Internet extrovert
Last week I set up Facebook pages for How About Orange and for my graphic design business. I'll admit it: I only did it because everyone else is doing it. Could someone enlighten me as to why it's good to have a Facebook page for your blog? Help me out here, folks. Next, I will be setting up a new blog where I shall blog about this blog. And then probably a Facebook page for that blog, too.
57 comments:
I absolutely agree with your opinion. More time on the computer that you never get back! I don't know why I did it so I stopped and guess what? I lived.
Hiya, I'm a semi new reader, I think this may be my first post. I have no idea if I have commented before :P
I don't know why you would have a facebook page for your blog. I only go on there to stalk friends and I don't even do that much anymore. Maybe somebody else can help you.
A blog to follow this blog. I hope you don't have to branch out that far :)
But good luck with it.
Well, I must admit that the very next day after I set up my graphic design page, someone saw it and requested a quote on a project. Maybe it COULD generate new business; who knows.
I SO agree. And I don't get why we have to get a message in our email box telling us that someone left us a message over on FB. Why don't people email anymore? The whole world reads what is messaged over there. Yuck. I hate it. I think it's just a bunch of people lurking around seeing how many "friends" they can make.
I must admit, though, that it certainly was a FAST way to reconnect with my college friends with whom I'd lost touch. And I don't even have anything to say to them, really, but I like that they are there when I need them. :) But the rest of it? Yuck!
I have been a bit confused on the matter too. There seems to be more and more ways of promoting your blogs and blogging about your blogs. It's getting crazy!
But I guess for people who don't use blog readers or rss feeds, being a member of your group on Facebook is just another way of finding out when you post.
Plus there are apparently more than 175 million FB users - so I guess it's helping to get your name and business out there to a new range of people...
As long as it's not doubling your workload, I think it's probably worth it :)
If you want to make some quick (?)money, maybe you could sell "banner design" services on etsy. I just paid someone to redesign my blog banner, and I would have been more than thrilled if I could have paid YOU design it!
I also don't get why you get an email notification from facebook. I guess for all those of us who forget to check FB inthe first place. But then it gives you the whole message in the email so you don't even have to bother going to FB.
LOL I just made a facebook page for my blog for the same reason, not even sure how to navigate on there!! Your page looks nice:)
I don't quite get the facebook for your blog thing - and I'm of the facebook generation that started it all. My guess it that the facebook page allows you to have "fans", which generates exposure for you... But otherwise, its sort of funny
you guys know you can change your facebook settings right? you don't have to get emails when someone messages you. & you can message someone privately so everyone can't read it. I like facebook but don't really get the whole groups thing or why you'd need one for your blog....
oh lordy, Facebook is a silly timesuck and don't even get me started on Twitter! xo, suzy
Ha! I have a Facebook "business" page, too. And I mostly forget about it. :) It doesn't really do anything for my sales.
Much more important than a facebook about your blog is a twitter account about your blog. If you tweet them, they will come, or so I have been told.
You need a Western Union account, Jess; I hear they're quite the going concern these days. Don't forget your ticker-tape machine as well!
don't know if I'd want my FB page on my blog - it's almost like different personas for different online things for me...but then, I don't use any of it for work, just for fun, so maybe it's a good thing for work, get people to see your stuff...
I think if you have enough blog followers who can get "your" word out, you don't need a fb page. I think it's mostly for little kids and teenagers and the like.
ha! this post is perfect for me- I started a facebook account last week- I closed it down in less than 24 hours. I figured work email, personal email, a cell #, a home # and a blog were more than enough ways to get ahold of me.
But- the facebook world is phenomenally huge. My two cents: definitely keep it & use it on a minimal 'work-related' basis.
Yes, little kids, teenagers... and Crate and Barrel, CB2, Target, Design Within Reach, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge... hmmm....
When you figure it out, please let me know! ;-)
Okay, I'll be watching the answers here because I have been wondering the same thing.
I love the combo of interesting/fun and eye popping elements that you got going here in your blog!
Thanks!
I resisted a long time before opening my Facebook page. Last week, I created a Facebook page for each of my blogs. And I cannot be happier. It is more than a way to promote my blog. I can share additional photos on posts I wrote or engage a conversation about where my blog is going.
It is more work but it should pays off in the long run due to the power of the social graph of Facebook. A fan page also gives you reliable demographic statistics about your fans.
On Twitter, you have to assume that you are talking to strangers (your followers do not necessary read your blogs). On Facebook, the conversation can be more personal because you are talking to your readers, except that you are doing it on a different environment than your blog. People may not write a comment but will tell you that they like this.
I found this article interesting. I don't have any personal experience but this may be illuminating.
http://horiwood.com/2009/03/24/why-facebook-has-never-listened-why-it-definitely-wont-start-now/
It's all about the ability to get wider exposure and new readers. I was also hesitant about opening an account, and now I'm hooked. Yes, it can be a waste of time, but if you can utilize a wider variety of readers' leisure time... why not? The more times someone hears about your blog they are more likely to check it out. Repetition. And it's not just for teens- it's popular with the 18-35 crowd as well...
I dont know about setting up a facebook page for my blog. But I would definitely set one up for my business....in fact now Im wondering why I havent done it earlier. Im an independent writer who works out of home, but having my biz up there on Facebook would definitely give me better exposure and drive business. I think Im gonna do it soon!
Haha! I have been thinking the same.
^_^ where will it end, lol!??
I'm with you on this. I have a twitter account for the same reason and yet I hate Twitter. But eh, my readers seem to like that I talk to them directly, even though I write about 2000 words a week, which is more than enough to share, but by its very nature it's not much of a time drain so I keep on.
I agree with the others who have suggested Twitter. Because Facebook retains a degree of privacy its impact is more limited. People who already know about your blog will find you and maybe a few of their friends. But on Twitter the world can find you. For a business, I think that has huge potential.
Facebook's fastest growing demographic is the 35+ crowd, and with nearly 200 million users worldwide, it's an excellent place to gain exposure. Also, you may want to look into purchasing ad-space on FB. The ads are thumbnail size, rt-hand margin of the pages. I don't know how much they run but it would give your business a TON of exposure.
Just some thoughts.. take care :)
I use Networked Blogs on Facebook for my blog. It links it to my page and lets my facebook friends know when there is a new post up. I am pretty sure people check Facebook everyday (or in some cases every five minutes) but maybe not the blog.
It has generated lots of readers for me and I can link to other blogs myself and know when new post are up.
I would say give it a few weeks - if it becomes to much work drop it. Hey - it's FREE!
Facebook is so much fun! Wait till you get on the Twitter Train!
Hey there,
While I totally understand what people are saying, I actually work in the word of mouth marketing industry, and we often recommend creating fan pages...and I can tell you why. It gives you another outlet to communicate with your fans. Not only does it allow you to show your work in a way people are used to consuming info (Facebook is one of the most active and popular websites), it also allows you to give your work a personality.
Granted, I can see how a blog and and fan page can seem redundant, but the fan page should just be another way to reach you or direct you to your blog. It doesn't have to include all of the same content, and it shouldn't.
I hope that helps you a bit - and I will definitely become a fan. I love your blog and read it everyday on my RSS!
You have an FB page so that people who don't know about your graphic biz, about your cool blog might find you. Readership and customers. It is all about getting your name out there. What a testimonial that is for social media marketing that the third comment down is you posting you found new business via FB. Also, FB is geographically based so it can bring you local business too. Got a myspace page? LOL
Aundria and Vanessa finally hit on the value of a FB page for your blog. I find it interesting that so many of your commenters are all web-savvy blog readers but are so unfamiliar with FB. I suspect the opposite is true -- that many FB users aren't avid blog readers -- which is another good reason to have a FB page for your blog. More exposure, plain and simple. And for the content of your blog, I think the FB demographic is perfect. Win-win!
I have a NetworkedBlogs on Facebook, but I think that it is different than creating a page. I'm not sure why you would have two, now I don't know whether to make a page or not since I have the NetworkedBlogs page.. confusion!
I don't get the whole face book thing.
If you want to talk to someone why not just call them?
I have heard that it is good for advertising through word of mouth but I haven't taken the plunge yet.
I don't know what the point is, but I joined your group. Also, I got the cards yesterday and they are great, thank you. Really like the postcards.
I have resisted for a long while, but I think I might be weakening. It's like the Borg.
When I become a fan of your page, then my facebook friends see that and they may become interested and become a fan and then those facebook friends see it..etc. It becomes a word of mouth thing without me breathing a word. I think it also satisfies people's laziness and need to stalk.
:D
About NetworkedBlogs on Facebook... I accidentally stumbled upon that the other day, and found that How About Orange already existed as a Networked Blog with some fans. Although I'm not confirmed as the author of it over there. I guess it requires one more person to vouch for me.
This is absolutely fascinating. I love hearing all the different opinions out there!
Networked Blogs is less work than having a fan page because you just have to click to update and get the word out to your readers. I do a fan page for the museum I work at and I think it is a little more time consuming.
It is really about what works best for you!
In the end, the more people that see you, the better, you know?
I'm new to facebook too - finally broke down and did it and am happy I did even if it is another time-suck. Even the biggest luddites are on Facebook, and can click a link to visit a blog so you'd be reaching a new audience. I'm noticing family and friends finally visiting my blog just because it's a quick link for them in a central location.
The only drawback I can think of is that stink about facebook changing the terms of service so that they claimed rights to pictures (and archives of pictures if you take them down) that you upload. They changed all that when people freaked out, but I don't know... leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I'd be interested to hear more about how it goes.
The reason that it is good for a blog to be linked to a facebook page is for Online Marketing purposes. The more links you have the better your ratings on google and yahoo will be. This will get you a higher page ranking which means more people who are just surfing the web for interesting things will be more likely to find your blog!
Facebook is a fast moving social network in my opinion. It's amazing how fast information gets passed on. It's genius actually. I can post an article and see that half my friends repost...and so on.
I know that by joining your group, I expose 169 of my dearest friends to your blog :)
Excellent! Please say hello to those 169 friends for me. :)
I have a blog which is like a little life journal for me, I have a facebook page, which keeps me in touch with my friends. If the 2 cross over, that's fine. I'm no one special.
But you have a well established blog and I don't see why you'd need FB (although, I admit I am a fan!) unless you want to use it as a way to converse with friends, fans, and customers, etc. rather than on your blog itself in the comments. You know?
I suppose it can't hurt to have both, as long as FB doesn't take precedence over your blog and start to consume more time than you expected...then you've defeated the purpose!
I find that you're blog is far more interesting and beneficial to those that read and admire your great work! In this case, it might be ok to be the INTROVERT!
I don't get it either. I have a Myspace page that I never check. Although everyone tells me I HAVE to get on Facebook, it just sounds like a lot of work for another page I will stop checking after a month or so. And I can't even wrap my head around Twitter. Isn't it enough that I pollute the world with info and opinions with my blog? *Sigh.* Am I wrong?
Facebook has put me in touch with people I went to elementary, high school and college with. Folks I had not spoken to for years. I found out one girl is now a natural foods chef. I asked her if she would write up some recipes for my blog and she did. For me it has worked well.
Hi Jess,
Long time lurker, first-time poster.
Some people use RSS, some people just randomly check their blog roll, some people use Twitter, some use FB. I don't think most people use all of these methods for checking in on our favorite orange blog.
By using FB you are increasing your readership, and giving your clients, fans, etc. another dimension of "personal" contact and service. I think a FB page is a wonderful addition to your online empire. =]
Blogger is for blogging. Facebook is for social networking (more than just friend-stalking. Twitter is for tweeting. RSS is for staying updated. You are not doubling your efforts by having a FB and a blog. You will primarily use your blog, but you have other places (FB, Twitter, etc.) that point others to your blog. You don't even have to update your FB that often, just put a note up that has your contact info and suggest that people visit your blog or contact you through your email, etc. Having a a FB page is not "blogging about your blog."
I really don't know your demographic though. It seems like the some of your posters might be the non-FB demographic, which might explain some of their hesitation about FB. I'm personally not a FB fanatic and I don't really use it for anything but keeping in touch (I am bi-coastal!) with friends and colleagues, but some of my friends are really into the groups and other features that FB has.
I hope that you don't buy into the argument that FB is "mostly for little kids and teenagers," please. And is it a timesuck? Of course it can be, but so is most of the internet. Um.. "time-waster" tag?!?! =]
Some of your posters have touched upon what I'm saying, others seem very out of touch with how other people use the internet. In short, whatever way you can reach out will help you. Throw out a hundred lines, catch a few fish.
This has been fascinating to read. My husband is a web developer whose employer made some apps for FB so that's why I originally joined FB almost two years ago or so. I didn't do much there until my 20th h.s. reunion happened last fall though, then it got quite fun to check on friends.
I am actually kind of slow to adapt to new technology, I feel like I overconsume information already so I try to refrain from adding more. But guess what? I signed up with Twitter a few days ago. It feels very different from anything else and I am not going to use it in the same way as I use FB.
All of this technology is wild and I love hearing other people's thoughts on it.
Now I will have to consider making a fan page for my own blog. I've been wondering the difference between that and the networked blog thing. I do see in my own circle of friends and family some will click to my blog more if I post the link on FB now. I just figured everyone was using a newsreader but it's clear they're not. I don't know why I'd assume that btw, it took me forever to get on board with that too! (Much to my dear husband's chagrin, LOL).
Hi! I just visited your blog for the first time (came over from moon-doggie.blogspot - she's got you on her blogroll). This is so enlightening. I didn't quite get using FB to find new readers, but now I think I do. Off to FB....
Very interesting discussion. I used to think, "Why would anyone need a website?". I learned why. Then I thought, "Why would anyone need something called a blog or a forum?". I learned why. Then social networking came along and the learning process was challenged yet again. Now RSS, Twitter, etc. To me, having a website, or a blog, is like putting up a billboard in the basement. Linking it with a social networking facility is marketing and advertising. This is about as close an analogy as I have come up with. Personally, I like it all, and I'm in the 40 something demographic.
I know I don't get it! I was "persuaded" into doing it too, but I never look at it. My blog takes up enough time.
I would NEVER put a facebook type link on my blog. I agree with Danielle (too stalk-ish) for me.
I never befriend companies or blogs on my facebook but I guess it would be a good way to get the word out. If I befriended your blog, then maybe a friend or two would check it out???
how did you get facebook to let you use your full title?? it will only let me use my name.... is it your orange powers?
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