Facebook Fit: Making Business Stronger

The Facebook Fit tour swept the nation this summer with the slogan "Making Your Business Stronger" and aimed to equip small businesses across the country with the tools necessary to grow via Facebook. These sold out events were held in Miami, New York and Chicago before heading to Austin where two members of the Blue Sky Marketing team had a chance to spend the day with Facebook.

Industry Leaders

There was no shortage of energy as Mario Armstrong welcomed the crowd. As a digital lifestyle expert, TV host and commentator appearing on the Today Show, CNN and more, Armstrong shared valuable advice on how to be successful in the digital world--embrace innovation. Dan Levy shares knowledge on Facebook for Business.[/caption] Director of Small Business for Facebook, Dan Levy also took the stage as the day's keynote speaker. He spoke to the audience about some surprising (or not so surprising) facts about the impact of Facebook in today's world. For instance, did you know over 30 million small business have active pages on Facebook? Yes, that's serious influence.

Levy shared with the audience ways to enhance their Facebook experience through ad reports and conversions, the flexibility of mobile usage, look-alike audiences and success stories from multiple businesses across the county. He also gave a sneak peek into what's next for Facebook Business revealing enhanced custom audiences and much more.

Hearing of Local Success

A panel of local businesses experiencing success with Facebook. Afterwards, local representatives from the small businesses Yeti Coolers, Kendra Scott, Allens Boots and Chi L'antro the hit the stage with business expert, Rhonda Abrams for a panel to discuss their achievements with Facebook for business. These real life testimonials portrayed the power of Facebook for local business. They focused on the importance of remaining authentic and showing personality, specific ad targeting and staying in touch with user content. Because after all, did you know the average customer spends 2 to 3 hours a day on social media? Industry partners had booths around the event to provide consultation. The afternoon portion broke out and participants had the choice to choose one class from two back-to-back sessions. The first set of classes allowed businesses to learn the basics of online marketing through Facebook, learn to promote e-commerce sites sales on Facebook, or increase in-store visits and sales through targeted Facebook content. In the second session, industry partners LegalZoom, Quickbooks and Square joined the conference with customized classes teaching businesses effective use of their tools. These partners also provided opportunities for one-on-one training in booths around the event throughout the day.

Top 5 Facebook for Business Tips We Received:

1. The power of Custom Audiences: Utilize the resources you already have by uploading e-mail lists and even further customizing through demographic information. 2. Facebook Brings In-Store Sales: Nearly 46% of consumers use Facebook pages before shopping in store to decide where they desire to shop. 3. Focus on Impressions & Clicks: Many businesses become centered on the idea of "likes" however we learned impressions and clicks are what build sales and repeat customers. Compared to businesses before the age of digital technology or even compared to businesses four years ago, today's small businesses hold an infinite amount of power in the palm of their hands thanks to innovative companies like Facebook. Blue Sky Marketing LIKES Facebook, do you? If you are looking for a partner in online marketing strategy, marketing strategy development, email marketing or website development, contact us to see how we can help.