This has got to be one of the top questions I get after giving presentations on Facebook. After the presentation, everyone is pumped to start using Facebook for their businesses. However, the problem is that they have 2 people that “Like” their page. That’s not much fun, is it? Here are a few ways to see your “Likes” skyrocket!

Add a link to your email signature

If you’re like most businesses and use Outlook, this is pretty simple. In recent versions of Outlook, start by creating a new message. Across the top of the message window, you’ll see “Signature.” Click it and then click “Signatures…” From there, you can create a new signature or edit an existing one. Regardless of your choice, type the word “Facebook” in your signature, select it and click the small link icon. Enter your Facebook page address in the “Address” field and save everything. This is what mine looks like:

TIP: If you don’t know the address of your business page on Facebook, it’s easy to find. Simply navigate to your Facebook page and copy the address that’s in the address bar.

Add a link to your marketing materials

People WANT you to be on Facebook. Show them that you exist by including your Facebook link on your marketing materials. For example, here’s what our new Forge3 business cards look like on the back:

Even if you don’t have room for the full link, add a line like, “Find us on Facebook!” People will know what to do.

Add a link on your website

Somewhere on your website (perhaps in the header or footer so that it shows up on every page), include a link or button that points directly to your Facebook page. To see an example of this, look at the top right of every page on the Forge3 website. You’ll see we have an icon for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This may require some help from your web guru (or us!), but it’s an easy addition that shouldn’t take too long.

Add a “Like Box” to your website

This is a bit more involved, but also more powerful. Facebook offers their “Like Box” to allow visitors to “Like” your Facebook page without leaving your website. You’ve probably seen these around the web lately. Here’s what our Forge3 “Like Box” looks like (this currently shows up in the right sidebar on our homepage):

To add this to your website, you need to find some space and have your web person (or us!) add the Facebook code to the page. It’s not difficult. All of the details are here: http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like-box/

The relationship part

Facebook, just like every other social media tool, is all about creating relationships with people. From relationships come “Likes.” When people leave messages on your Facebook page, respond. Show them that you care! And, tell people about your business page when you email them, meet them, talk to them, whatever!

Don’t be boring

If someone stumbles upon your Facebook page and sees a bunch of corporate speak, they will run away. No “Like” for you! You need to post compelling content for people. Remember that people primarily use Facebook for entertainment. So, entertain! Post interesting updates and behind-the-scenes photos to give people a look “behind the curtain.” It’s OK to show the human side of business. In fact, it’s encouraged! Check out our Forge3 Facebook page for some inspiration.

The long-term outlook

Here’s the thing. Regardless of what you do, you’re not going to go from 2 “Likes” to 200 overnight. It doesn’t work that way. It takes time and a consistent approach. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Commit to it!

Question submitted by Inner Circle member James. Thanks, James!

Post thumbnail courtesy of FindYourSearch.

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