1 in 4 businesses have already adopted AI in 2024, will you be one of them (Forbes)? Trust us, AI is your new best friend—one that’s not just smart but also intuitive, constantly learning and evolving to meet your needs.

In this article, we’ll unravel the mysteries of automation for small business and show you how to put it to work for you. Whether it’s a chatbot that hangs out on your website, or analytics that give you a crystal-clear view of your next big move, we’ve got the insights you’re looking for. 

Ready to see what AI can do for you? Let’s dive in.

What is AI and Why Does it Matter for Small Businesses?

Instead of running yourself ragged, imagine having an assistant who works 24/7, never gets tired, and learns from every task it performs. That’s AI in a nutshell. 

Artificial intelligence (or AI for short) refers to the ability of machines to mimic human intelligence, process information, and make decisions based on the data it receives. AI in business is changing industries across the board—from healthcare and finance to retail and food service. 

But what about small businesses? Why should you care? Well, because if you don’t you will be quickly left behind. Adopting AI for business isn’t just about keeping up with the big players. It’s about staying ahead of the little guys too. 

Whether you’re a local coffee shop or a boutique marketing agency, AI has something useful for every business owner.

Examples of AI in Action for Small Businesses

• AI-Powered Scheduling: Imagine a beauty salon where appointments are booked automatically based on client preferences and staff availability. AI in small business can optimize schedules, reduce no-shows, and free up your time for more important things.
• Personalized Marketing: A small online store can use AI algorithms to analyze customer behavior and recommend products that suit their individual taste.

Common Misconceptions About AI

Let’s clear the air on a few myths. AI isn’t going to take over your business or replace your team. This is not 2001: A Space Odyssey. Instead, it’s a tool that complements your current efforts, making your processes more efficient and your decisions more informed. 

Just remember, that while AI can take on a lot of remedial tasks, it isn’t perfect and may need human assistance from time to time. Think of AI as a friendly aid that amplifies your efforts, not subtracts from your headcount.

Key Areas Where AI Can Boost Your Small Business

Customer Service and Engagement

Tired of responding to the exact same inquiries over and over again? We don’t blame you. 

Enter AI-powered chatbots. These nifty tools can handle everything from answering FAQs to processing orders, all while providing a highly personalized experience. Some great things about AI-powered chatbots are their:

• 24/7 Availability: Whether it’s 2 AM or 2 PM, your customers can get the help they need.
• Instant Responses: No more waiting on hold—chatbots provide immediate answers, improving your customer satisfaction scores.
• Personalization: Advanced chatbots can learn from past interactions, offering tailored responses that make customers feel valued.

Broadly’s AI-driven customer engagement tools take this a step further by integrating seamlessly with your current systems, ensuring you never miss a beat when it comes to customer care. Check out this quick demo of our web chat in action:

For more tool recommendations, check out this article: AI Tools for Small Businesses.

Marketing and Personalization

Ever wonder how those ads for products you’ve never heard of seem to know exactly what you want? That’s AI in marketing at work. AI algorithms analyze customer data to deliver highly targeted and personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience.

• Targeted Campaigns: Send the right message to the right person at the right time.
• Personalized Experiences: Offer tailored recommendations based on customer behavior, increasing conversion rates.

For instance, a small e-commerce store might use AI-powered marketing to create personalized email campaigns that suggest products based on past purchases. Not only does this improve customer engagement, but it has the potential to also boost sales.

Did you know? Broadly’s marketing automation features leverage the power of AI to enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns, ensuring you reach your audience with higher precision and a greater impact.

Also see: The Marketing Automation Playbook for Small Businesses

Data Analysis and Decision-Making

Let’s face it—data can be overwhelming. But with AI in business, you can turn mountains of information into actionable insights. Predictive analytics, a form of AI, allows you to forecast trends, understand customer behavior, and make informed decisions that drive growth.

• Actionable Insights: AI processes vast amounts of data quickly, identifying patterns and trends that would be tricky for humans to spot quickly.
• Predictive Analytics: Anticipate customer needs, optimize inventory, and plan marketing strategies with confidence.

For example, let’s visualize a small grocery store that uses AI to analyze sales data and predict which products and goods will be in demand next season. This allows the store to stock up accordingly, reducing waste and increasing profits.

Did you know? Broadly’s analytics tools empower small businesses to harness these insights, making data-driven decisions that lead to success. Has your interest been piqued? Check out these 10 essential marketing tools for small business success.

Operations and Efficiency

Running a small business often means wearing many hats. But with AI, you can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up your time to focus on what really matters—growing your business.

• Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks like invoicing, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Efficiency Boost: Streamline operations and reduce the likelihood of human error.

For example, a local bakery might use AI to automate its ordering process, ensuring that ingredients are always stocked without overordering. This not only saves time but also cuts costs.

Broadly’s workflow automation features make it easy to implement AI into your daily operations, helping you run a more efficient and profitable business.

Practical Steps to Implement AI in Your Small Business

Ready to dive into the world of AI but not sure where to start? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. Start Small: Don’t try to implement AI across your entire business at once. Choose one area, like customer service or marketing, and start there.
2. Choose the Right Tools: Not all AI tools are created equal. Look for options that are designed specifically for small businesses. Broadly offers a range of tools, like our AI-powered web chat, to help you get started.
3. Train Your Team: AI is only as good as the people who use it. Make sure your team understands how to use your AI tools effectively. Invest in training and encourage continuous learning to keep everyone in the loop.
4. Monitor and Adjust: AI is not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Regularly review its performance and make adjustments as needed. This will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment.

Overcoming Common AI Implementation Challenges

Implementing AI can feel daunting, but it is not as scary as it might seem. Here’s how to tackle some of the most common challenges:

• Cost: While AI can be expensive, the barrier to entry is getting lower by the day. If anything, consider this cost an investment. The long-term benefits, like increased efficiency and higher profits, often outweigh the initial costs.
• Complexity: Start with user-friendly tools and gradually move on to more complex systems as your team becomes more comfortable with AI.
• Data Privacy: Protecting customer data is not only the right thing to do, it’s the law! Ensure that the AI tools you choose comply with data protection regulations.

How is Broadly different? Unlike the bigger guys, Broadly’s user-friendly platform and 24/7 support are designed with small businesses in mind, making the transition to AI-powered tools smoother, more affordable, and less intimidating.

The Future of AI in Small Business

The world of AI in business is evolving rapidly, and the future looks bright—especially for small businesses. From predictive analytics to AI-powered customer experiences, the possibilities are endless. So, what can you do to remain on top? Staying informed and adaptable will be the key to leveraging these advancements.

In the near future, we can expect to see even more sophisticated AI tools that offer deeper insights, greater automation, and enhanced customer interactions. Imagine AI that not only understands what your customers want but anticipates their needs before they even realize them. Exciting, right?

Conclusion

AI is no longer a tool reserved for large corporations with deep pockets. It’s a powerful asset that small businesses can—and should—leverage to stay competitive and grow. By embracing AI in small business, you’re not just keeping up with the times—you’re setting yourself up for success years down the road.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of AI for business and explore how it can improve your operations, customer engagement, and marketing efforts. And remember, Broadly is here to help you every step of the way, offering AI-powered tools that are as intuitive as they are effective. Schedule your demo of our platform today!

The post How to Harness AI for Small Business Success appeared first on Broadly.

In addition, a business owner can collect feedback from customer reviews and star ratings after setting up a Google Business Profile. Any entrepreneur, whether they operate a service business or retail store, can benefit from having a Google Places listing.

What’s a Service Area Business?

While traditional businesses may provide services or retail products at a physical location or storefront, a service area business directly provides deliveries or services for the customers. Some examples of service area businesses include HVAC contractors, locksmiths, plumbers, and landscapers who must go on-site to serve their clientele. 

Before deciding to do business with a company, potential customers should be aware of the company’s service area, which is the geographic location—often a zone or metropolitan area—where the business sells its products or services.

When creating a Google Places listing, a service area business can set up only one profile for the metro in which they operate or provide services.

How to Set up Google My Business for a Service Area Business

A service area business may not sell its products or services from a physical address, but it can still benefit from managing a profile on Google Business Profile. A GBP account improves search engine optimization (SEO), specifically local SEO, so potential customers can find relevant companies through a Google search.

Plus, owners can update business hours and key company details like their phone number or business category. The process of creating a Google Business Profile listing involves three simple steps:

Step 1: Claim Your Business on Google

Navigate to Google Business Profile, then click on “Manage Now.” A search box should appear, prompting you to enter your business name. If your company does not already have a Google Business Profile account, you should see an option to add a listing.

Step 2: Verify Your Business

Google aims to confirm the rightful business owner of a GBP listing to prevent fraudulent updates to a business profile. Though the verification process may sometimes take place through email, a phone call, or SMS, Google requires many local businesses to verify their listing via traditional snail mail.

In the latter case, Google mails you a postcard with a unique verification code, usually within 14 days. After you enter the code onto your Google Business Profile setup page, then verification is complete.

Step 3: Review Your Business Information

After verifying your listing, review your company details and contact information for accuracy. This includes your business address and phone number. These updates can take a few weeks to show up in Google’s search engine and Google Maps. 

How to Manage a Google Places Service Area Listing

Google Business Profile features an easy-to-use dashboard so a business owner can easily change or update information relative to their company, such as a business location or physical address. There is even a dedicated section on Google Business Profile for service area information.

How Do I Add, Remove, or Edit a Service Area in Google My Business?

Step 1: Open your Google Business Profile

Click on your profile Account Circle, located in the top right, then open “Your Business Profile.”

Step 2: Navigate to “Location and areas”

Choose “Edit Profile,” then go to “Business Information” to find “Location and areas.”

Step 3: Select “Edit”

Under “Location and areas,” next to “Service area,” click on Edit, which should look like a pencil icon.

Step 4: Choose or remove service areas

From here, you can either delete service areas outside the scope of your business, choose from suggested service areas, or input a new service area.

Step 5: Click on “Save”

Save your changes to update your Google Business Profile listing. It may take a few days for your edits to publish to Google Maps and other Google products, including its search engine.

How Many Service Areas Can You Add to Google Business Profile?

A service area business may serve more than one particular metro or zone. On your GBP listing, you can add up to 20 service areas determined by the zip codes, cities, or other areas in which you do business. 

A Guide to Optimizing Google Business Profile for a Service Area Business

Small business owners providing a local service will want to optimize their listing on Google Business Profile to increase their chances of appearing in a Google search. From collecting positive reviews from customers to choosing relevant categories containing keywords, a service area business can improve its digital marketing strategy and local SEO to reach new clientele. 

Step 1: Choose the Best Primary and Secondary Categories

Let potential customers know exactly what your service area business offers by choosing descriptive categories. A primary category is specific, describing your business in its entirety. 

For example, if you are a landscaper, your primary category should describe precisely what you do, so you may choose from “Landscape Lighting Designer,” “Rock Landscaping Contractor” or another option. 

If your niche isn’t available as a primary category, it may help to default to a general option like “Landscape Designer.” Your secondary category or categories can be broader than your primary, such as “Landscaper.” At this time, it is not possible to add new categories. 

Step 2: Add Services to Your Business Profile

To add services to your Business Profile, simply click “Edit services” when viewing your Business Profile in Google Search (click “Edit profile” and then “services” when viewing in Google Maps). From there, you can select the service you want to edit, or add a new service simply by selecting “Add more services.” Don’t forget to click “Save” once you have done so.

Step 3: Add Images or Videos to Your Listing

Pictures or videos can serve as a portfolio or simply show the types of services and products you are selling or have sold. These visuals give prospective clients an idea of what you offer as a service area business. 

A landscaping business owner, for example, may upload images of landscaping designs they have created for past customers.

Step 4: Use Local Customer Reviews to Gain More Online Visibility

Not only can Google reviews help customers find your business when they conduct a local search, but the feedback allows you to provide an exceptional customer experience. 

One of the perks of managing your Google Business Profile is the ability to respond to customer reviews. You can thank happy customers for their patronage and respond to negative reviews to resolve any issues. In addition, online reviews help with local SEO so your business can rank higher in a Google search.

Tip: 

• How to respond to positive reviews
• How to respond to negative reviews

Step 5: Create Posts for Google Business Profile

Use your GBP to publish offers, events, products, and services directly to Google Search and Maps. This can be done through the Business Profile Manager with ease. Be careful to refrain from posting a phone number in the posting, as it will likely be rejected.

Step 6: Create Local Business Links to Simplify the Conversion Process

On a Google Business Profile listing, add a link to your company’s website so searchers can seamlessly browse your services and products or schedule an appointment.

Use Social Media Marketing to Cultivate a Community

Engage with your customer base and expand your online presence by creating and managing accounts on different social media platforms. 

Small businesses and larger enterprises take advantage of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to build their community, spread brand awareness, and post about new products and services, as well as promotions and special sales.

Market Your Business with Broadly

Streamline how you manage your company’s customer experience and online reputation with Broadly’s review management software. Monitor and respond to online reviews from different listings and platforms, including your Google Business Profile, using a single intuitive tool.

This article was updated on March 7, 2024.

The post How to Manage a Google Places Listing for a Service Area Business appeared first on Broadly.

Online reviews serve as modern-day word-of-mouth, influencing potential customers and shaping perceptions of your business. A well-crafted online presence, especially on platforms like Facebook, can build credibility and attract new clientele, but a spammy review can cast a negative shadow on your business. So how do you remove spam reviews from a Facebook page?

A potential customer landing on your Facebook page only to be met with a string of suspicious and generic reviews is going to have a bad first impression of your business, so getting rid of spam reviews is something all business owners should know how to do.

Spam reviews can drive away customers and erode the trust painstakingly built with your audience, which makes managing online reviews, identifying spam reviews, and taking decisive action to protect your business’s online reputation that much more important.

Read on to learn how to handle these digital nuisances with ease.

Identifying Spam Reviews

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s move on to the how. Here are some things to look for to help you spot those pesky spam reviews:

Generic or Irrelevant Content

Authentic reviews are usually specific about the product or service they are reviewing. Be wary of comments that appear generic, providing no clear details about the customer’s experience with your business. Genuine reviews often mention the particulars, expressing satisfaction or concerns related to the unique offerings of your business.

Similar Wording or Phrases

Pay close attention to the language used in reviews. If you notice a pattern where multiple reviews share strikingly similar wording or phrases, it could indicate a coordinated effort to manipulate your business’s online reputation. Authentic reviews reflect the diverse perspectives of different customers, each expressing their own unique experiences. Similar language across multiple reviews may be a sign something is fishy.

Lack of Specific Details

Authentic reviews provide details about the customer’s interactions with your business. Look out for reviews that lack specific information, such as the product or service purchased, the date of the experience, or any standout features. Genuine customers typically share specific anecdotes, helping future customers understand the context of their feedback. Vague or generic reviews may be an attempt to camouflage spam.

Sudden Influx from New or Inactive Accounts

Keep an eye on the activity of accounts leaving reviews. If you notice a sudden surge of reviews from new or previously inactive accounts, it’s time to be suspicious. Spam tactics often involve creating multiple accounts to flood review sections with fake feedback. A rapid influx of reviews from unfamiliar profiles could be a sign that your business is being targeted.

Profiles with Limited Information or No Pictures

Genuine customers are more likely to have complete profiles with pictures and detailed information. If you come across reviews from profiles with limited or no information, it’s worth investigating further. Mysterious profiles lacking personal details or pictures may be a front for spammy activities. A legitimate customer is usually more transparent about their identity when sharing their experiences.

Reviews with Links or Promotional Content

Authentic reviews focus on sharing personal experiences rather than promoting external content. If you encounter reviews that include links or promotional content, that’s a big red flag. This behavior is a common tactic employed by spammers attempting to redirect traffic or engage in promotional activities. Legitimate reviews center around the customer’s experience, not external links or unrelated content.

Steps to Remove Spam Reviews on Facebook

So you’ve spotted a spam review. Now what? Luckily, the steps to declutter your Facebook page are quite easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your Facebook page and find the Reviews section.

2. Locate the spam review you want to remove.

3. Click on the three dots next to the review for the menu.

4. Select “Find support or report recommendation.”

5. Choose the “False information” category and follow the prompts.

6. Repeat for any other spam reviews.

Regularly monitor your Reviews section to tackle spam promptly. Considering how easy it is to remove reviews, it’s best to be on top of it; the longer spam reviews stay on your page, the worse of an effect they create.

Preventing Future Spam Reviews

Stay one step ahead with these proactive measures:

Engage with Legitimate Reviews Regularly

Interacting with your customers through review responses is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. Responding to positive reviews and negative reviews demonstrates that you value customer feedback. Engaging in a genuine and constructive manner not only fosters a positive online community but also reassures potential customers that their opinions are being heard.

Encourage Satisfied Customers to Leave Positive Reviews

Your satisfied customers can be your biggest advocates. Actively encourage them to share their positive experiences by leaving reviews. This boosts your overall rating and also helps drown out any potential spam. Satisfied customers often have authentic and heartfelt testimonials, making their reviews a valuable asset in maintaining a positive online reputation.

Tip: How to Get the Best Facebook Page Reviews with Examples

Set up Strong Privacy and Security Settings

Protecting your Facebook page prevents unwanted spam and maintains a secure online environment. Ensure that your privacy and security settings are configured to the highest standards. This includes managing who can post on your page, controlling visibility settings, and implementing additional security features provided by Facebook. A well-secured page is less susceptible to malicious activity.

Educate Your Audience on Proper Review Use

Transparency is key to fostering a genuine review environment. Communicate the intended purpose of reviews on your Facebook page and encourage customers to share honest feedback. Educate your audience on the proper use of reviews and how they can report any issues they encounter. When customers are well-informed, they are more likely to report spam and contribute to the authenticity of your review section.

Tip: How to Request a Review on Facebook

Implement Filters or Moderation Tools

Many platforms, including Facebook, offer tools to filter and moderate reviews. Take advantage of these features to automatically screen for potential spam. Set up filters based on specific criteria, such as language patterns or suspicious account behavior. This proactive approach can save you a lot of time skimming, all while maintaining the quality of your review section by preventing spam from being published in the first place.

Clearly Communicate Your Brand’s Review Policies

Clearly outlining your brand’s review policies can serve as a deterrent to potential spammers. Communicate what is considered acceptable behavior in your review section, and make it clear that any form of manipulation or spam will not be tolerated. Creating a transparent environment with well-defined guidelines sets the tone for authentic interactions and discourages individuals from engaging in deceptive practices.

Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity

The key to a healthy online environment is vigilance. Regularly monitor your reviews to detect any irregular patterns or suspicious activities. If you come across reviews that raise concerns, don’t hesitate to report them to Facebook for further investigation. Proactively addressing potential issues makes sure that your online reputation remains credible and trustworthy.

In Conclusion

The impact of spam reviews on your business is not to be underestimated. But fear not! By staying vigilant, identifying and removing spam, and implementing preventive measures, you can navigate the online review landscape with confidence.

And for those looking for extra help, Broadly has review management solutions to help you:

• Automate review requests
• Monitor all reviews in one place
• Respond to reviews using AI

And more. Contact us today for a free demo!

The post How to Remove Spam Reviews from a Facebook Page appeared first on Broadly.

When and How to Disable Facebook Reviews

Identifying Situations for Disabling Reviews

There are instances when disabling Facebook reviews becomes a strategic move. Situations such as a PR crisis leading to an influx of negative reviews or a sudden surge in spammy feedback may warrant considering this option. If negative reviews are significantly impacting your business’s reputation, it might be time to explore the disabling process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Facebook Reviews

Step 1: Access Your Facebook Business Page

Navigate to your Facebook business Page and log in.

Step 2: Access Settings

Click on Settings situated on the left-hand side of your screen.

Step 3: Navigate to Privacy Settings

In the Settings menu, select Privacy on the left.

Step 4: Choose “Page and Tagging” Options

Within the Privacy settings, click on Page and Tagging.

Step 5: Disable Reviews

Find the option that says “Allow others to view and leave reviews on your Page?” and switch the slider from right to left, turning it from blue to gray.

Considerations Before Disabling Reviews

Before taking this step, it’s important to weigh the potential consequences. Yes, disabling reviews could protect you against an influx of spam or negative reviews from bad PR, but it could also limit genuine feedback and even affect your business’s overall credibility. Consider some alternative approaches to negative reviews before deciding to disable the feature.

Alternative Approaches to Negative Reviews

When someone leaves a bad review, it can be tempting to disable the reviews altogether. But before you do that, consider other ways to handle it. 

Try encouraging happy customers to talk about their positive experiences to drown out negative reviews, or even use the feedback from those not-so-happy customers to make some improvements. By doing this, you can deal with negative feedback and still show off your business’s strengths. In a way, it’s a lot like killing two birds with one stone.

Proactive Reputation Management Tips

Managing your reputation online is important for businesses today. To do it proactively, it’s a good idea to encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews. This can really help sway the public’s opinion of your business. 

Last but not least, we want to touch on other social media platforms. Facebook is all fine and good, but don’t forget to utilize other relevant social media platforms to promote your brand and interact with your followers. 

The Broadly Difference: Elevating Your Review Management

Take your review management to the next level with Broadly’s comprehensive software designed for small businesses. Our platform goes beyond simple review collection, offering features that set us apart from the competition. With Broadly, you can effortlessly encourage positive reviews, address negative feedback, and manage your online reputation seamlessly.

Key Features and Benefits

      Simplify Review Collection: Streamline the review collection process and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive feedback.

      Address Negative Feedback: Effectively manage negative reviews with personalized responses and solutions.

      Boost Online Reputation: Elevate your online presence and build trust with potential customers.

Unlock Your Potential with Broadly

See the difference Broadly can make for your business in just 30 days. Take control, engage with your customers, and let Broadly supercharge your review management strategy.

The post How to Disable Facebook Reviews appeared first on Broadly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to claim a business page on Facebook like a pro, whether you’re choosing to start from scratch or trying to revamp an existing page.

How to Create a Facebook Business Page with a Personal Facebook Account

Step 1: Access your Personal Facebook Account

Log in to your personal Facebook account.

Step 2: Navigate to the Create Button

In the top-right corner, click on the Create button (represented by an icon with 9 small dots).

Step 3: Choose “Page” from the Pop-up Menu

Select the Page option from the pop-up menu or use the direct link: Create A Facebook Page.

Step 4: Complete Page Setup

Input your page name, category, and description. From there, you can preview how your page will appear on desktop and mobile. Once you are happy with how things look, click Create Page to complete the setup.

For more in-depth guidance on best practices for creating and filling out a new Facebook business page, check out our guide on How to Create a Facebook Business Page.

How to Claim an Existing Facebook Business Page With a Personal Facebook Account

Claiming an existing page can be challenging, especially with the removal of the “Is this your business?” option. However, not all hope is lost. Let’s look at some strategies you can try.

Contact the Administrator

If the page is claimed and has an administrator, reach out directly to them. Ask them to follow the steps outlined here to remove the page from their Facebook account and grant ownership to you.

Unable to Contact Admin? Prove Ownership

Hearing crickets from the administrator? Another way you can gain control of the business page is by gathering proof of business ownership to validate your claims through Facebook Business Manager. This would include showing required documentation, such as:

• A valid Government ID matching the name of a page admin.

• Signed statements from the organization, including specific details like:

• • Clarification of your association with the page
  • Identification of the current page manager(s) by name.
  • Indication of the relationship between you and the page.
  • Elaboration on the nature of your request.
  • Identification of the Business Manager who owns the page.
  • A statement saying that the requester is unaware of any administrators and can’t contact them.
  • Confirmation of the accuracy and truthfulness of the provided information.
  • Any other documents supporting the request, such as screenshots or videos.

How to Claim a Facebook Business Page Through Facebook Business Manager

Step 1: Access Business Settings

Navigate to Facebook Business Manager settings by selecting the gear icon next to your business account name. 

Step 2: Select Business Assets

Within the “Accounts” tab, choose “Business Assets” to view all Facebook pages you manage.

Step 3: Claim an Existing Facebook Page

Click Add Assets.

From there, choose the Facebook Page option.

Then choose the Claim an existing Facebook Page option.

Step 4: Complete the Claim Process

Provide the name or URL of the Facebook Page and click Add Page to finalize the claim process.

If the page is already claimed, you can opt to submit a support request through Facebook Business Help. However, don’t be surprised if you don’t hear back, Facebook support is notoriously difficult to get a hold of.

If All Else Fails, Create a New Facebook Page

If claiming proves impossible, and Facebook support remains elusive, it might be time to cut your losses and create a new page. 

Before you’re done though, make sure to report the old page to help Facebook take it down sooner. You can do this by:

Step 1: Find Support or Report

Navigate to the old page and select the three dots on the far right. From there, click on Find support or report.

Step 2: Report the Issue

Once Find support or report has been selected, click Pretending to be something from the dropdown menu that appears.

Step 3: Defining the Issue

Once you have hit Pretending to be something, select A business from the list of options available to you. Follow the prompts until you can paste in a link to your new Facebook page, then submit your complaint for review.

How Broadly Helps With Online Reputation for Small Businesses

At Broadly, we understand the significance of a strong online presence for local businesses. Our platform is designed to make it easier for business owners to manage their online reputation. From claiming business listings to gathering positive reviews, Broadly is your partner in building and maintaining a reputation that keeps customers coming back.

Ready to take action on your online reputation? Sign up for a personalized demo!

The post How to Claim a Business Page on Facebook appeared first on Broadly.

Automated text messages are quick and direct, and customers love them. Sending personalized and timely messages helps build trust and keeps your business in your customers’ minds.

Why should you care about automated text messages? You’d be shocked to discover how easily they engage customers and get their feedback. Happy customers mean a stellar reputation, and that’s the name of the game. So keep reading as we get into just how to send automated text messages and grow your business with ease!

Choosing the Right Platform

There are many platforms out there, but which one is your knight in shining armor? Look for features that suit your business, like easy integration with your existing systems. A good platform is the backbone of your SMS strategy.

Platforms

There’s a bunch of different platforms out there, but here are a few stars:

• Twilio: It’s like the Swiss Army knife of messaging. Twilio lets you send SMS, MMS, and even WhatsApp messages. It’s robust and trusted by big players.
• EZ Texting: Simple and effective. EZ Texting is great for small businesses. It’s user-friendly, so you won’t feel like you’re decoding a spaceship manual.
• TextMagic: A pocket-friendly option. TextMagic packs a punch without emptying your wallet. It’s reliable and has solid customer support.

Features

Features to consider when choosing which platform to use include the following:

• User-Friendly Interface: No one likes a complicated dashboard. Look for a platform that’s easy to use, so you can focus on your business, not decoding tech stuff.
• Personalization Tools: Make your messages stand out. Look for platforms that let you personalize texts so you can add a dash of your business’s personality.
• Automation Capabilities: The whole point is automation, right? Ensure your chosen platform can set up triggers and send messages without you pressing a hundred buttons.
• Reporting and Analytics: Numbers are your friends. Choose a platform that gives you insights, such as who opened your messages and what they liked.

If you’re using a CRM tool, make sure your chosen platform plays nice with it. Seamless integration means fewer headaches.

Selling stuff online? Your messaging platform should also sync up with your online store. It keeps everything in harmony.

If you want to share your messages on social media, picking a platform that can work across multiple platforms is also something to watch out for.

Remember, the right platform is like a good sidekick—it makes your life easier. 

Building Your SMS Contact List

Get those digits! Collecting and organizing customer phone numbers might seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it becomes a breeze. 

Collecting

Here are some practical and easy-to-implement strategies for collecting numbers:

• Digital Sign-Up Forms: Place a simple sign-up form on your website. Offer an incentive, like a discount or early access to new products, to sweeten the deal.
• Loyalty Programs: If you have a loyalty program, use the customer’s phone number as their ID. This not only simplifies the process but also ensures you have accurate contact information.
• Email Campaigns: If you have an email newsletter, include a field for phone numbers during the registration process. Explain the added benefits of joining your SMS list.
• Referral Programs: Incentivize customers to refer friends by offering exclusive deals. Collect phone numbers as part of the referral process.

Organizing

When you’re ready to organize them effectively, consider trying out the following strategies:

• Segmentation: Organize phone numbers based on customer preferences, purchase history, or demographics. This helps with targeted messaging.
• Regular Updates: Periodically check and update customer phone numbers. Remove duplicates or incorrect entries to maintain accuracy.
• Data Security: Ensure that customer data, including phone numbers, is stored securely and complies with data protection regulations.
• Opt-Out Options: Always provide customers with an easy way to opt-out if they no longer wish to receive messages. This builds trust and shows respect for their preferences.

Remember to always ask for permission before sending messages. Consent is key when it comes to personal information, and it’s important to be careful with it once you receive it. Keep your contact list clean and updated as well—maintaining your contact list leads to more effective communication with your customers and helps build trust.

Crafting Engaging and Effective Messages

Writing texts might sound easy, but it’s an art. Make your messages short, sweet, and compelling. Personalize them to make customers feel special, and don’t forget a call-to-action—it’s your way of saying, “Hey, let’s do business!”

Don’t forget to include a call-to-action. Without a call-to-action, messages are merely informative and don’t give your customers an easy way to get in touch with you. Sometimes all it takes is a “contact us” to get your business some attention.

Timing and Frequency

Timing is everything, and you have to find the sweet spot between being helpful and annoying. You can do this by understanding your customers’ habits. Are they more likely to engage in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening? Tailor your timing based on their typical behavior. 

Different days result in different responses as well. Test different timings for different customer segments and see what works best, including different days and different periods in between messages. This way, you can see what works best for your audience, which you can then implement in future text messages.

When to Use Automated Text Messages

Automate wisely! Use triggers based on customer interactions and milestones. Here are some examples of effective automation scenarios you can use to your advantage:

Responses to FAQs

When customers hit your website or messaging platforms with common queries, automated responses can provide instant, accurate answers. This not only saves time for both customers and your team but also ensures consistency in the information shared.

Drip Campaigns

Drip campaigns allow you to send a series of well-timed messages that guide customers through their journey with your business. Whether it’s a welcome series for new customers, educational drips to showcase your expertise, or re-engagement campaigns to win back inactive customers, you can use drip campaigns like a personalized road map for each individual.

Deadline Alerts

Deadline alerts automate the process of notifying customers about crucial dates. Whether it’s a subscription renewal, a limited-time promotion, or any other time-sensitive event, these alerts ensure that your customers are in the loop.

Appointment Reminders

Details like time, location, and any necessary preparations are neatly included in automated appointment reminders. These reminders not only reduce no-shows but also show your commitment to a smooth and professional customer experience.

Billing Reminders

Billing reminders ensure that your customers are always aware of their financial commitments. Send notifications for upcoming payments, complete with clear instructions and payment links. For overdue payments, automated alerts can provide information on late fees and offer assistance options, showcasing your dedication to transparent and hassle-free transactions.

See Also: 40 Sample Text Messages to Delight Your Customers [Templates]

Monitoring and Analyzing Performance

Numbers don’t lie, so use analytics to measure your success. Track engagement and response rates to see what’s working and what needs a little boost. Adjust and conquer! Nothing in business is ever stagnant, and that includes the performance of your automated messages. Keep an eye on how they’re doing, and make changes to help improve them for the better.

See Also: Best Practices for Broadly Text and Email Campaigns

How Broadly Helps With Online Reputation for Small Businesses

At Broadly, we’re on a mission to make your online reputation soar. With our tools, you can effortlessly manage customer feedback, get more reviews, and be the local hero your business deserves. Schedule a demo below and let’s build your stellar online reputation together!

The post How to Send Automated Text Messages appeared first on Broadly.

Discover the difference between Facebook reviews and recommendations in this step-by-step guide on how to leave a review on Facebook.

What Are Facebook Reviews vs. Recommendations?

Facebook reviews and recommendations allow users to leave reviews on business pages. For years, Facebook used a traditional review system using a five-star review scale and an optional space for a comment supporting the given star rating. In 2018, however, they updated the star rating system to “Recommendations,” which asks users if they recommend a business, yes or no.

Facebook Reviews

Reviews on Facebook used a five-star rating and the option to leave an accompanying comment. Anyone could like and comment on reviews. Existing star ratings and Facebook reviews are still available for social media users to see, and Facebook will continue to display them; however, you can no longer leave a traditional review with a star ranking.

Facebook Recommendations

Recommendations are an updated version of reviews on Facebook. The current “Review” tab does not show five-star ratings. Instead, it tells social media users whether their social network recommends a business. 

When users click the “Reviews” tab, Facebook sends them to the “Recommendations” feature, which asks, “Do you recommend (Business name)?” Users respond yes or no and can add tags, photos, or a written recommendation. Facebook intends for recommendations to be more personal and allows users to see what friends in their network think of local businesses. All you need to know is that, in effect, reviews and recommendations on Facebook are one and the same. 

For the purpose of this article, and to avoid confusion, we will refer to reviews and recommendations as “reviews”, as some users might still call recommendations by their former name. 

Why Are Reviews on Facebook Important for Businesses?

Facebook reviews play an important role in the success of local businesses. Let’s look deeper into why they matter, with some examples to help along the way:

Enhance Online Presence

Think of reviews on Facebook as your business’s online billboard. More reviews mean more people can find you, just like how a well-lit sign on a popular street attracts passersby. For example, if you run a café and receive glowing reviews, say, for your lattes and friendly staff, people searching for a great coffee spot in town are more likely to discover and choose yours. That’s the kind of thing we are talking about.

Build Trust

Trust is truly a precious commodity—with that being said, positive reviews on Facebook are kind of like trust-building blocks. When someone leaves a heartfelt review praising your products or services, it’s akin to a friend recommending your business. Just as you’d trust a pal’s opinion about whether or not to go see a movie, potential customers trust these reviews to gauge whether or not to do business with you.

Customer Engagement

Customer reviews create an opportunity for direct and meaningful communication. When customers share their thoughts, it’s quite similar to having a conversation. You can respond to their reviews on Facebook, just as you would chat with friends (just a little more professional). This interaction shows your customers that you value their opinions and appreciate their feedback.

Also see: How to manage customer communications for your automotive shop

Social Proof

On social media, we are often drawn to what everyone else is talking about, and reviews on Facebook provide that extra nudge. When you see a product with lots of positive reviews, it’s like a group of friends giving it the seal of approval. For instance, if you’re looking for a new smartphone and find one with many five-star reviews talking about its great camera and long battery life, you’re more likely to choose that model over another.

Improve SEO

Consider reviews as your website’s hypemen. The more reviews you have, the more prominent Google will find you, and the higher your website will rank in search results. This means more and more people will likely visit your business online.

Valuable Feedback

Reviews on Facebook aren’t just compliments—they’re also a great source of feedback. They provide insights on how you can improve your operations or products. Suppose you own a clothing store, and customers leave reviews asking for a more extensive range of sizes. This feedback helps you make informed decisions to better serve your customers.

Competitive Edge

In a sea of similar businesses, a collection of great reviews is like a beacon guiding customers directly to you. It differentiates your business from others, making potential customers more likely to choose you. With a reputation built on positive reviews, your business can stand out and secure a larger share of the market.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Good reviews on Facebook can be the starting point of a chain reaction. One friend reads your reviews, decides to visit, and tells another friend about how great you are. Before you know it, this word-of-mouth marketing multiplies your customer base.

Customer Loyalty

Responding to reviews isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about building relationships. When you thank a customer for a positive review, it’s like inviting them to become a part of your brand’s community. Over time, this engagement fosters loyalty and long-term connections.

Monitor Customer Satisfaction

Think of reviews on Facebook as a barometer for customer happiness. They provide a continuous stream of feedback about how well your business is meeting the needs of your valued customers. You can use this feedback to refine your services and ensure your customers are always satisfied.

For example, if you run a tech support business and consistently receive reviews mentioning fast response times, it reassures potential customers that they can count on your quick assistance.

In a nutshell, Facebook reviews serve as advocates for your business. They not only enhance your online visibility but also provide valuable feedback and set you apart from competitors. Take steps to improve and nurture your online presence, and it will pay you back tenfold.

Did You Know: Google My Business and Facebook Messaging is Now Available in the Broadly App

How Do I Leave a Review on Facebook?

Leaving a review impacts a business’s online reputation. The more customers that leave reviews on your business page, the more social trust you build with new potential customers. 

If a Facebook user has a friend ask for recommendations, they can write a comment and tag your Facebook business page. Customers can also leave reviews directly on your page. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to leave a review on Facebook. 

• Log into Facebook

• Go to the page of the business you want to review

• Click the “Reviews” tab in the left-hand corner

• Click “Yes” or “No” when prompted at the bottom of the page under “Do you recommend (Business name)?” 

• Write a recommendation of up to 25 characters

• Add tags or photos

• Post the recommendation 

Where Do I Find Facebook Reviews?

Facebook has made it easy to find reviews all in one place. Follow these straightforward steps to see what customers think of your local business. 

• Log into your business Facebook account
• Click “Reviews” to navigate to the recommendations and reviews 

How Do I Respond to Facebook Reviews?

Respond to all reviews on Facebook to show customers you appreciate their feedback. When responding to positive reviews, you can simply like the review or write a quick reply, personalizing it to their name and getting specific when thanking them for their feedback. 

• To respond to recommendations and reviews on your business Facebook account, you need to first log in to your account. 
• Once you are logged in, navigate to the “Reviews” section of your page. Here, you will be able to see all the recommendations and reviews left by your customers. 
• To respond to a particular review, simply click on it. You will now be able to see the details of the review, including any comments left by other users. 
• To comment on the review, type your response in the comment box just like you would on any other Facebook post. 
• Once you are done, click “Post” to publish the comment. 

It’s important to respond to reviews in a timely and professional manner to show your customers that you value their feedback and care about their opinions.

It’s a good idea to respond to negative reviews to show customers you care about their experience. When responding to a negative review, customize your response to the reviewer. Acknowledge their feedback, give them your business phone number or email address, and offer to work toward a solution outside of the reviews page. 

A customer might edit their initial negative review or leave a second review explaining how you handled the situation. Potential customers might see your effort, and a negative review could benefit your business. 

Are Reviews on Facebook Public?

Yes, Facebook reviews are public on a business page’s “Reviews” tab for anyone to see. They cannot be made private. 

Can I Delete or Edit My Facebook Reviews?

Only review authors can delete their reviews on Facebook. Business owners cannot delete individual comments, but you can report recommendations that go against the Facebook Community Standards. 

Sometimes Facebook takes down posts before you report them, and others will stay up even after Facebook admins review them. Facebook will review all reports and remove recommendations they deem to violate their rules. 

You can choose to disable the reviews tab of your Facebook business page by navigating to the “Settings” tab, clicking “Templates and Tabs” and switching the “Reviews” section toggle from on to off. 

Taking down your reviews will also remove all positive reviews. If there are only a couple of negative or fake reviews on Facebook, it might be better to get more reviews from customers. There are several simple ways to ask customers to leave reviews:

• Ask customers in person after they purchase something from your business

• Send an email or text message with a direct link to your review page 

• Place signs in your waiting room or lobby asking customers to leave a review and provide a QR code to your reviews page

• Embed positive Facebook reviews on your website 
• Offer an incentive to customers who check-in 

If you have enough positive reviews, the negative and fake ones will stand out as outliers. 

Also see: Here’s Why You Should Never Buy Reviews

How Do I Rate a Seller on Facebook?

Facebook goes beyond businesses and allows sellers to offer items on Facebook Marketplace where all Facebook users can see the post and interact with the seller. Buyers can only rate sellers after purchasing something or interacting with them. These are the steps to leaving a rating for a seller:

• Log in to your Facebook account

• Click the Marketplace tab

• Next to the search icon at the top of the screen, click the person icon

• Click “Buying” and find your chat with the seller

• Click “Rate Seller”

• You can rate the seller by choosing either a happy face or a sad face

• If you would like, include the reason for your rating

• Click “Done” to publish your rating

Manage Your Online Presence With Broadly

If you’re looking to streamline your online presence and engage with customers effectively on Facebook, Broadly might be the right partner for you.

With Broadly, you no longer have to regularly check multiple platforms to find reviews, compile insights manually, or remember to send individual review requests to customers. Work smarter, not harder, with our suite of automated solutions. Start your journey to success with Broadly today.

The post How to Leave a Review on Facebook appeared first on Broadly.

Key Takeaways

• Why You Should Have a Facebook Business Page: With over 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook is a vital platform for businesses to engage with local customers and build loyalty.
• Major Benefits for Local Businesses: A Facebook Business Page offers increased visibility, audience insights, cost-effective marketing/advertising, and valuable business analytics tools.
• Setting Up Your Facebook Business Page is Easy: By the end of this guide, you will have the fundamental knowledge of how to create a professional-looking and functioning Business Page on Facebook. 

The Importance of a Facebook Business Page

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why having a Facebook Business Page is kind of a big deal. With over 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook provides a vast platform to reach the people you want to connect with (Statista). Your Facebook Business Page serves as a direct hub for online engagement, allowing you to connect with your local audience, share updates, and build customer loyalty.

Overview of the Benefits for Businesses

Now that we have gone over why you should care about having your business on Facebook, let’s go over just a few of the perks of being on the platform:

Increased Visibility

When you have a Facebook Business Page, it can actually boost your chances of showing up in search engine results like Google. This means more people can find you online, even when they’re not on Facebook.

Audience Insights

With a Facebook Business Page, you get access to a treasure trove of information about the people who follow you. Facebook Insights gives you data on things like their age, where they live, and what they like. This knowledge can help you tailor your content to better suit your audience’s preferences and needs.

Cost-Effective Marketing

Facebook has a powerful advertising platform that allows you to create and run ad campaigns. The beauty of this is that you can target these ads specifically to reach the people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. This means you’re not wasting money on ads that won’t work for your business.

Customer Engagement

Facebook is a very local-centric platform. People use it to swap and sell used goods, share common interests, and create neighborhood community pages. Having a Facebook Business Page gives you the chance to tap into this hyper-local space and interact with your customers directly, where they spend most of their time. You can respond to comments, feedback, and messages, and even create posts that spark discussions. This engagement helps build a sense of community around your local business and fosters stronger loyalty among your customers.

Also see:

• How to add reviews to a Facebook Business Page
• How to see reviews on Facebook Business Page

Business Analytics

Facebook also provides tools like the Meta Business Suite to help you measure the performance of your Business Page and content. This includes data on how many people have seen your posts, engaged with them, or clicked on your links. These insights are invaluable for fine-tuning your marketing or advertising strategy and making it more effective.

Setting Up Your Facebook Business Page

Now, let’s get started on creating your Facebook Business Page:

Step 1: Log into Your Personal Facebook Account

Begin by signing in to your personal Facebook account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one before you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Navigating to the Pages Section

Click on the “Pages” section located in the left sidebar of your Facebook home page. You might have to click “See more” to see the whole list of sidebar options.

Step 3: Creating a New Page

Select “Create” to begin the process. 

You’ll be prompted to choose a page type that best suits your business, such as “Local Business,” “Company or Organization,” or “Brand or Product.”

We filled out the form to show you what this kind of information should look like. Once you have checked for spelling and accuracy, you can click “Create page.”

Congrats! You just made your very own Facebook Business Page! You might be asking yourself, “Is that really all there is to it?” The short answer is yes! However, to get the most out of your business page, we recommend setting up your page with a few more settings and details. 

Page Configuration and Setup

Now, let’s configure and set up your Facebook Business Page:

Making Updates to Your Contact Information:

Update your business category and fill in important business details, including your business name, description, phone number, address, operating hours, website, email, and more. It should look something like this:

From there, you can hit “Next” to proceed further through the set-up process. If you are worried you made a mistake, no worries! You can always go to the About tab on your main page to adjust the finer details, such as highlighting your service area and adding additional contact info.

Follow steps 1–5 of the set-up process to complete your configuration.

Uploading a Profile Picture and Cover Photo

Enhance your page’s visual appeal by uploading a profile picture (usually your logo) and an eye-catching cover photo. This can be done using the buttons found on the far right of your business page.

Customizing Your Username (Vanity URL)

Tell us, which URL looks better to you?

Option A: facebook.com/broadly 

Option B: facebook.com/profile.php?id=6155249438286

That’s right, Option A. This version will be much easier for users to remember and can have a hand in helping you better connect with clients looking for you both on and off of the platform. However, when you look up the URL on your new page, you are most likely to see a big jumble of numbers and symbols rather than a perfectly branded link. 

So how can you make your Facebook business link look put together and professional, like your peers? The answer is customizing your username. 

First, navigate to your settings from the main options on the left-hand side of your page.

From there, you will see the General Page settings appear. Under the username section, fill in your preferred username to update your custom URL.

Hit “Save changes” to complete the process.

Crafting an Appealing About Section

Nothing is more impactful than a well-told origin story. So, what better way to distinguish yourself from the rest than by crafting a compelling About section? You can provide essential information about your business in this space to help users discover why they should do business with you.

Some key things you should mention include: 

A Detailed Business Description

Offer a comprehensive business description that highlights your products, services, and unique selling points.

Highlighting your Mission and Values

Communicate your business’s mission and values to connect with customers who share these common interests.

Accurate Contact Details

Ensure customers can easily reach you by including your website link and other contact details (double-check everything before you save!)

Did You know?

Your Facebook reviews can also be visible on your Google Business Profile listing. Learn more by visiting our latest blog on the topic: How to Add Facebook Reviews to Your Google Business Profile.

Customizing Your Call-to-Action Button

Your Call-to-Action (CTA) button is a powerful tool for driving user engagement. Not only can users interact with the button on your page to direct them to visit your website or book an appointment, but it can also be integrated into ads on Facebook to give your CTA even more visibility (Facebook). Continue reading to learn how to create a CTA button for yourself!

Step 1: Getting Started

Begin by navigating to your main Business Page. Scroll down the page until you see a button that reads “Add an action button.” Click on this prompt to activate the set-up process. 

Step 2: Choosing the Right CTA

Are you a dog groomer that only does online booking? Perhaps you are a bakery that exclusively takes custom orders over the phone. When it comes to crafting the perfect action button, it is important to select a CTA that aligns with your business goals, such as “Book Now,” “Shop Now,” or “Contact Us.”

Select the option that best fits your needs, and hit “Next.”

Step 3: Adding Your Info

Now that you have chosen your desired CTA, it is time to add the corresponding information Facebook asks for. In our example, we chose the “Sign Up” CTA. From here, we can link our CTA button to our demo booking page. Each CTA requests slightly different information, so be sure to choose the destination that best aligns with your goals to guide user actions the most effectively.

Once finished, hit “Save.”

Managing Page Roles

Running a business is no easy feat, and sometimes it is best to leave managing your online presence to an expert by hiring a social media specialist or enlisting the help of an outside agency. Many hands make light work, so to efficiently manage your page, consider adding team members and assigning roles for particular duties. Here’s what you need to do

Step 1: Adding and Assigning Page Admins and Editors

To invite trusted team members to collaborate on your page, scroll down the main menu until you see the option “Page access.” Select it to bring up permissions settings.

Step 2: Defining Roles and Permissions

The individuals you choose to add will require a Facebook account to join and manage duties on your page. Once everyone has an account, click “Add New” to invite them to join your page. Hit “Manage” to set specific roles and permissions for each team member to ensure secure and efficient page management.

Important Note: Be careful who you entrust with these responsibilities. It’s always best to have agreements written down and signed by all parties before any permissions are given. Don’t be afraid to consult legal counsel for further guidance, especially if you are entrusting the management of your page to a third party or a freelancer.

Creating Content and Posting

Content is king on Facebook, so regularly craft engaging posts to keep your audience informed about all the exciting things you are up to! Posting content is not only nice to have, but essential to keeping users coming back to your page again and again. Here are some tips to guide you on your drafting journey:

Craft Engaging Posts and Updates

Create compelling content that resonates with your audience’s interests. Once you are ready to post, navigate to the top right of your page to begin crafting your next masterpiece.

Once you are happy with the final product, you can hit the “Post” button to publish it.

If you want to schedule the post later, copy your content and hit the “Meta Business Suite” link to open your calendar. From there, you can click on the day you would like to schedule the post to go out. Once in the post builder, add your content and click on the “Schedule” tab to choose a specific time you would like for the content to be posted.

Schedule Posts Consistently

Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. One of the best ways to appeal to Facebook’s algorithm is by sharing content with users once a day (Inc.). That might sound intimidating at first, but these updates can be something small, like wishing everyone a happy holiday, featuring a stellar employee, or letting people know that you are having a local food drive coming up. 

If you need help drumming up ideas, enlist the help of free programs like GrammarlyGo or ChatGPT. Here’s an example we created on ChatGPT to give you some inspiration:

Get Creative with Images and Video

Visuals have a knack for drawing the eye. So, why not incorporate photos, videos, and stories to make your posts even more appealing? It might just land you your next sale.

In fact, according to a Facebook survey, more than half of those who use the stories feature said they buy more things online as a result of them.

Engaging with Your Audience

User engagement is key to building a loyal online community. Here are some things you can try to help you hit the ground running:

• Respond to comments and messages promptly.
• Encourage user interaction by running polls and hosting contests.
• Try out Meta Business Suite to refine your content strategy.

All in all, a well-managed Facebook Business Page is a valuable tool for your local business. By continually updating and engaging with your community, you can foster customer loyalty and drive meaningful growth. Harness the potential of this hyper-local marketing and advertising tool to take your business to greater heights.

Broadly Can Help

If you’re looking to streamline your online presence and engage with customers effectively on Facebook, Instagram and more, Broadly might be the right partner for you.

With Broadly, you no longer have to regularly check multiple platforms to find reviews, compile insights manually, or remember to send individual review requests to customers. Work smarter, not harder, with our suite of automated solutions. Start your journey to success with Broadly today.

The post How to Create a Facebook Business Page appeared first on Broadly.

Most shoppers use a search engine such as Google or Bing to begin their decision-making. This is especially true for home and commercial service providers, such as roofing contractors.

When prospective customers are searching for roofing services, how do you make your roofing website appear on the first page of Google search results and convince shoppers to choose you over the competition? Search engine optimization (SEO) can be your secret weapon.

What is roofing SEO?

Roofing SEO is a collection of techniques to help your website rank higher on Google. These optimizations are how you put your best foot forward in organic search and make it more likely you’ll rise to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs).

Many of these techniques focus on content within your own website, but may also include backlinks from other high-authority professional sites to your website. Additionally, there are behind-the-scenes (backend) technical SEO optimizations.

Specifically for a local service area business, like roofing, considerations for local SEO are critical to focus your energy within your community.

It may sound complicated, but it can be extremely powerful to ensure that your website is listed higher in Google search results.

Why do roofers need SEO?

As a business owner, you already have a full plate. So why should you add SEO strategy to your digital marketing plan? In order to be hired for a roofing repair or replacement, your company has to be considered, which means you have to be seen.

In a competitive landscape with plenty of roofing companies vying for business, you have to take every opportunity to be visible when customers are looking for the services you offer.

Once you start working on your SEO and begin ranking well, your website presence and professional appearance will increase lead generation from your website traffic. The additional leads can help you secure more business and sales.

How can I promote my roofing company by improving my SEO? 6 tips to get started

You may choose to work with an SEO company, but it can be cost-effective and easy to do-it-yourself. Some of our best tips to help you get started:

1. Do keyword research. Keyword research helps you find roofing keywords, phrases and questions that potential customers are searching for. Use your expertise to create high-quality website or social media content. Content marketing based on keyword research makes it easy to establish yourself as a trusted resource.
2. Use on-page SEO tactics. Test your website speeds, especially on a mobile device. Ensure your web design looks professional and functions well. If you use lead forms or scheduling apps, verify there are no site errors. User experience is a ranking factor that Google search accounts for and, ultimately, impacts your lead conversion rate.
3. Do link building. Leverage your business connections to build backlinks to your website. If you’re a member of a professional organization or a local chamber of commerce, these tell search engines that you’re trustworthy and reputable. This can also be valuable to potential customers as social proof and credibility.
4. Implement local search tactics. Local SEO is an easy way to support your website. Many platforms allow you to create a free listing, such as Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), which then allows customers to leave roofing company online reviews and powers Google Maps results.

As you create these listings, make sure to use the same name, address and phone number (often called NAP). Search engines often verify the NAP citations to verify the authenticity of a business website and rank accordingly.

5. Think locally. Integrate local geographically-based terms into your targeted keywords, such as the name of your town or other large cities in your service area.

Most customers will search for a service provider “near me” or near their city. You can put these locally focused keywords in the copy on your website, as well as in more technical implementations, such as title tags or meta descriptions.

If you serve several larger cities or metro areas, consider creating separate landing pages on your site for each individual city or area to optimize the SEO for each one.

6. Start somewhere. With all of the options for techniques, it can be hard to know where to start with roofing SEO. The answer is simply: Start somewhere. SEO is never fully done, as search engines are constantly updating and changing their algorithms.

Since there is no finish line to optimizing your site, it doesn’t matter where you start. As with other marketing, you simply want to make consistent and regular improvements over time.

How can SEO help me get clients for my roofing business?

When customers are looking for roofers, you want to be in front of them. SEO is the answer to getting your site listed higher than your competition. Effective SEO can help you get roofing leads so you can connect, assess their needs and then you do what you do best.

Your ultimate goal is more leads from your website, not just more traffic to it. SEO can be a valuable part of your roofing business marketing strategy toolbox, alongside pay-per-click (PPC), email marketing and social media.

Making time for search engine optimization can be the difference between you or your roofing industry competitors getting the job. Once you have leads, you can focus on converting those prospective customers into clients and jobs.

Team up with Broadly to improve your roofing SEO

You are never “done” with search engine optimization. There are always more opportunities to improve and changes to the algorithms.

If you don’t have time to regularly invest in your roofing SEO campaigns, or if this sounds daunting to you, Broadly is here to help. We have a platform specifically designed to support roofing businesses to navigate the challenges of roofing marketing.

Ready to learn more or get started with Broadly’s business management platform?

The post The Ultimate Guide to SEO for Roofing Companies appeared first on Broadly.

With a Facebook Business Page, you can engage with potential customers, use data to optimize your social media marketing strategy and generate new business with budget-friendly Facebook Ads. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Should i create a Facebook Business Page?

Yes. Having a Facebook business account will help legitimize your business in the eyes of new customers. There are also many other benefits of having a Facebook business profile.

The benefits of creating a Facebook business account

• Builds brand awareness: Almost 2 billion people use Facebook daily, so having a presence on the platform will help you reach the most customers. A Facebook Business Page also allows you to share important information and updates with your customers.

• Provides a platform for customer reviews: Customer reviews are important for building trust in your business. 54% of people will visit a business website after reading positive reviews. If potential customers go to your Facebook page and there are positive reviews, they’ll be more likely to use your business.

• Improves your SEO: A Facebook business profile can help more customers find your business through local searches. You can also link to your business website directly from your Facebook page to drive traffic.

• Reduces marketing costs: With Facebook Insights, you can get valuable data about your customers, free of charge. Other Facebook marketing tools cost extra but are relatively affordable; Facebook Ads are designed to work with any budget.

Is a Facebook business account free?

Yes! It costs nothing to set up a new Facebook Business Page. There’s no additional charge for customizing it with a template and call-to-action (CTA) that’s relevant to your business. You’ll even get free data from Facebook about who’s interacting with your page. Facebook Ads cost money but are relatively affordable compared to other advertising options.

How do i create a Facebook business page in 2023?

Here’s how to set up a Facebook business page, step-by-step:

• Log in to your personal Facebook profile and create a page: Log in to your personal Facebook account and click the blue menu at the top right of your news feed. From the drop-down menu, under “Create,” click “Page.”

• Fill out your business information: Enter your business name as the page name, choose a category and add a description of your business. When you’re finished, click “Create Page.”

• Add business details: Add your contact information, such as your local business phone number and address, along with hours of operation and click “Next.”

• Upload an appealing profile picture and cover photo: Choose a profile photo that is at least 170 x 170 pixels and represents your business. A logo works well for this. Your cover image will appear at the top of your page. You can use a team photo, storefront or image of a product or service.

• Edit the call-to-action button: Add a CTA button that makes sense for your business, such as “Learn More” or “Get a Quote.”

• Customize your tabs: From your business page, click “More” and then “Edit Tabs” to choose which sections of your business page to display.

• Update permissions: Under “Page Roles,” give other business owners or team members admin access to your business page.

• Invite friends: From your personal account, invite your Facebook friends to like your new business page, so you’ll have an audience to start with.

How do i create a Facebook Business Page without a personal account?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to create a Facebook Business Page without a personal account. The good news is that you can keep your personal page private while leaving your business page accessible to the public.

Best practices for managing your Facebook business account

Post a variety of content regularly

You should plan to post something at least once per week, but don’t let your content get too repetitive. Maintain a good mix of announcements, promotions, educational material and shares that are just for fun.

You can also use Facebook polls to gather customer feedback. Just make sure the content you post is relevant to your followers, and choose something especially meaningful for your first post.

Respond promptly to reviews and inquiries

Respond as quickly as possible to direct messages on Facebook Messenger and customer reviews left on your Facebook Business Page. Research shows that responding to all customer reviews leads to better star ratings and enhances customer perceptions of a business’s trustworthiness.

It’s particularly critical to respond to negative reviews to show you care about providing a great customer experience.

Manage your online presence from one location with Broadly

Facebook isn’t the only social network you’ll need to use for your business. Depending on your target audience, you should manage reviews and post content on Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter. That can be a lot to keep track of without the right tools.

With Broadly, you can easily keep up with your customers across all these platforms from one place. What’s more, Broadly offers a full suite of tools for your business, from email campaigns to live Web Chat.

The post How to create and manage a Facebook Business Account appeared first on Broadly.