Of course I shared post of gratitude on both the Chasing Joy and my personal Facebook page. After seeing my post and congratulating me a friend asked, "how'd you do that?" I did not have any top secret tips for him. But I did tell him how I manage the page and what I feel has helped the "likes" grow. Then I realize that this is a great question for the Any Questions Series.
Question: How did I get over 500 likes on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page.
Answer: It did not happen overnight. The Facebook Page is almost 3 years old. Since I started the page I have focused on engagement. The more comments, likes, and shares on Facebook the more visible your page is to others, including those who have not liked your page, via stories. Stories is what Facebook calls it when you see the activities of your friends in your timeline. For example so-and-so liked Chasing Joy's status.
I focus on engagement by asking questions and encouraging Joy Chasers to post directly on the Chasing Joy wall. I have reoccurring themes throughout the week, Make it Happen Monday, Way to Go Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Flashback Friday. This helps Joy Chasers know what and when to share their goals, shout outs, gratitude, and favorite blog posts on the Chasing Joy FB page. To encourage more engagement and conversation I try to reply to every comment on the Facebook Page. I am certain I miss some but not many. (For the record I'm trying to get as good as responding directly on the blog as I am at responding on Facebook)
Post pictures often. Pictures get a really good response on Facebook. They are much more shareable. Also, I am sure to share any other peoples pictures that will be well received by you Joy Chasers.
Quoting my dad "Consistency is the Key". I post on the Facebook page regularly. I post inspirational quotes, questions, and many random thoughts. There is rarely a day that goes by that Facebook does not hear from me. Now I don't actually log on every day. I schedule posts ahead of time. I like to use the app Hootsuite. It allows you to schedule posts (or tweets) weeks and even months in advance. I make sure to schedule posts to go out when I am asleep. When I am asleep there is another half of the world that is awake and online.
The most important thing to do to grow your Facebook likes is to develop a relationship with the people who like you. This does not mean you have to learn everything about them. But as you engage with them and respond to their messages you will get to know them and that will give you insight as to what types of things they want to see from you. Also take the time to visit their FB pages if they have them. Engage with them on their pages. A little reciprocity goes a long way. This especially comes in handy when you are approaching a milestone or want to spread the word about a special event. You can say "hay people who love me on Facebook please share this.." or "please invite your friends to like my page." Just be sure to return the favor.
Having a support system has really helped increase Chasing Joy's visibility. A great support system will include people who are trying to accomplish the same or similar goals who decide to work together instead of competing. I get this type of support form the Shades of Social Media. The Shades is a group of female bloggers of color who work together to share our diverse voices on line. We work together promoting and encouraging each other in many areas including Facebook. Look for a group with similar interests and goal as your own. If you cannot find one then start your own.
Other things I do to increase my Facebook likes are:
- Make sure I mention and link to the Chasing Joy Facebook page in many of my blog posts
- Encourage my twitter peeps to like Chasing Joy on Facebook
- On my personal Facebook page I list my occupation as owner of Chasing Joy and I make sure it is a live link to the Chasing Joy Facebook Page.
- Check the Facebook insights to find ou the age range and locations of those who have liked your page.
Did I leave anything out? What are your tips for increasing your likes on FB?
