Fan pages can now promote special messages within the boundaries of their fan’s news feeds by using the Promote option in the status bar. (Note: The feature is being rolled out so if you don’t have this option yet, don’t worry. Eventually you will!)
Facebook claims that promoted posts will reach more of your fans than just a plain update. However – and here’s the catch – promoted posts aren’t free but they aren’t expensive, either. You can pay as little as $5.00 and, according to Facebook, reach 300 of your fans.
There’s a caveat. All promoted posts will appear as “Sponsored” in your fans’ news feeds although they won’t appear on the right-hand column with the other ads.
To test drive a Promoted Post:
- Start with your status update box. Click Promote (to the left of Public).
- Select the amount of money you are willing to pay.
- Select your payment method.
Here are some possible uses:
- One free hour of memoir coaching when someone prepays for three.
- A link to a free copy of your book.
- Run a contest for a photograph for the cover of your next book.
- Free admission to a book launch party.
The beauty of Promoted Posts is that you will reach more of you fans than you normally do with your updates. The controversy around these promotions is that they introduce advertising into the news feed.
My advice? Use them sparingly – and only if your fans aren’t bothered by them.
About the Author: A social media marketer and trainer in Sonoma County, Frances Caballo has 22 years of communications experience. She helps writers, businesses and nonprofits with their social media and public relations needs. Presently, she is the Social Media Editor and Board Vice President for Redwood Writers, the largest branch of the California Writers Club, and the Director of the Sonoma County Book Festival. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.
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