This is the biggest and most complicated question I get.

The reason why it's so complicated is because every reason for a fan page is different, but it’s what makes you so different that makes this so fun and interesting…

Here are 4 steps I follow that have been successful for me:

1. I took the time to create a social media plan.

I know this is controversial as some people claim that social media is so big and that it changes so much how can you make any kind of plan. My answer is that because it’s so big and changes so much that without a plan you would be TOTALLY lost.

Here are a few questions to think about when making your plan:

• What is your goal with social media? – And don’t say make money! Your competition can say that too. Set real goals like a business plan. Set daily, weekly and monthly goals but don’t go any further than 3 months and check on them to make sure you're keeping them.

• Who is your primary client? Who is your secondary client? In other words what kind of client pays your bills. I have a homebuilder client, who has 23-35 year old females, newly engaged as his primary. They are ones that want the nice kitchens and will make the fiancé pay… LOL Who is your primary?

• Is your wall full of information for them to like?
• Are you asking questions they would want to answer?
• Remember who your primary client is… Is your welcome page or offering page appealing to them?

3. Are you engaging your fan’s?

This is a big one especially if you don’t have many fan’s or they don’t seem to respond to anything your posting.

Posts that work for me:

Photos – they are eye catching and now with changes from Facebook they are much bigger on the newsfeed. This makes for valuable real estate for your page.

Making it real – this means letting them know you’re not a big company but actually a real person. That a person is they’re engaging this page. Don’t make it so formal. People forget the word “social” in social media. Even if you represent a large company let them know you’re a person and you’re there to help. Ask engaging questions like:

• If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
• Yes or no? Are you looking forward to the weekend?
• Yes or no? Have you ever been to our store?
• Click “Like” if you wish you where on a beach right now?
• Click “Like” If you want to have a new kitchen?

4. Paying for Ads! (but not breaking your budget)

The best way to find targeted fan’s is by paying for ads. This way you know your getting fan’s that are going to “Like” your page and be interested in what you have to say.

Here is where the other steps come into play first. If you have taken the proper amount of time on knowing your primary target, have an inviting page and are ready with engaging questions your cost for ads will be very low. Make sure when placing your FB ad, you use the demographics, interests and location sections to reach your targeted fan base.

I currently pay $.35 per click. I know of some people who pay less. My last ad I budgeted $80 over 5 days and received over 223 new fan’s with ZERO “unlikes”

You will need a good picture for your ad. Something with colour that is eye catching but goes with your fan page or product. You also get only 3 lines to go with the picture. Here is where adjectives come into play.

This is where you will have:

• Become a fan and find out the secrets of…
• We have luxurious homes waiting for you to view…
• Reach your professional goals with the help you deserve…
• Features that solve your business needs…
• Planning the wedding of your dreams, let us....

In Social Media Well Done http://socialmediawelldone.ca/ I offer more detailed videos that will walk you through a detailed social media plan and help you build your social media voice.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to post on our fan page. www.facebook.com/activ8business

Have a GREAT Day

Lynne Conrad
Community Manager and Founder

1. Before you get started, ask yourself why you're sending this email. What's the purpose? (You don’t want it to get lost in their inbox.. make sure you have a reason to send)
2. Do remember there's a person on the other end of the email.
3. Don't send an email out of anger. (NEVER.. wait until you cool off… you can never take it back!)
4. Do ensure the subject line relates to the email content. (this way you know they will open it)
5. Do spell check. ( A MUST)
6. Don't send or launch before you edit and proof. (simply read as if you have never read it before)
7. Do check the tone - how will it be received?
8. Don't lose your message or point. (so easy to loose track)
9. Do use scannable bullet points and short paragraphs. (bullets get noticed more)
10. Don't write in ALL CAPS. ( unless you need to SCREAM at someone!)
11. Don't use too many images. (screen caption so you can show an issue you're having, and people can see it directly but don’t over do it.. they can only download so many)
12. Do have a friendly salutation and a sincere good-bye. (be nice… people like that)
13. Don't hesitate to say thank you.
14. Don't include incorrect or broken links. (some people may never tell you so you may never know they couldn’t use it…)
15. Do provide a signature, contact information and company website.(your social media links… hint hint…)

I just had my 20th High school reunion and looking back at high school it's amazing what people ended up doing.  

I"m curious to know what the Class of Social Media will end up doing. Thanks @flowtown

Monday night was the Canadian Election and a country witness history being made. Not because we made history and now have a totally different country but because of the use of social media during the election. Primarily Twitter.

Because of time zones Atlantic Canada (Where I’m from) closes it’s polls 4 hours before Alberta and British Columbia. So what they do is a media blackout for the west. They don’t want to influence the vote in any way.

But what they forgot was social media in their media blackout, mainly Twitter. It became a huge deal during the first hour of closing the polls in Atlantic Canada. The media black out on TV didn’t stop people from posting the results.

Twitter had no choice but to take action. They censored posts…

And the website/hashtag tweetertheresults shut down until the polls closed in BC.

What does this mean?

It means that there are enough people on twitter to effect the election of an entire Country. Twitter is being viewed as a viable media source and if you’re not on it… you should be.

I know I sound like I’m just pushing my product. But the reality is you have to keep up with where your customers are… and they are on twitter. You can effectively use twitter to gain more clients. It's not just about where you are and what you're doing, it can effectively be used to build your brand and gain new clients. If you need any help please let us know. You should also check out oneforty.com for small business toolkits and other apps for twitter.

Hope you have a GREAT week

Lynne