Netpreneur

If you have a loyal following of customers, you might consider setting up a Facebook group for your business.  Most people know what Facebook is - it's a social networking website enabling friends to keep in touch. 

It seems that you either love or hate Facebook- certainly there are not too many employers that love it, because many of their employees are hooked on it and it impacts upon productivity. 

I personally believe that Facebook is a good thing, if it is used for 'good'.  Unfortunately, there seems to be a proliferation of 'dragon slaying invitations' and other nebulous applications which seem to undermine the value of the site.

Setting up a Facebook group may give you some opportunities for viral marketing.  It will also provide you with an important inbound link from a credible website for search engine optimisation purposes. 

Like blogs, it is important that you tend to your Facebook group regularly and don't let it wither on the vine.  The best Facebook groups are those that are constantly updated with fresh content.  If your business targets the younger generations, then you should certainly consider maintaining a Facebook group.

To set up a new Facebook Group, visit:

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php

ACTIONS:

• Research whether a Facebook group will complement your business or whether it will be a burden
• Visit Facebook Groups set up by your competitors
• Establish a Facebook Group, test it out and add content before publicising it

HOW I HAVE USED THIS:

I have established a Boomerang Books Facebook Group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8832569651).  I use the Group home page to publicise articles and content that I have published on the main Boomerang Books site and in the Boomerang Books Blog.  To attract members to the Group, I have offered book giveaways.