National Quit Facebook Day is a Failure!

Yesterday was National Quit Facebook Day, and just as I suspected, it was a HUGE failure. They claim to have had 30,000 people delete their accounts, but what a small dent compared to the 100 million US citizens and 400 million world-wide users that have and use Facebook today. Facebook is currently too big of a networking sensation, and most users are not willing to give up the ability to check status updates, browse through profiles, and chat up friends all because one guy wanted to start an anti-Facebook revolution. Who knows, perhaps one day Facebook will become as insignificant as Myspace, but for now, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Congrats Facebook!

Facebook was recently announced the site with the most unique visitors in Google's Double Click Ad Planner. Their position on the top of the list is a reinforcement that businesses and companies need Need NEED to not only create a Facebook page but maintain it on a daily basis. By creating and maintaining a Facebook, you can expose your business to a huge market otherwise unobtainable. What's more is Myspace, Twitter, Photobucket, and Flickr made the top 100, out of 1000, proving that social media is a special tool in the marketing and public relations game. The list can be found by clicking on the following link. http://www.google.com/adplanner/static/top1000/.

A week out of office

I have finally returned to the office after a week of moving, spending quality time with family, and focusing a little more on the big picture.

While I was away, I created HTML emails for Enchantment Cleaning, Danette Lovato Pimentel Music Ent. Inc, and Palabra PR to go out early June, so be on the look out for those. I've also begun a database of business contacts and if you would like to join our list, please send me an email to stephenyhinkle@live.com.

Palabra PR has added FBML to their Facebook page, and if you would also like to add a little spice to your business or group page, we now offer FBML services. Please visit our Facebook for an example of what we can do for you.

It's so nice to be back in the air-conditioned office, cheers!

William Smith is My Hero

I HAVE to post a link to this article because it saved me a nervous breakdown! Thank you SOOOO much to WILLIAM SMITH, whoever you are, for your article entitled

How to Use Static FBML to Customize Your Facebook Page.

You're article was a total and complete lifesaver! I went through about 5 or 6 different HTML applications on Facebook, and yours was the only one that gave my business a satisfactory end result. Cheers to you William! (http://socialwebschool.com/?p=500&cpage=1#comment-1387)

HTML Code Writing for Facebook - ANNOYING!

I have been scanning the internet for a week straight looking for programs that A. generate HTML and B. convert that code into a facebook-readable format. Unfortunately I'm not a tech, or else I would create my own program because the ones that I have found are less than acceptable. Currently I'm using two DIFFERENT HTML applications... one to generate the code, and one to post the code on my facebook page, but I'm at a stump. The second program I'm using isn't reading the code correctly, so I'm coming out with a few errors. If anyone out there, anyone at all, can tell me about an easy to use program that will make my facebook look like McDonald's or Coca-Cola's, I would be very much obliged. For now I will be left to rip out my hair as I try desperately hard how to figure these two programs out.

So your business is on facebook, now what?

I've recently come to realize that some companies think simply putting their information on facebook, twitter, and myspace is enough, and their pages will sell themselves. That's simply just not true. It takes a lot of time and dedication to properly use social media tools and properly sell your business on them. That is why I've come up with 3 rules to follow after creating your social media page.

1. Log on EVERY day (or at least every other day) - Social media is all about networking. If you went to a function as a representative of your business, you wouldn't just introduce yourself to one person, then spend the rest of the night waiting for people to come up to you. It is imperative you continuously make connections throughout the night and just like at the event, it is important to log on to your account often and continuously introduce yourself to new friends and connections. Also, by logging on every day, you can keep up with customer comments, questions, or concerns, and respond to them in a timely manner. A customer will not be happy if they sent you a question about their product and had to wait 6 months for a response.

2. Post a new feed AT LEAST every week - This rule is in conjunction with rule number 1. You should be making a new post every time you log into your social media account, and if you are logging on to it at least every other day, you should be making an average of 3 postings a week. This might be a bit too demanding for your schedule, but try to at least post once a week. By continuously posting new feeds on your page, you are sending reminders to your fans that your business is still an interactive part of their page. New postings can include event reminders, tips, breaking news, new product reminders, or daily/weekly in-store specials.

3. Thank new members of your page by sending a short email, thank you note, or comment posting - The fact is your fans do not have an obligation to be your fans, but because they are, they're supporting your business and they should be thanked for that. A thank you can be as simple as posting in their comment box "thank you for the add" or as lengthy as an email introducing them to the specifics of your business. It really doesn't matter. The point is you're taking time out of your schedule to thank them for their support because without customers and clients, your business would not exist.

These 3 simple rules are not hard to follow, and can leave a positive lasting impression of your business. Social media is not as simple as creating your page, then expecting the masses to come flooding in. It takes dedication and a large time commitment if your want social media to properly work for you.

Just a Typical Monday

Hello world,

Today is another Monday, which means heaps of networking, phone calls, and online account management. I love what I do because I am definitely a social media nut. Friday is Mountain Laundry and Enchantment Cleaning's Customer Appreciation Day, so I still have a lot of planning and cold calling for that. It should be a good turn out, and the two companies are offering excellent prizes. First prize is going to win an entire house cleaning, which is great! Second place will win a free kitchen and bathroom cleanup; third place will win a 20lb wash and fold service, and fourth place will win a free 10lb wash and fold service. The whole event is going to be fun, with free food and drinks, so I encourage everyone to go do a load between 4pm and 8pm to qualify for these great prizes.