So… everybody told you your business needed a Facebook page, but when you created one nobody befriended it? Sorry, it’s not exactly the social media Field of Dreams. When you build it, they don’t always come. (The cold hard truth is that some of those people who said you just have to have a Facebook page don’t know how to use the site themselves.)

Getting people to Like your Facebook business page…

…is a little bit like old-fashioned networking (you know, which people did when we lived in the real world, before the virtual one existed). In other words, people want to like you – but they need to be asked to like you. Take the first step and you’ll be collecting friends before you know it.

Three easy steps to getting more likes on your business page:

Step one: Look at your page’s list of current “likes” and make sure ALL OF YOUR EMPLOYEES “like” your page! (A little shame and embarrassment go a long way.) ((However, don’t make Facebook use mandatory – the EEOC frowns on that sort of thing.))

Step two: You know all those cousins and former neighbors and college roommates on your Christmas card list, in your email address book and on your Facebook (personal page) news feed? They’re great prospects to “like” your page. Contacting them one-at-a-time works best, but it can be a slow process. The faster, easier way is to use the “invite friends” box (on your Facebook page, in admin view, to the right of the Insights box). If few friends like your business page after you’ve tried the easy route, commit to the more personal approach, sending a note to each friend as you invite him or her to check out your page.

Step three: Watch the Likes pile up, and feel extremely popular. No, seriously – there’s a little more to it. You need to interact with those Facebook users who have liked your page to encourage them to stick around. Their engagement may even generate some new friends for your page and your business. Wondering how to engage? Post a status update every few days welcoming those who have recently liked your page. Invite them to comment, post photos, or ask questions. And then, reciprocate – visit their pages and comment on their posts.

That’s it – you’re on your way.

Of course, the next thing you know, we’ll be telling you it’s not enough to be liked – that you have to do something to convert the likers to buyers. But that’s another post. For now, just win friends. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to show you how to influence people so they become more than friends – customers!

*We’ve heard some people still live there. No kidding. Just to play it safe, we still create sales letters, printed brochures and even direct mail pieces for our clients who need them. Have a trade show or conference coming up? Contact us – we can help you make the most of your sales prospects.