How to Create a Successful Facebook Fan Page

by JR Farr on February 9, 2010

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Tips for a Successful Facebook Fan Page

Consider this—according to Facebook Statistics there are over 3 million active Facebook fan pages. On top of that, out of the 400 million Facebook users, 175 million login EVERYDAY.

You got that?

In other words, your company needs to be advertising on Facebook and it’s more than just setting up another pretty Facebook page. I’m here today, to help you change your perspective and show you that when you get creative with your customers you can experience real ROI through Social Media Marketing.

Since Facebook redesigned their pages, all types brands, big & small have flocked to the Facebook scene. While Facebook states they have over 3 million pages, most of these pages are never being updated.

In my opinion, the most common reason a majority of Facebook fan pages fail to become successful is because there was no clear direction or purpose of the fan page. It was more of a re-active move then a pro-active move. Brands are just setting up Facebook fan pages because they feel like they HAVE to without any thought out objectives.

That’s a waste of time. The power you get from marketing on Facebook is you have the ability to reach your customers where they already hangout online. There’s no effort to get them over to your website because your promos, contests & announcements show up right in their news feed.

Now that we’re all in the right mindset of why you should create a Facebook fan page; let’s get into how you do that by reviewing our tips for a successful Facebook fan page.

1. Socialize to promote your page

Be EngagingThe social media game is like a giant cocktail party. The whole point is to be social and interact. When you look at that way, as you begin to engage with your customers & fans you’ll see the fan base you’re growing is actually meaningful because you took the time to care. They’re your fan because you engaged them and gave them a reason to interact with you.

What are you doing to promote your Facebook fan Page? Here’s some things you should be doing:

  • Simply ask—Suggest people to become fans
  • Add Social Icons to your sites
  • Promote it through your email newsletters

2. Give your fans something to get excited about

Be Interactive by having contests & coupons

There’s no better way to keep your fans happy and also get them to interact with your page then contests & coupons. Get serious and brainstorm some goals you’d like to achieve for your contests. What Holidays are coming up? You can promote contests and coupons based on the upcoming holidays. Put yourself in their shoes, what would make you want to engage?

  • Contests will keep your fans coming back to see updates on the contest or see the results.
  • As part of becoming a fan, offer EXCLUSIVE Facebook coupons on to your fans. Provide specific coupon codes for special savings and discounts as a way to say thanks for being a fan.

3. Keep your Facebook fan page fresh

Keep your Facebook Fan Page Fresh

That’s not to say just make an update on your page so it doesn’t get stale. Make sure your updates are useful and actually provide value or interaction. Otherwise you’ll run the risk of losing fans. It’s a balancing act, but with a little creativity and common sense you should be fine.

4. Get to know your fans

Get to know your fans

If you’re a brand or company, you should already have your demographic locked down. There are two reasons why this element is crucial in your Facebook fan page success.

  1. As you’re creating promotions or releasing big announcements you need to know how to best deliver it to your fans. The way it’s presented will directly effect the response you get from you fans.
  2. Understanding your demographic can help you decide if Facebook is really worth the time committment for your business

Check out the image below, it represents Facebooks demographics. After reviewing it you can see the biggest demo is Female teens. On the flip side, as Facebook grows more and more everyday, it is becoming more popular throughout older age groups. Keep that in mind as your contemplating how you setup your fan page and how you’re conveying your message to your fans.

Facebook Demographics

Statistics Courtesy of Quantcast

So, what do you consider a successful Facebook fan page?

Although many of us believe that only quantity measures success, the number of fans is definitely not the only yardstick to measure a page’s success.

A successful Facebook page needs to be engaging, updated and rewarding. Each element has to co-exist in order to create a one-of-a-kind page that is meaningful to the fans.

We hope you’re enjoying our 2010 Social Media Guide thus far. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@NetMediaGroup) and subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss out on our upcoming posts!

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Real Time Search is Here—Now How Do You Leverage It?

by JR Farr on February 1, 2010

Social Media Marketing Guide

In this installment of our 2010 Social Media Guide, we’re taking a in-depth look at the new real time search functionality that’s being introduced by search engines such as Google & Bing.

First off, the fact that the search engine giant we all know and love—Google, is indexing Twitter tweets into their search results should tell you something. Social media has shifted the way we use the internet nowadays. Take a look at this quick video from Google to see what I’m talking about:

Ok that’s cool, but as a Business Owner How Does it Help Me?

Two words—Listen & Engage.

Let me explain.

Over the past year or so consumer expectations have changed. In a crazy, scary and cool sort of way, ALL internet users can find anything and everything instantly. In other words consumer expectations are at an all time high and their want/need for special attention needs to be met or they’ll go somewhere else.

On the flip side, you also have the ability to find out what’s going on right at that instant. Not only can you drill down to a specific niche but you can drill down to geo-location.

Now keep in mind I said “Listen & Engage“. Say for example, you’re a small business owner and you run a local real estate brokerage. So when I say “listen“, take it literally. Hop on Twitter or Google and use their real time search. What are people saying around your niche? Most business owners think the only way to use their Twitter account is to build 1,000+ followers and blast out mini advertisements. I believe that’s a huge mis-concpetion of how to use Twitter. I know that’s been preached to you but to me that’s counter-productive. Rather then hoping they listen, be sure they listen by “engaging“.

Search for anyone talking about the home buyer tax credit that’s about to expire.

“Hey does anyone know who qualifies for the tax credit?”

What a perfect opportunity to engage with that person and create value. Quick example but you get the idea right?

I get it now, but still… what’s the benefit of this?

  1. It’s cost effective—You have access to all this for free. It’s free to listen & engage.
  2. Qualified Leads/Prospects—The potential customers you’re engaging are qualified because you’ve hand-picked them. Now it’s time to engage them and earn their business.
  3. An Insiders Perspective—Learn about what’s going on with your potential customers. What are they asking for? How can you create a solution for their needs?

What’s Next?

Some of you may be reading this and think this is best thing since sliced bread Al Gore created the internet. While others think it’s a complete waste of time. Either way, you’ve got nothing to loose and you may be surprised with your results.  Don’t be a hater and knock it before you try it.

Before you leave, here’s why I feel like this so powerful. Timing is everything. With real-time search you’re engaging with potential customers who are ready to act now. If you can catch someone within seconds or minutes of them wanting or needing something what more could you ask for? Not much.

Thanks for reading through this installment. If you’re struggling with to grow your business using social media, consider learning more about NetMediaGroup’s proven social media marketing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Social Media Guide for 2010

by JR Farr on January 5, 2010

Social Media Marketing Guide

Let’s face it, the term and idea of Social Media is trendy and ever-changing. Some business are all over it, while others are ignoring it. I think most business owners truly don’t understand what Social Media really is and what it can do for their business.

Are you participating in Social Media right now? Do you really know what Social Media is? Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. We’ve all heard of these social media sites. But are they useful?

The truth is — social media isn’t a fad. It’s arrived and it’s here to stay.

With the emergence of wildly popular social media networks like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace brands big and small are using these sites to better understand and connect with their customers online.

When you think of social media, envision a newsletter on steroids. Like a newsletter, you can reach out to hundreds or even thousands of your customers instantly. The difference is—the communication is now a two way street. It’s interactive. Your customers can digest your message and provide feedback instantly.

Is it really that big of a deal that people say it is?

Short and sweet, the answer is yes. Here’s a few facts that quickly tell you just how big this medium is getting.

  • If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 4th largest – between the United States and Indonesia.
  • % of companies using LinkedIn as a primary tool to find employees…80%
  • There are over 200,000,000 Blogs
  • 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations
  • Only 14% trust advertisements
  • By 2010 Gen Y will outnumber Baby Boomers… 96% of them have joined a social network

Bottom line is this, social media is the new tool for keeping a finger on the pulse of your brand. Be it negative or positive, your customers are online right now and they’re talking about your brand. The question is: Are you listening?

Introducing the Social Media Guide for 2010

Times have changed, business’ are evolving and it’s time to catch up with the real time trends. Social media has changed the game and to make sure you’re not left in the dust, we at NetMediaGroup are bringing you a comprehensive Social Media Guide for 2010.

Here’s a quick look at some of the topics we’ll be covering in our 2010 Social Media Guide:

Now that we’ve got the introduction out of the way, allow us to pour on the Social Media goodness.

To learn more about NetMediaGroup’s proven social media marketing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Announcing the LiveStrong Fitness Affiliate Program

by Ryan Wheaton on December 16, 2009

logo-livestrongNet Media Group / AffiliateCREW is proud to announce it has been selected as the outsourced affiliate program management company for the LIVESTRONG® Fitness affiliate program.

LIVESTRONG® Fitness is now offering their complete line of treadmills, elliptical trainers and exercise bikes direct from the manufacturer.

And, when affiliates promote LIVESTRONG® Fitness treadmills, ellipticals or bikes, they’re doing more than improving their visitor’s health. They’re  supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation in its fight against cancer.

The LiveStrongFitness.com Affiliate Advantage

  • Launched in the Commission Junction Affiliate Network
  • 8% Commission on every qualified transaction
  • 30-day commission duration
  • Free shipping on all orders

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven outsourced affiliate program management give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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AffiliateCREW Named Outsourced Program Management Company for SurfShelf Affiliate Program

by Ryan Wheaton on November 2, 2009

logo-surfshelfNet Media Group / AffiliateCREW is proud to announce it is the new outsourced affiliate program management company for the  Surf Shelf affiliate program in the Commission Junction affiliate network.

SurfShelf is a secure laptop holder for your treadmill, bike or elliptical. You can surf the internet, watch shows, and check emails while you work out making you even more productive than ever.

Best of all, the SurfShelf holds up to 50 lbs. easily and fits 99% of laptops on the market today, including 17″ models.

Surf Shelf Affiliate Program

  • 10% commission rate
  • 15% performance incentive for 100 or more sales per month
  • Regular promotions such as coupons, free shipping, etc. to boost conversions
  • 45 day referral cookie
  • Open search policy — we do not restrict the use/bidding of any keywords and we encourage affiliates to use our provided SEM-proven keywords in their search engine marketing and optimization
  • Exclusive coupon code available after first sale
  • High conversion rate 3.5%+
  • Affiliates can join here

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven outsourced affiliate program management give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Announcing the LifeCORE Fitness Affiliate Program

by Ryan Wheaton on October 12, 2009

logo2Net Media Group is excited to announce that we have just launched the LifeCORE Fitness Equipment affiliate program and will be adding their high quality products to our long list of fitness affiliate programs.

Founded in 1994, LifeCORE Fitness manufactures and distributes club quality fitness equipment including Lifecore rowing machines, Lifecore recumbent bikes, Lifecore ellipticals and weights for home use.

LifeCORE affiliates will be able to earn 10% commission on every qualified sale. A wide range of banners and text links have been uploaded and are ready for affiliates to place on their sites.

To join the LifeCORE affiliate program, visit MoolaMoola.com.

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven outsourced affiliate program management give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Website Conversion Testing… It’s as Easy as ABC.

by JR Farr on August 4, 2009

Jackson 5 - ABC Easy

What do I mean when I it’s as easy as ABC? Well a few things.

Before we dive in head first, let’s get into the mindset of landing pages. Ah yes, landing pages, they can be a man or woman’s best friend right? Or not.

Often times, it’s easy to get caught up in testing so many elements within a page that before you know it, you’ve developed a serious case of the test flu. You’re sick and tired of not seeing big lifts in your conversion rate & you’re running out of ideas to test.

What’s the Cure for your Test Flu?

Well — you’ve got a few options here.

  1. You can throw in the Jackson 5 album and dance the test flu out of your system.
  2. Sing the alphabet and be sure that next time someone sings with you.
  3. Come up with a compelling ABC landing page test.

I think the most obvious choice is to choose #3 while doing option #1 at the same time.

Enough with the jokes, let’s roll our sleeves up and get into the Nitty Gritty.

I wanted to show how incremental Website Conversion testing can be to your bottom line, even in it’s simplest form, an ABC test. As I mentioned above, it’s easy to caught up with the minute details within your landing page. In this post, we take a step back with the magnifying glass and we’re looking to test 3 different landing pages (A,B & C).

The difference in the landing pages with this example is in regards to the look and feel. We changed the following:

  • Different Color Scheme
  • Various Images within each page

Be sure to just start with these elements. You’ll want to be sure to keep the same offer or call to action in order to truly know what made the impact. If you start throwing too many ingredients into the testing stew, it will be way too salty ;)

One more time, in this example, we just tested the aesthetics of the landing pages, so again, same call to action, same copy & headlines just different color schemes.

I tried to break down what I’m referring to in the figure below. This is where the ABC part comes in. Take a look below:

ABC Conversion Testing - Figure 1

You’ll notice we have the same layout, flow of the copy, etc. We just simply changed out the colors and images. With this type of test you can gauge what images & colors your visitors are responding to best.

The Results – 31.8% Improvement

I want to share some results that we’ve seen with a test launched that is running against 3 variations of a landing page. (Variation A, Variation B & Variation C) See below.

ABC Testing Figure 2

You can see based off the observed improvement that we’re above 30%. Rather than converting 3.9% of all of our visitors, we’ll be converting 5.25% of them. Not too bad eh?

Also, we’ve nailed down the best color scheme to go with, so now’s the time to go back to the drawing board and start testing those smaller details within the landing page itself. As those new test’s begin to take shape, we’ll soon be sitting on a lead gen form that’s converting at 10% or more!

Bottom line — TEST, TEST, TEST! There’s always room for improvement.

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven conversion testing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Affiliates as a Defensive Blockade

by Ryan Wheaton on August 3, 2009

One great benefit of having an affiliate program is that your affiliates can become a defensive blockade for your brand.

What is a defensive blockade using affiliates?

Defensive blockades with affiliates are when they are used to block your competitors or negative detractors from the first page of search results in both organic and paid search listings.

Imagine typing your company’s name or flagship product’s name into Google.

As you start to review the paid search listings, you notice that some competitors are bidding on your brand name and trying to siphon off potential customers who are specifically looking for your product.

Now imagine doing this again and this time instead of seeing your competitors, you only see “friendly’s” promoting your product who are ultimately driving sales to your site.

This is possible through affiliate marketing.

Why use affiliates for a defensive bloackade?

Some question whether or not those would be sales you would’ve have gotten anyway. One some level that may be true. However, would you rather have the page full of affiliates whom only are paid when a sale occurs or would you rather have your competitors there diverting your traffic and sales?

Another thought, if they are able to close the sale with a different approach and can close the sale when you couldn’t, you still win in the long run because you were able to make a customer through their efforts. Either way you make money.

Why not let the affiliates duke it out with the trademark poachers on their dime?

If you’re wondering how much that costs, you might be suprised to hear that affiliates are paid on a pay for performance basis and are only paid when they make a sale.

This is all tracked using affiliate tracking technology where a pixel is fired from your thank you page whenever a sale occurs and is recorded in a third party affiliate tracking software or affiliate network.

Creating a defensive blockage creates a situation where both you and your affiliates win while your competitors get pushed to page two or further with their tail between their legs.

Further, some companies face a rather unique situation where a disgruntled past customer has made it their lifes mission to tarnish their brand and do an online smeer campaign and get ranked in the top 5 in the search results for their company’s name.

By providing a bounty in addition to commissions, you can attract some pretty big affiliates who would be more than happy to take the challenge.

Using affiliates as a defensive blockade can help you dominate the search results. It’s not enough to just turn affiltiaes loose on organic listings, you should also consider letting them go after paid search with your trademarks in a controlled manner.

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven outsourced affiliate program management give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Business Blogging Basics

by Ryan Wheaton on July 23, 2009

Five years ago, no one knew what a blog was.

Today, they are everywhere.

But they’re not just for expressing ones personal thoughts anymore.

Big companies and small businesses alike are turning to blogs as a way to communicate and connect in a way their monthly printed newsletter can’t.

Even newspapers, news stations, and magazines are moving to this model.

So it begs the question…

Should your business start blogging?

Believe it or not, your customers and potential customers want to know who you are, what you stand for and what you think.

However, there is much reluctance by some company executives and business owners; believing that blogging will somehow spiral things out of control.

In fact, somewhere right now a PR person in a major company is cringing at the very idea of a potentially negative comment being posted to their client’s website.

The horror.

I believe this worry exists because they are so used to having a one way conversation with the customers and blogging becomes a two way conversation.

Scary, I know.

But the real secret is that they have always been part of the conversation. It’s just they haven’t had a way to respond and join the conversation before.

Welcome to the age of blogging.

Seven primary challenges of business blogging:

  1. Deciding that you should have one… many are paralyzed by the very prospect.
  2. Deciding who will write it… should the CEO, PR manager or the intern? Who?
  3. What purpose the blog will serve… marketing? Media relations? What?
  4. What topics will be covered… will you talk about things generically or will you get specific?
  5. How to keep it on track… or do you let it get off track once and a while?
  6. How many posts to do a week… is once a week enough or should you do more?
  7. Determining what platform you will use… Wordpress, typepad, Moveable Type or what?

As you can see, there is some thought that needs to take place. However, don’t let it derail you. You can always change things later if it’s not working out.

The upside of Business Blogging

There are many good reasons to start blogging:

  1. Search engine optimization
  2. You add to your authority
  3. You build your reputation
  4. Develop closer relationships
  5. Keep everyone better informed
  6. You demonstrate transparency
  7. And more.

Your blog becomes your platform for delivering information as you see it.

You can talk about new product releases, company news, redistribute print content and more. More importantly, you can talk about things in your space that no one else is talking about or is too scared to address.

Your readers will appreciate it.

Write about things that will help prospective new customers decide to use your company. Freely share and give your insight, knowledge, and wisdom on the topics you know better than anyone.

Don’t be afraid to share what you know.

You can even add an occasional video or audio interview to add depth to your blog. There really isn’t any limitation to what you can do.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Will my competition notice? Will they copy me? Am I opening a can of worms with my customers?”

My advice, get over it.

View it as an opportunity for you to shine and connect.

What you write about and how you put things together will resonate with your audience. You can’t dwell too much on how your competition will react.  I realize you can’t ignore your competition, I’m just saying don’t let them stop you.

It could be the very thing that helps you get more business. In fact, it could be the very thing that helps you keep existing business.

When you share what you know, a funny thing happens. People start to listen. Then they start to interact with you. They start trusting you.

As well have all heard people do business with those they know, like and trust.

Blogging can build major trust as they get to know you through your blog.

In fact, you will also be amazed at how many people start subscribing to your content via RSS and email alerts when you just start writing. You might even see messages from people saying they want to hear from you even more.

Now, I’ll be honest. It’s not all roses and peaches. But it’s time stop the one way speech and start getting a two way conversation with your audience.

Take the chance and do something honest.

When it’s all said and done, a blog should be done with passion and sincerity. Personality should be allowed to shine through. Maybe even let a little bit of personal information slip into it from time to time.

Don’t make it dull, boring, and a platform for generic drivel.

Just be real.

Frankly, it is hard work to keep your blog fresh, interesting and full of relevant content. However, in my humble opinion, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Agree or disagree? Let me know in the form of a comment below!

To learn more about what Net Media Group can do for your company give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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Conversion Testing as an Affiliate Recruitment Strategy

by Ryan Wheaton on June 30, 2009

While it makes good financial sense to have a high converting website, it’s surprising that not every merchant is conducting conversion testing to improve their conversion rates.

It’s surprising because it’s a relatively easy way to generate more sales; especially in the affiliate channel.

Plus, having a high converting site makes for a great recruiting tool to help attract and keep the best affiliates.

Why You Should Be Running Conversion Testing for Affiliates

Every day affiliates ask us about conversion rates and which programs run conversion testing.

They’re asking about it. They look for it. They expect it.

In short, the top affiliates do this on their sites; they expect you to do the same.

There are two basic methods of conversion testing:

  1. A/B Testing – When you test one variable at a time.
  2. Multivariable Testing – When you test multiple variables at the same time. This is often referred to as “MVT.”

Conversion testing can be done lumping all sources of traffic, or in its most advanced state, be conducted on each channel separately (PPC vs. SEO vs. Email vs. Affiliate vs. CPM).

Each channel converts differently. However, if an affiliate is going to invest and succeed in promoting your products long-term, your site needs to convert specifically in their channel.

If you have a high converting website, you can advertise your conversion rate to help attract affiliates and save them the step of asking.

I know plenty of affiliates who don’t ask, and expect you to advertise it. So, if you don’t know what it is, find out. If you know and it’s low, fix it!

Just as in your business, affiliates want to invest their time into the things that will bring in the most money.

After all, it is how they earn a living so return on investment is an important factor in their decision to join your affiliate program or not.

If you don’t have a good conversion rate, chances are slim that you’re going to attract the right affiliates. They will move on to another program that does convert.

The higher the conversion number, the more attractive your program will be. Not only that, it will also help you retain affiliates in your program because they will be earning higher commissions.

Everyone wins when you have a high converting website.

Your affiliates win because they earn more commissions. You win because they sell more products. And, it’s all done on a pay for performance basis.

Are you doing conversion testing for your affiliates?

To learn more about Net Media Group’s proven conversion testing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

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