Why You Should Never Buy Fake Facebook Fans

April 23, 2012 By

Companies that sell fake Facebook fans are pretty much a dime a dozen.  Buying some fake fans is as easy as buying bulk canned goods in your local Costco.  Most companies offer packages for groups of Facebook fans, assuming that the more fans you can buy, the more interested you will be.  You can buy thousands of fans if you really wanted to.

Buying Facebook fans is one one of the worst, if not THE worst fan acquisition strategies I’ve come across.  In the long run, pumping your Facebook fan page with fake fans will actually hurt, not help, your marketing strategy.

Let’s go back to the beginning of what Facebook was all about: making relationships.  Savvy businesses soon picked up on the fact that these Facebook relationships could lead to increased sales and brand awareness.  From their, the business fan page business exploded with potential.

Va-Va Viral!

When we talk about things going ‘viral’, we’re talking about the unprecedented impact of hundreds, thousands and even millions of people sharing pictures, status updates, and videos online through social networking.  When businesses and marketers looked at the numbers from something that went viral, they automatically started thinking how they themselves could make something go viral.  All of a sudden, more became better.

When a video or photo truly does go viral, it really is an amazing thing.  And yes, it could mean a huge increase in publicity for a brand, product or person.  At the root of all things viral are real people.  Yes real people with real friends and real social networks.  That’s how the big snowball starts.  I tell 100 of my Facebook friends, who in turn tell 100 of their friends, who tell 100 of their friends and so on….big possibilities for companies.

The reason buying fake Facebook fans can never help any business or brand achieve stardom or anything even remotely viral is because these so called Facebook fans are typically ‘fake’ accounts of people who don’t even exist.  These accounts are made and then they are ‘friended’ with 50-100 other fake accounts to make it seem like these people are legitimate Facebook users with friends who can help but a business on the map. Fake people with fake friends can NOT help increase your visibility.  If you’re interested in putting your product or brand in front of a bunch of fake people who can’t help share your story, brand or business, then buying fake fans is the way to go for you!

Fake Fans Hurt Your Facebook Edgerank

Besides being a waste of money, fake fans actually hurt your edgerank.  Edgerank is an algorithm that Facebook uses to assess the popularity of your Facebook fan page.  A page with a higher edgerank gets shown in the news ticker more and on other peoples’ pages, increasing your overall visibility.  One of the factors for calculating edgrank is the amount of ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ a page gets.  All of those fake fans aren’t going to interact with your page much, which is going to decrease the amount of likes/comments to your #of fans ratio, which will decrease your edgerank score.

If you want to find quality, real Facebook fans you have to take the time to create relationships with the people online.  That’s what Facebook is all about anyway.

A Few Tips for Getting More Quality Fans

Attract people who actually want to be a fan of your page with these simple tactics:

  • Add your Facebook fan page link to your email signature
  • Add a prominent link to your Facebook fan page on your website, right up top
  • Invite people to ‘like’ your page when you send out email campaigns
  • ‘Like’ other relevant businesses and begin networking with them (networking, not self-promoting)
  • Run a paid campaign to put your business in front of relevant people on Facebook by targeting your exact demographic
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Tabatha Coffey Blows Up Salon Secrets on Dr Oz

April 19, 2012 By

tabatha coffey on dr ozMany salon and spa owners were probably cringing and covering their ears when Tabatha Coffey and secret salon employees went on an all-out expose on the Dr Oz show today.  In case you missed it, Tabatha and her secret cohorts spilled the beans on the dirtiest, most disgusting and downright dangerous practices that go on at salons and spas across the country.  For a long time, many more prestigious salons and spas pointed the finger to smaller ‘nail salons’ as the ones who don’t sanitize, disinfect or change the wax stick.  But Tabatha and her secret insiders pointed the fingers right back at them revealing that a staggering 75% of salons DO NOT disinfect, sanitize and clean up to industry standards and regulations.  OUCH!!!!!!!

Sounds like a nightmare for salon owners, right?  WRONG!  This is an open invitation for salon and spa owners to set themselves apart from the rest.  My advice to owners is to NOT sweep Tabatha’s comments under the rug, but bring them right back into the open.  Yes, I said it.  I want you to publicize Tabatha’s remarks to your clients.  Chances are, a few of your clients saw the episode and are now wondering about your salon.  They are thinking to themselves….”Hm…..is that sanitation solution they use for the nail utensils ever changed??? Tabatha said it wasn’t…”  Or “Hm…..do they double dip that wax stick?????  Tabatha said that could cause STDS!!”

In case you missed it, Tabatha revealed that SOME salons/spas don’t change the sanitizing solution for nail utensils often enough, making it practically useless against bacteria, refill expensive backbar products with cheaper products to save money, use Windex instead of Barbesil to clean cutting scissors and combs, double dip wax sticks and others…

Don’t let your clients wonder.  Don’t let Tabatha’s comments be the elephant in the room.

Update your website, Facebook, Twitter, in-salon literature, email marketing, etc….with a blurb that talks about how your salon takes cleanliness and hygiene to the highest level possible.  Let your customers know that you are NOT one of the 75% of salons who don’t.  Talk about your stringent cleaning procedures, talk about using a new wax stick for every dip, talk about bleaching the pedicure bowls thoroughly after each and every pedicure!!!  Most of all…assure them that what they heard on Dr Oz is NOT in any way how things are done at YOUR salon.

A video message from the owner would really hit the ball out of the park.  Walk through the salon while being video taped and SHOW how you clean, what types of sanitation cleansers you use.  Remind your clients why they pay more to come to YOUR salon…because they don’t want to take the chance of ending up in a chair at one of the other 75%.

Happy cleaning my friends!

Filed Under: Salon Business Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

Facebook Marketing Tips: Quality not Quantity

January 12, 2012 By

Your Facebook fan page isn’t worth squat if your fans aren’t commenting or ‘liking’ your posts.  Posts and status updates that receive more likes and comments are more likely to earn a coveted spot in the Facebook newsfeed.

When it comes to posting on your Facebook page, the rule is quality not quantity.  This is a delicate rule because you have to get it just right.  Too many posts and you run the risk of your page being ignored or fans getting irritated by your incessant posting.  Too little posts and fans may disappear forever because they never interact with you.

My suggestion is that you plan out about 3-4 posts a week.  Come up with a strategy to get people to ‘like’ or comment on your posts.   Use the Facebook fan insights to learn more about your fans, this may help you understand other topics that might interest them.  For example, if you have a younger fan base of 18-34 year olds, they may be interested in gossiping about the latest celebrity dirt, Jersey Shore episodes, etc.  In addition to these types of updates, be sure to pepper in some useful information about your business, brand or service.

The reason I suggest coming up with posts in advance is because it gives you more time to think of creative ideas, jokes, quotes or tips that are most likely to get interaction.

For my Facebook marketing clients, I create a spreadsheet for each month and map out by week and by day what the update is going to be about as well as any accompanying photos. Of course if late breaking news happens, I just skip whatever post I was scheduled to talk about and save it for the next update so I can take advantage of what’s hot in the news right now.

For more Facebook marketing tips, feel free to email us at stacey@tcr-marketing.com or check out our Facebook marketing packages.

Filed Under: Facebook, Marketing Tips Tagged With: ,

Get More Facebook Fan Tips

January 4, 2012 By

A simple way to get more Facebook fans to like your page is to add a signature at the bottom of your email that includes a link to your Facebook fan page. Instead of just saying something generic like ‘Connect on Facebook’ or ‘Become a fan on Facebook,’ include the link and add a benefit of becoming a fan of the page.

Some examples could be:

‘Become a fan of our Facebook page to receive exclusive, Facebook only coupons and discounts’ (any retail/service business)

‘Connect with us on Facebook for healthy skin care tips’ (spa)

‘Join us on Facebook to exchange marketing ideas and tips (small business marketing consultant)

Filed Under: Facebook, Marketing Tips Tagged With: , ,

Measuring ROI of Social Media

January 3, 2012 By

facebook marketing njSmall Business Marketing Tip: Measuring the ROI of Facebook

Just like any other marketing tool (TV, Radio, Newspaper, etc), you can measure the ROI of Facebook.  In order to do so, you have to develop specific goals that you want to measure (ie, sale of a certain product) and then a strategy to sell that product.

Not every aspect of Facebook can be measured in terms of ROI though.  Consider this, can you measure the ROI of your secretary?  Can you measure the ROI of a customer service representative who handles customer phone calls, comments and complaints?

If you want to measure the ROI of Facebook, you need to get specific. You can measure sales of a certain product by introducing an online promotional code called ‘FACEBOOKFRIENDS’ or ‘FACEBOOKPRODUCTX’.  Use that code only on Facebook and then at the end of the month (or sales period) see how many sales were generated using that code.

For more info on Facebook marketing, email stacey@tcr-marketing.com

 

Filed Under: Facebook, Marketing Tips

Write Off the Write Up

December 21, 2011 By

Using a ‘write up’ as a form of punishment or scare tactic for employees is one of the most ineffective forms of management I can think of.  I hear companies say ‘we are going to write you up if your performance doesn’t improve’.  It makes me laugh.  Really?  Write me up?  And then what?  And that’s where many companies fall short.

A write-up is a form of punishment, but often times no positive or proactive steps are taken after the write up to encourage the desired behavior/productivity from the client.  That’s just one reason why I feel this method is ineffective.

Another point, if your employee is not living up to your standards, why are they still your employee?? Sure I believe in the old ‘three strikes and you’re out’ rule…but you don’t have to write someone up to let them know they they are not meeting company standards.

Take a different approach

Instead of punishing, take a proactive approach to ameliorate the problem.   If your employee does not improve with training, education and positive mentoring, there is no reason to keep them around. Writing them up won’t help either.

For documentation purposes, you may want to keep a file on this employee and note the days/times that HR discussed performance or offered additional training and coaching.  This will help you document the timeline leading up to an employee elimination.

Managers are not ‘parents’.  Employees need not be afraid of them or fear their wrath.  What type of a work environment is that???  Mutual respect is the best way to move a company forward. If one person can’t keep up, consider positive reinforcement to bring about change. If that doesn’t work, it’s bye-bye birdie!

Send your management questions to stacey@tcr-marketing.com for more information.

Filed Under: Management Consulting, Salons Tagged With: , ,

Salon and Spa Marketing: Why Your Facebook Page Stinks

October 10, 2011 By

Facebook has over 800 million users…so naturally, you created a Facebook fan page for your salon or spa. But guess what?  It stinks.  But you already know that…or maybe you don’t?  Why does your Facebook fan page stink?  Well, there are a number of reasons why.  But first, let’s start with the basics.

Facebook is a communication tool.  A phone is a communication tool.  Would you call a client or potential client several times a day blurting in their ear a promotional or special offer available at your salon? Imagine this:

8:30am

Salon XYZ -> Customer: Hello customer? Hi we have the new Paul Mitchell shampoo that repairs split ends!! Bye!

10:30am

Salon XYZ -> Customer: Hello customer? Watch this YouTube video!!! Bye!

1:30pm

Salon XYZ -> Customer: Hello customer?  $25 hair cuts today and tomorrow! Bye!

You get my point right?

Why do people become fans of Facebook pages?

The Andre Chreky Facebook page is a model example of how to use Facebook for your business.

There are many reasons why someone might become a fan of your salon’s Facebook page.  They might want to connect with their hair stylist, they may want to know if you are offering any specials, they may want to learn more about how to style their own hair and what the latest trends are.

Most people are on Facebook because they want to have fun.  That fun can mean saving on their next hair cut, watching a cool video tutorial on how to blow-out their hair at home or even answering a funny riddle.

Your Facebook page stinks because for the most part, it doesn’t address the main reasons why people are on Facebook.  Many salons and spas are simply shoving promotional announcements in front of fans with no regard to conversation or engagement.

Facebook is about relationship building, not advertising. If you are on Facebook to ‘advertise’ your business, get off. Consumers see enough commercials on TV, read enough junk mail and delete tons of spam emails.  We don’t need any more advertisements thrown in our face.

Instead of advertising your salon, take the approach of building relationships with your fans. You don’t always have to talk about your salon or spa, the employee of the month or what new product/service you have.  Think of other ways to connect with fans. Make them laugh.  Talk about current events.  Become their friend.  Because in the end, who are you going to trust to do your hair?  Your friend or an advertisement?

Andre Cheky Facebook Page – He’s Doing it Right

I came across the Andre Chreky salon Facebook page and I really like it. It’s by Andrew Chreky, a salon in the DC area. He has a good mix of information about life in general, hair, the salon, etc. Notice that he uses his blog to post information about stuff people are interested in.  Check out his Facebook page for some good ideas about what to post on your own.

Our Facebook Marketing Package

If you need help with your Facebook page, we offer a simple Social Media Management package.  Use our contact page for more information.

Filed Under: Facebook, Salon Marketing, Salons, Social Networking Tagged With: , ,

Salon Marketing: Birthdays

September 22, 2011 By

Last month I went to a new waxing salon to have my eyebrows shaped.  They were looking pretty dreadful and I needed a professional touch.  Before my appointment, I was asked to fill out a questionnaire. I can’t tell you how many of these I have filled out at area salons and spas.

This month was my birthday. To my pleasant surprise, on the day of my birthday, I received an automated email from the new waxing salon.  It was a simple email, just wishing me a happy birthday, but it really surprised me.  Like most people, I have a smart phone, so I get my emails all day long. I was really delighted to see that out of all of the emails, phone calls and Facebook messages I was receiving, the new waxing salon had also sent me a birthday wish.

Use Your Existing Salon Marketing Software to Build Lasting Relationships

If you have a large salon, most likely you are using sophisticated booking software.  The majority of these software programs incorporate marketing technology that can send out automated emails to clients on their birthdays.

The question is, are you using this technology and taking advantage of the increased business it can bring?

More than likely, anyone celebrating their birthday will be going out for the occasion on that day or within the next few days. Why not show your gratitude to your client for their patronage by offering them a % or dollar amount off of a blow-out or make-up service for their birthday. Go a step further and tell them to bring a friend in for the same offer.  Maybe this will expose a new client to your salon.  It should be used within 10 days of their birthday so that the client can take advantage of this service on the day they will be celebrating.  I’ve been to lots of area salons in recent years, not one wished me a happy birthday or attempted to get me back in the door with a birthday offer. I’m going out soon to celebrate my birthday. I probably would have taken advantage of getting a nice blow out for the occasion.

Believe me, a little generosity goes a long way.  Another great reason to extend a birthday present is to create loyalty.  It takes about three visits to the same salon/stylist before a person starts to feel some sense of loyalty to them.  If I was a new customer at your salon, that discounted birthday blow out or makeup application might get me back in for that key 3rd visit much sooner than I would have scheduled.

We are building relationships here to create loyalty.   Loyalty brings referrals and keeps customers at your salon.  If their favorite technician leaves, will they still be loyal to the salon?  That’s really up to you and how you treat your clients over the course of their patronage.

Filed Under: Day Spa Industry, Salon Marketing, Salon Spa Internet Marketing, Salons Tagged With: , ,

Salon Marketing: Going Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

September 16, 2011 By
tshirt

Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirt for $5.95

We are just a few weeks away from the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Without a doubt, someone who has sat in your chair knows a survivor, patient or remembers someone who fought.  This is a critical time for salon owners and staff members to connect with your clients on another level.  Show your support for your community, friends, and clients by marking the month with special promotions and highlights to show you care.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Kerastase Salons- advertise the pink Chrome line and donate a percentage of sales for the month to Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Have staff members who are bold enough dye a streak of hair bright pink! It’s fun and will definitely be a great way to promote BCA through pictures online and in the salon
  • If you have a salon uniform (or even if you don’t) change it up for October by incorporating pink.  PinkRibbonShop.com has a great selection of Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts that start as low as $5.95. You can also get pink bands to wear around the wrist.
  • Put a collection box (wrapped in pink wrapping paper) at the front of the salon.  Encourage donations by letting everyone know that your salon will match however much is collected and the money will go to the Breast Cancer Awareness organization

These are just a few ideas. We can come up with so much more and this is an important cause to recognize.

Call me if you want to brainstorm, 732 757 7944.

Stacey

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How Google Related Can Help/Hurt Local SEO

September 2, 2011 By

Google introduced a new tool bar that actively shows consumers ‘useful’ information on the bottom of their screen while they surf the web or browse a website.

For instance, if you’re browsing a page about a salon in New Jersey, Google Related will assist you by displaying useful information about this salon such as the location of the salon on a map, user reviews, related restaurants in the area, and other webpages related to New Jersey hair salons– all in one place.

From the consumer experience, this can be really helpful. From the local salon’s experience, this can be really hurtful.

Consumer Reviews More Important Than Ever Now

One of the key factors now that can make your business sink or swim with Google Related is the number of consumer reviews your business has.  Consumers can post reviews about your business online with Google Maps, Judy’s Book, Yelp, etc.  A proactive Internet Reputation Management strategy would consistently encourage customers/clients/guests to write positive reviews about your business online and reward them for doing so.

Take a look at Google’s snapshot below.  This is a mock-up of a consumer experience visiting the restaurant of a local website. Notice the bottom of the picture.  There are multiple options for this user to learn more about this restaurant…or others. The first tab is a map of where to find the restaurant, the second tab lists their consumer reviews (3 for this restaurant) and the other tab lists other ‘related’ restaurants in the area.

If you don’t have a massive amount of consumer reviews praising your business, what’s stopping them from taking Google’s assistance and checking out what other businesses Google recommends? Perhaps these other buisnesses have rave reviews posted about them online. Guess what? If they do….you’re done.

Is everyone using Google related?  No.  Should you still be concerned? Yes.

google local seo

How to Maximize Google Related for Your Business

The best thing to do is to implement a customer review strategy asap.  We can help.  There are a few ways.  One is to add a button to your existing website that says ‘reviews’.  We will create a page that has direct links to anyplace online where customers can review your business.  To get customers to post reviews, we will design a postcard that asks them to review your business online in return for a small reward. The postcard will direct them to your website…..JaneSmithSalon.com/Reviews

Once they write their review, they email you a copy of the review and you either send them a gift certificate or whatever small prize you had promised.

This works excellent for salons, spas, restaurants, doctors, chiropractors, car dealers, etc.

Simple!  Effective! 

Call me if you want to start.  732-757-7944.

Filed Under: Advertising, Local Google SEO Tagged With: , ,
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