This is part 3 (or really part 4 or 5) of my slowly-growing series on organization-based friending in social networks. Here’s what I have so far:
Now, on to Facebook. How do you attract friends using Facebook? You really have to think of your organization two different ways with Facebook – think in terms of organizations and of people. Organizationally, you can create Pages and Groups. Personally, you can create an individual Facebook account that you use professionally.
For example, one of our Youth Services librarians has created a personal Facebook account specifically to connect with our teen audience. It’s working – she’s gathered over 500 friends – mostly teens in Topeka. And she uses the account to push out stuff to that group.
Ideas on attracting friends in Facebook:
- search for local people, request to friend them
- friend local Facebook Pages – businesses, authors, etc.
- Advertise your Facebook Page outside of Facebook (i.e., website, twitter, myspace, email newsletter, etc)
- Business cards with Facebook contact info at a public services desk, passed out at programs
- Teach a class on Facebook
- Create a Facebook Ad to advertise your Page to other Facebook users (there’s a cost attached)
- Leave those business cards at place local Facebook users hang out, like coffee shops
- Have good content on your page – send your blog there, add some photos that connect to flickr, same with youtube
- photos and visuals are important – helps you look more real
- Especially for people using a personal Facebook account – interact with your Facebook friends!
What else? How do you attract friends using Facebook?