Facebook Usefulness

As a business owner, I rely on the word of mouth very heavily. Yes, I do participate in online advertising in various areas and I often spend a little more than I should on advertising. However, there is nothing more valuable than word of mouth. For one, it is free. Also, word of mouth is effective. For example, a bride may be looking for a wedding videographer. She will look online and find dozens of wedding professionals in her area. Often, the bride will become confused because each potential vendor will claim to be “the best”.

However, If the bride asks a friend or family member that had been recently married which wedding videographer the bride should choose, the friend will most likely recommend the vendor he or she had at their wedding, that is if he or she enjoyed the vendor. Therefore, it is important to not only do a good job when working for a client, but to establish an identity and to remind the client that you are still there for him or her. I have found that the greatest way to sustain this relationship with previous clients is to establish a facebook page much like the Communications Department does with their facebook page in relation to their students.

Currently, almost everyone has a facebook, particularly those of age of marriage, in which is, of course, is the target audience of my business advertising. After almost every wedding booked, I have a habit of friend requesting the client and suggesting my facebook page to them. This is useful for two reasons: quick feedback and communication with the client (which usually ends up in a friendship), and, more significantly, to keep my company’s name in the back of the clients mind. This is so the client will not forget about my business when another potential client asks about me. Also, my facebook page is a quick reference to information and contacts for my business to clients.

Similarly, the Shepherd University Department of Communications does the same. Their facebook page updates their students on the upcoming events that the department or students are involved in. For example, the department had a student film festival earlier this semester. Although my professor had already told my class about this event, facebook was the first place I heard about the event. Also, many potential employers are joined on the facebook page which gives students opportunities for jobs and internships. Consequently, facebook has connected their students to the department even more and established a much stronger identity.

Overall, facebook is a huge opportunity for all organizations and businesses. Facebook allows people and peers to connect easily and quickly. Many business owners like me take advantage of facebook with previous and potential clients. Also, to establish my business to my friends and family. On the other side, organizations like the Shepherd Communications Department utilize facebook to announce and organize events and to connect the department together.