We’ve probably all asked that question at one time or another. The short and simple answer – advertising. Facebook charges advertisers and marketers to run ads on the Facebook platform and within their marketing landscape using cost per click and CPM metrics . That’s one obvious answer. Some sources indicate though, Facebook struggles monetizing the entire Facebook platform. In other words, they have not figured out how to fully capitalize on the sheer volume of users. After all it’s free. Or is it?

I’ve read several articles about Facebook conspiracies [like this one] and how Facebook basically farms information about all of us for marketing research purposes. Such a huge demographic of people to capture marketing and other data from is certainly valuable. And quite honestly, it’s a scary thought, and our private information isn’t free! I will let you make the call on that one. You can check out basic statistics and information about Facebook here as the Facebook company discloses it.

How businesses can leverage Facebook

Go where the people are

The old “if you build they will come” phrase doesn’t work so well in online marketing. You have to reach people where they are. Facebook offers several ways to advertise, build company pages, create applications and more. If you are a business owner and you want to increase your online reach, I recommend creating a company profile and build pages.

Generate an audience

Build a following, get friends, family, colleagues and who ever to join your network and become a fan. Once you have a profile you can create industry specific pages of your choice. Note: pages are different from profiles!

Run sponsored ads

In addition to creating business pages you can run sponsored ads and manage them right within Facebook. You can do that by going here.

The payoff

Like many Internet marketing techniques leveraging and marketing on Facebook takes time, research, and patience. Monitor results, create interactive features, get the users involved and create interest. Facebook page actually rank in the search results so create with keywords in mind. You will increase your reach and create yet another way to drive traffic to your website or capture conversions.

Arbor Search Marketing is Based in Colorado and can help your business marketing Facebook and dozens of Social Media sites. Contact us today for a free consultation!