I am by no means a Facebook expert and to tell you the truth, I’m not sure anyone can really claim to be (though several do, I know). No one has a degree in Facebook or Social Media but it wouldn’t surprise me to find out that will be a degreed course sooner or later.

 More and more small businesses such as automotive service and repair shops are realizing the importance of online marketing. 86% have a company website and 44% are using social media in some form (Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Linkedin and many more). I take care of the NWZ WORX and Worldwide Connectors Twitter accounts. I have my personal Facebook page which is for family, friends and customers and one for Worldwide Connectors that is all business. I also have Google+ (personal) and I’m Linkedin. I do not take care of the NWZ WORX Facebook page.

 What have I learned? I enjoy my personal Facebook page and my NWZ WORX Twitter the most. I have had these accounts longer so they feel warm and inviting. I can see what others are posting and comment or like or share and they can do the same when I post. The businesses I am connected with seem more human to me. This includes automotive service and repair shop owners as well as retail shops, inns and restaurants that I frequent. It is nice to wish those with birthdays or anniversaries a special greeting and feel sad along with them when they lose a loved one.

 I think Facebook, for example, is a place where “word of mouth” can flourish and it gives you an opportunity to connect with customers and others in a real down to earth format. Here are some things I feel should be noted to have a better experience:

• Don’t just promote your business and log out. You need to at least peruse the site and like or comment on others from time to time and do it with sincerity. If you don’t want to interact with others, Facebook isn’t for you.
• Don’t share too much information. Remember that this is a public forum.
• Don’t use inappropriate language.
• Do add humor.
• Share a video if it pertains to you such as you accepting an award or one of you or your technicians working on a special car or doing a special repair.
• Try not to share your political views because what may attract some fans may equally repel others.
• Keep in mind that this is called “social” media for a reason. Behave as if you were attending a social event that was attended by close friends and relatives, business associates, colleagues and acquaintances.
• If you are involved in community events or charities, Facebook is a good place to let that be known and share.
• Most likely you will be like me where some days you just can’t think of something you want to share. Don’t worry about it; instead of sharing yourself, comment or like what others are sharing.
• Don’t turn your Facebook page over to someone else to take care of unless you trust them with everything you have. Large corporations have let others take care of their social media to their regret.
• Don’t feel you have to be a slave to social media but don’t ignore it for weeks on end either. I take the weekends off and when I travel on business or pleasure I don’t check in to social media. At those times I’m too busy trying to keep up with my emails while on the go!

 When it comes to social media we are all learning together! If you have some tips you want to share with me I would really appreciate it and if you need help creating a fan page, just ask.

Rhonda Hiltbrand
Chief Operating Officer
NWZ WORX Multimedia & WorldWide Connectors
Automotive Marketing & Business Consulting, Direct Mail & Technology Services
4270 Mt. Carmel Tobasco Rd.
Cincinnati OH 45244
800-473-0202
www.nwzworx.com