Would You Use A Service You Found On Facebook?

[spathiphyllum]

I’ve just been told to broadern my audience with facebook for business, i’m not a user of facebook, i do use twitter though. How would i go about creating a facebook business psge, and do you think it is something i should look into?

[Buenchico]

You might benefit from a web presence but that doesn't have to be a Facebook page. This is worth a read:
https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/5-reasons-not-to-create-a-facebook-business-page

When scouring the web myself (both for my own use and also when trying to answer questions on AB) I've encountered countless Facebook business pages and, to be honest, the vast majority of them have left me considerably underwhelmed. They look like exactly what they are, which is a few scraps of information that were hastily cobbled together ages ago, making it difficult to find key information, and with no updates of any form for ages. Such sites actually deter me from using what they're seeking to offer, rather than encouraging me.

As an example, I particularly dislike pubs which only have a Facebook page (rather than a 'proper' website). Trying to find things like their food menus can be tricky (because you have to work out that they're hidden deep in the Photos section) or totally impossible (because the pub owner hasn't bothered to upload them or can't work out a way to do it so that they can readily be found). If I'm searching for a pub to have lunch in when I'm visiting a strange town I usually give up trying to get sensible information from Facebook pages and only consider pubs that have got easy-to-navigate ('proper') websites.

Creating a business page on Facebook is easy; creating one which genuinely promotes a business really well is extremely difficult. If you want a web presence I'd strongly advise you to register a domain name and get yourself a proper website, rather than trying to save a few pounds and going with Facebook.

[woofgang]

I think its up to you what you do. I do use services I have found on facebook via my local page. I find that the reviews and comments are honest and because the tradesment are very local, they can often get out for emergencies or quotes very quickly. You do need to have someone able to monitor your facebook presence frequently over the day so as not to miss job requests. I wouldn't look on Twitter for a business but each to their own.

[woofgang]

I agree with Buenchico though....don't have a business page (or for that matter a website) if you are not prepared to set it up properly and monitor it frequently....quite a few people I know have got a "proper" website and put the web address on facebook. I belive that the local pages are free to set up and use so you might not need to pay for a business page if your community already has one.

[douglas9401]

As long as it's not proof reading.

[Old_Geezer]

Can't imagine how I'd find a service on Facebook. On Google maybe.
How costly is a Facebook presence ? How much extra business is anticipated ?

[dannyk13]

Have you thought about registering with Check-a trade who list businesses on their website?

[spathiphyllum]

Thank you for the food for though Buen, some serious stuff to consider
There isn't a lot to know about my services, just what they are, and how much they cost! I think i'd be able to draft it up well enough.

OG, the perks for me, with facebook is that it would be free

A website would be costly and too big for the area i need. I just need to come up in a google search for area based gardeners or specific types of gardeners

I haven't danny, i'll have a look when i have a moment of more time, thank you

[Old_Geezer]

Free. Then do it. But ensure little info that needs updating is included as that's more work.

[Buenchico]

Your own website needn't cost you a penny:
https://www.freehostingeu.com/

More here:
https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/best-free-web-hosting-sites-of-2018

[spathiphyllum]

TBF it does look like we're staying with the EU.. cheers buen i'll give it a look ;)

[Prudie]

For the OP if that was all they had then I'd think twice - just prejudice (rather than good reason) that it wouldn't be that professional if that's all they used to promote themselves.

[AuntLydia]

A FB business page is good if you use it properly. Update with photos every day and link it to other local pages such as ' businesses in (insert town or county)' . 'Like' as many FB pages in your area even random ones and try and get your friends to 'like too. Offer percentage discounts for new customers and customers that introduce you to others. Invite customers to leave hopefully positive feedback on your site. You can maintain your FB page with approx. 15 minutes a day which I'm sure you can manage. I did a course on using FB for business and these things were key points.

[murraymints]

advertise on your local resident's community page...that's the first place I look for tradesmen etc.. with local recommendations ...most communities have one these days

[spathiphyllum]

Thank you everyone for the tips and advice

[AuntLydia]

In an afterthought, you may have elderly clients who will not be on FB. The traditional flyers and leaflets in Post Offices / Shops may be more beneficial for these potential clients.

[Prudie]

Good point by AL, especially if it's for gardening services as they are likely to form a big slice of your customer base

[spathiphyllum]

I have a leaflet in the local Spa and i give clients "my card" :) I also have put up leaflets in the post offices.

[Prudie]

are leaflets baby leaves you pick up during the day? :-)

[spathiphyllum]

hahaha, that gave me a very cute image in my mind

[spathiphyllum]

http://i65.tinypic.com/28suern.jpg