So you say you're still a bit iffy about investing in Facebook's panoply of paid brand offerings (virtual gifts, banner ads, homepage takeovers)? Not to worry: we've done some legwork for you, and turned up some freebies at the site that could actually serve your marketing plan to a "T." Here are a few free Facebook features you may want to give a try:
Fan Pages. Start one, so that lovers of your brand can keep track of your latest campaigns and updates. Updates appear on the newsfeeds of users, so keep your page well-populated with timely and interesting material. These pages are visible to unregistered Facebook users, too, and—best of all—they're indexed by search engines. Score!
Groups. The best thing about Groups is the function's ability to mass-message all members, making it ideal for exclusive discounts/giveaways or event promotions.
Apps. These take a little developer time to build, but here's a good rule-of-thumb when creating an app: be useful. Ask yourself one question: "Would I want to download it?"
Facebook Connect. This is an awesome way to integrate Facebook's social features into your own website. Best of all, you can make it so that user interactions that take place at your URL appear on their friends' newsfeeds. And it's still close to free!
The Po!nt: Bargain-hunt. You don't need to spend a million to lure that many eyes to your label. Find out what free social-media features like these can do for you first.
Check out Facebook Success Stories ($49, FREE for Premium Members) to learn more about these Facebook tools, and how 12 companies have used Facebook to increase reach and awareness, target niche markets, test new products, and forge stronger relationships with customers.
by Christina "CK" Kerley
