Assuming people go to your fan page versus reading your posts in their news stream.
Stop for a minute and think about the fan pages you have "liked". I am willing to bet that the majority of them you visited one time - the time that you "liked" it - and then never again. This is true of most people. Generally people read their news feed and that is all. Look at this nifty graphic to see how what I'm talking about:
- You need to post to your fan page often so people don't forget you. I like watching Project Runway and I "liked" the fan page which I've been to once, so now I get constant reminders about the show. Even when the show isn't currently airing I get posts about Project Runway. This is good marketing.
- You can't expect that all your fans read your post. If you have something important, post it several times. Get creative with how you post it so you don't sound redundant, but you must say it more than once.
- Fans who go to your fan page often are probably stalking you. I'm just kidding. But sort of not since very few people repeat visit a fan page without good reason.
A more interactive way to use Facebook is to set up a Group. All members of groups get notification whenever someone posts and, if you're in a good group, members are much more likely to interact.
Do you have a fan page? Does this information change the way you plan on using your fan page?
23 comments:
Thanks for the tips. I've got a Fan Page, but I hardly use it - it was initially a platform to post stuff that I didn't blog about, but it's kind of fallen to the way side. I shall have to reinvigorate my strategy. Thanks.
Hi Laura! I've been away and I'm catching up on your lovely blog. You're right about fan pages. I have one, people have liked it and I now ignore it tsk tsk...time to change (again). Hope you're feeling better!
I'm not even on Facebook.
I don't have one, yet, but this is fascinating info. Thanks, Laura!
I just use fb for personal connections, but this is so useful for future reference. Do I insinuate that I will have fans soon?
Well, not soon. someday, maybe!
I'm so gad you posted this because this is exactly what I always think about FB and why I started a blog! If I post on FB, only a few people who might happen to be on at the moment I post or very soon after are likely to see it! Except for those few people who have so few friends and liked pages that the posts don't drop away so fast :) I like groups but am not sure how I might use one for the purpose of fans...?
This is very timely for me as I just published my Author page yesterday! I've already noticed far less interaction there than on my personal page, Twitter, etc. And especially not as much as the groups I am a part of on FB.
I'm going to use the page primarily as a way to share a lot of writing information, posts, etc. that I wouldn't want to bog my personal friends and family with. But I don't ever think "fan" pages have as much interaction as personal ones. However, I do think they give the illusion of "officialness" if that is a word...
Hi Laura. I think I have a fan page, but I don't even know why I have it. When I first started blogging I was getting advice everywhere I could and the majority of people I talked to or articles I read urged me to join twitter and have a fb fan page. I barely have a handle on blogging. I basically use Facebook for personal contact and to keep tabs on my teenagers (who think they need to inform the world every time they brush their teeth, eat a meal or have an argument with a friend or boyfriend)
Thanks for sharing the useful information. You are definitely my "go to" girl for anything about blogging, social media and marketing.
Yes, I have an author page (I guess that's the same as a fan page), in place for whenever my book comes out. It's good advice to post things there--I'd just figured that out recently. But a lot of times, I post and no one responds. Could be no one's interested in the posts/updates? Not sure. When I get some REAL book news, maybe the page will get more action. What I'd like to know is how to get people I don't know to Like and stay on my author page rather than my personal page. I'd like to keep my personal account just to friends and relatives who I already know. When they send a request, maybe I can respond and tell them? Not sure if that would be rude...
I have a fan page and don't really advertise it. I prefer it this way as the people who do find it are genuinely looking for it. I'd much rather have the numbers of 'likes' slowly increase so long as they are actual readers of my work who've enjoyed it : ) The stats I get from facebook are promising, but as with most things I'd suggest ignoring most the stats and doing it anyway. It's easy enough to link your blog to it so you update it automatically :)
Damsel in a Dirty Dress
I set up a fan page under the name of my blog rather than my own name. Then I set up my blog so that new posts are sent immediately to my fan page and twitter, so whoever liked my page or follows me on twitter gets each post. That's all I use the fan page for.
That is so true; I don't have a fan page myself (yet), however I rarely, if ever, re-visit fan pages unless it's someone I know personally. However I am still kept up-to-date on happenings when a fan pages re-posts a lot.
Sometimes it takes awhile to figure out how you're going to use your social media. That's actually a good reason to play with it before you're pub'd. So, take your time. You'll figure it out :)
I am feeling better, thanks for asking. RSS Grafitti is a good way to keep your fan page updated without having to put much effort. Look on my labels for a link about how those work if you don't use them already. Thanks for commenting!
You make me laugh :) Not because you aren't on Facebook, but because you declare it so proudly. LOL. Good for you!
I don't have one yet either. Still figuring out what I'm going to do with it when I do. Glad to share my considerations with others :)
I'm right there with you! I also do not have an FB page. But I'm hoping one day it will be necessary :)
I'm not sure yet on how to use a group page for your benefit yet either. Maybe an extension of your picture book posts? Maybe everyone who posts picture book crits could be invited to post on the group page so that all your posts will be together in one place. Just a thought :)
Fan pages are almost advertisements. They keep you on other people's mind - even if its just in the periphery. I don't think it means they are ineffective, though, just because they aren't always interactive. I'm not sure yet. It will be interesting as we sort it all out.
Thanks for naming me your "go to" girl! That's such a compliment :)
I don't think we all need to do every social media tool available. And, personally, I think fan pages are best for after you got a book deal. But it is good to have a chance to "practice" and know what the commitment level is going to be before you get to that point.
I don't think that's rude. I've had people say that to me before. The problem is, people who want to interact with you on FB usually want to know you personally. The more successful you get, the more this will be true. Think about it - do you want to be a fan of JK Rowling or her friend? So at some point you might need to decide when you just ignore friend requests. It's tricky, but you'll get there.
And I don't really think interaction is necessary with your fan page. I think you'll get a lot more action when you have your book out. It would help to have an RSS feed of all your other social media (blog and twitter) to your author page. Do you have that?
That seems to be the way fan pages work best. As advertisements. You have to put your message out there and hope people think about it.
Thanks for commenting!
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