Facebook is an excellent tool to add to your small business marketing plan.

A big mistake that many entrepreneurs make when it comes to social media sites like Facebook is the belief that these sites are only useful for large companies that have big brands. In reality Facebook can be a great small business marketing tool for business of all shapes and size.

Right now, Facebook is the most popular social media networking site on the web. According to Facebook’s official fact sheet, there are currently over half a billion active Facebook users, 50% of whom log on to Facebook in any given day. The average Facebook user is connected to 80 community pages, groups and events, and he or she creates 90 pieces of content each month. There are more than 30 billion pieces of content, such as web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc. shared on Facebook each month.

So as you can see, if you’re interested in adding social media to your small business marketing plan, Facebook is quite possibly the best place to get started.

Facebook is a great place to increase trust and authority on the internet. By adding a Facebook business page, it is also a great way to promote your business and connect with customers and prospects on a more personal and accessible level. Not to mention, your business page will give you more opportunities to show up in Facebook search results.

Though there is of course some work associated with creating and keeping up a good Facebook page, it is well worth it in marketing terms. Here are some tips for creating your small business Facebook page.

** Start a Facebook Page for Business
The first thing that you need to do is to create a business page. This is relatively simple and all it involves is visiting the Facebook advertising section, creating a page, and putting up some information about your business. If you want something a little more elaborate, such as a customized landing page for new members, you might need to hire a consultant to help you out. But if the plain Jane version is OK with you, you’ll be able to set up your own page in less than one day.

You can add small business marketing content to your Facebook business page, such as images, press releases, videos, blog posts, and any other relevant information. You will also need accurate contact and website information and a clear overview of what your business does and for whom.

** Start Interacting
Once your page is up and all your information is accurate, the next thing to do is start interacting with your friends. Encourage your Facebook friends to “like” your Facebook business page (this used to be referred to as “becoming a fan”) and to share your page with their friends. You’ll need to post updates every day, which can include promotions, blog posts, and any other relevant company news.

The most important aspect of using Facebook for marketing is the ability to engage with your customers. If they leave comments on your Facebook business page, always reply back. Visit your customers’ Facebook walls and leave comments there also. Create open, back and forth, communication with your customers and prospects, and allow their Facebook friends to interact and experience your customer service also.

** Promote Your Facebook Page
The last step to having a successful Facebook page is letting people know that it exists. You need to spend time promoting your Facebook page to personal contacts and business associates. Be sure to add a widget to your website homepage or blog. If you have a brick and mortar business you may want to hang up a sign asking customers to visit you on Facebook. Add a link to your Facebook page in your email newsletters, in your Yellow Pages ad, in your local newspaper advertisements, etc. You may even consider offering some sort of incentive, such as a special discount or coupon to customers who “like” you on Facebook.

Facebook is a tremendously valuable tool to add to your small business marketing arsenal. A Facebook business page allows you to create community interaction with your customers and prospects and create content that can be shared virally. If you’re looking for an inexpensive tactic to increase your name recognition, consider adding Facebook to your small business marketing plan.