’s opportunity for low cost advertisement to REACH those genuinely interested in your business and what you offer.
I am all for learning and using many platforms, but I would strongly caution anyone moving away from a platform that works simply because of the time, money or effort needed to make it work well for your needs. If you are moving to another platform because it works best for your needs GREAT! But, if you are moving because you don’t want to pay money or any other reason that isn’t need or business based, I would caution. . . . Look at what the big brands that are successful with Social Media do, they are your best gauge as to what is working and where you should likely put your shingle and your money.
BTW – I COMPLETELY agree about contests! I’ve decided that in 2014 contests will not be part of my gaining new fans, CONTENT will!
Sedruola Maruska recently wrote…How to read a crochet chart – Part II
Sedie, thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this. True, that hard work and time will build your authentic audience on Facebook but I feel that is the case over any platform. The point is and should always be Your customers – what is serving them the best? If that is Facebook, stay. Also, it fair to note that just because something changes doesn’t mean it is a bad thing.
Sponsored posts will be retired and so your ultimate plan for FB needs to be re-evaluated if this was part of your marketing over there.
Facebook (and all social media) spend large amounts of money to find out what their audience wants. This brings about change for the good. A good business will watch the after effects of the change and adjust accordingly.
Your point on watching big business and how they use Facebook is important. I know you follow Sandi Krakowski who is a very big social media influencer. One thing about her is her focus on her audience. She adjusts to their needs and what they want. She also utilizes groups to be more focused and involved which like Debi said earlier, is a way to connect with your fans.
Wishing you great things in 2014 – Dream Big and Fly.
Good article.
It’s only a matter of time before google turns to advertising. Thankfully for now it’s free. (When I signed up for a business page I was warned, it’s free now, BUT that could change.)
Building a mailing list is very important, but again, most options are not free. Mail Chimp and Target hero offer free until 2000 or 5000 subscribers but then like everything you have to pay. To handle a lot of subscribers you will need some sort of management system over them.
One of the best ways to use social media, mainly facebook (& G+) is by using groups/communities. It’s free and drives some good traffic.
Debi, Yes, that is something to note about Free. Anything that is free will have limits and that includes free mailing autoresponder lists. My community isn’t quite at 2,000 but it is getting close. Sometimes those price jumps are huge too.
I like facebook groups for more intimate conversations. There is one for this challenge and it’s like meeting with friends. I think that limiting membership is a must or it will be impossible to manage.
I think I recall that message – (free now but it can change) which is always the case.
Lovely of you to stop by.