I created a Poll on my Facebook profile in regard to whether Facebook is really an effective marketing tool; the results were 100% Positive. All those who participated indicated it’s a useful tool for marketing.

Facebook falls under the Social Networking and to some level a Social Bookmarking tool. At first as an internet marketer I was reluctant to use Facebook as I didn’t think there is any commercial value in it. I had a profile created way back (about two years or so). It grew from 3 to about 300 friends. At some point I would decline to accept friendships from people I don’t know, Later this year in May 2009, I set an objective to create a new profile for self branding and for marketing my products.

I started with 7 friends who were not in my previous profile and come July 30, 2009 the friends count had grown to over 1,300 and counting in less than 3 months.

So what are my secrets?

1. The Notes Application

I  Imported feeds from my blog and every time I would update a new post it was posted on Facebook as well. My blog posts were interesting and actually irresistible so friends would share the notes on their articles and it would show am the original author. This led to an increased number of friend requests since the friends of friends wanted to connect so as not to miss on future posts. If you do not have a feed or blog you can use the one for this blog or try the one for Freelance Jobs

1. Facebook Groups

Start a group about something that you believe in or have much knowledge about. Most people make a mistake of starting groups with their business name. However, most users will consider it as interruption as they are using Facebook as a social tool and are taking a break from work, so filling their inbox to join a company group is intrusive according to social standards. Imagine if you went to a social event and you met this person who even before they ask your name they start telling you our company is about this, our company is about that, we have some offers. That’s pure noise and if you value your time like me I guess you would just walk away.

That said if for example you sell health products then start a weight loss Group or Health tips or awareness but no something like “Heath Company PLC”. You can join my group on Supreme eMarketing | Make Money Online and See how I do it there.

1. Facebook Profile

Imagine yourself as a product on shelf. Why would one opt to pick you onto their basket instead of someone else? Would you buy a product that is not branded on plain paper or recycled bag. Why am I saying this? I have seen user profiles with pictures of Pop stars and other celebrities. They also put their profile description some funny phrases like, “am just me” or “why do you want to know”. Ok. Let not me dwell the negative but rather insist you need to put a nice profile picture with a big Smile and some brief description of what you are about. If you are an Internet marketer or are already reading this, it makes you one. Then head over to my profile | Mike Ndegwa | and add me as a Friend and learn what else I do to Increase Value to My Internet Friends.

1. Messages

Most People start groups and just watch them grow to big numbers. There are no discussions happening in the group. In most cases people who joined want to learn on that subject matter. This makes sending messages to your group vital and not to be feared. I send messages to my groups every 2 to 3 days and am not afraid of a mass exodus of people leaving the group because in every message there is value and I market Value. So my readers thank me for it. If you started a group and don’t have content. I have some 15,000 Private Label articles that you can rewrite to suit your voice. They are in over 250 categories and you can find them listed here. You can use them and even claim yourself as an author. It’s important that your audience view you as an Authority in your field. “People entrust their money with people they trust. The more they trust you, the more they buy from you” Author Unknown.

1. Participate and Share

Companies do not have Facebook or Social Profiles but people do. People are social beings, it’s therefore advisable that you relate with others as a real live human. See the trending topics on people’s status, comment on them, and tell people what’s in your mind by putting a more natural status other than get complicated quotes all the time. Be yourself and don’t Spam people.

1. Request People to be your Friends

I did this the first two weeks and I got a warning from Facebook. So don’t request more than 5 people a day, in as you much as you might have all the right intentions your actions may appear spammy as judged by Facebook bots and their no no-nonsense algorithms. If people ask you if you have met when you request for friendships, just be honest, introduce yourself and let them know you are networking. Some people consider their profiles and what they share to be very private and you should respect that and don’t be rude.

1. Add friends from Lists.

If you have a list of friends in your newsletter or mailing list put them in an excel sheet, maximum 3,000 per list. Upload the contact file and Facebook friend-finder will screen all emails and will let you know who is on Facebook on who is not. I recommend that you only add or request friendship to those already using Facebook and desist from inviting those who have not joined already unless you have a very good and know list relationship.

1. Personal URL

A URL is like a special link that takes people to your page e.g. my Facebook link is www.facebook.com/mike.ndegwa I share it everywhere I go, on forums, blogs and article directories.

If you follow the 8 steps above you account will grow and be fruitful on autopilot.

NB: There are many futures and ideas that you can use to make your face book experience awesome and profitable. The ones I’ve listed are those that have worked for me. You can share your experiences by commenting on this post.

If I create a link to a product in a review, sometimes I may get paid a commission if a visitor to my site purchases the product. For more details, please see my Disclosure Policy