Why do I need Facebook?

More and more, I find myself explaining to business website  clients why Facebook and other social networking sites need to be a part of their overall marketing plan. Just the other week I was talking to my dad, an attorney in Ohio, about Facebook. He still doesn't have a personal account, though his partner has created an account for himself and their firm, so at least they have some social media presence. His argument to me was that he's not interested in catching up with old contacts, and that no one would go to Facebook specifically to find a lawyer.

I told him that he was right, but that that was not the point. Of course it's unlikely that someone would go to Facebook to try and find an attorney. Instead, as I explained to him, the point is to gradually build up your online connections, all the while regularly posting tips and tricks and information so that you educate and remind your contacts that you're an expert in your field. Then, when one of your clients does need someone with your special talent, they'll naturally think of you.

Ironically, just 24 hours later, one of my high school classmates messaged me through Facebook. I hadn't seen her or talked to her in person in nearly 20 years, but we'd recently re-connected thanks to Facebook and had exchanged a couple of messages getting caught up. While at a conference in Texas, she came to the realization that she needed a professional website for her freelance consulting business and she immediately thought of me and my design firm. We're now building the new Guyer Consulting website, thanks to Facebook.

If you aren't already using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social media platforms, start now! If you have questions on what you should be doing, or how to integrate those sites with your own website, contact us. You should also review our Social Media Tips and Tricks.