Facebook advertising....? Anyone ever buy anything??
Discussion
I run a small auto workshop. We do all sorts of things, mechanical, service and electrical work.
The electrical work in particular is good value for us. We advertise our services on Fleabay, and in this year, it's likely that about 60% of our profit will come from this source of revenue and advertising. While we will never be rich, we am lucky enough to keep head above water.
So far, we are just below the VAT threshold. It's likely we will be very close to, or maybe a little above it come the end of the year.
If we need to become VAT registered, we will have a considerable profit hit, and we were thinking that to counteract that, we would try and advertise for more of the high margin work.
To that effect, I have been on a course today, peddling the attractions of advertising on facebook in particular (and other social media more generally), and how to maximise potential on there.
Roughly speaking, the tutor says post several times a day, and react quickly to comments, posts and questions. This will mean spending most of my time on Facebook - not something that is immediately appealing.
So, after the long wind up, does anyone here actually buy anything of posts and recommendations on Facebook.
I rather think that it's a hiding to nothing, and if you want something you actually go and look for it down more traditional routes.
Any comments??
The electrical work in particular is good value for us. We advertise our services on Fleabay, and in this year, it's likely that about 60% of our profit will come from this source of revenue and advertising. While we will never be rich, we am lucky enough to keep head above water.
So far, we are just below the VAT threshold. It's likely we will be very close to, or maybe a little above it come the end of the year.
If we need to become VAT registered, we will have a considerable profit hit, and we were thinking that to counteract that, we would try and advertise for more of the high margin work.
To that effect, I have been on a course today, peddling the attractions of advertising on facebook in particular (and other social media more generally), and how to maximise potential on there.
Roughly speaking, the tutor says post several times a day, and react quickly to comments, posts and questions. This will mean spending most of my time on Facebook - not something that is immediately appealing.
So, after the long wind up, does anyone here actually buy anything of posts and recommendations on Facebook.
I rather think that it's a hiding to nothing, and if you want something you actually go and look for it down more traditional routes.
Any comments??
Used to work well, but reaching your followers is now a lot more difficult as they try to encourage you to pay to advertise. Even paying for it is still difficult to reach customers because of the way they do it.
As a result, a lot of businesses are leaving Facebook.
In summary, does work, but isn't the easy money it used to be.
As a result, a lot of businesses are leaving Facebook.
In summary, does work, but isn't the easy money it used to be.
The trick is as has been said, reaching your customers. Facebook have made it easy to get new "likes", the problem is that it costs an awful lot to reach all of those people.
For a service industry, I find you get better results by simply doing a blanket promotion and not actually targeting your own followers.
For our regular customers, I find Mailchimp works better.
For a service industry, I find you get better results by simply doing a blanket promotion and not actually targeting your own followers.
For our regular customers, I find Mailchimp works better.
bearman68 said:
I run a small auto workshop. We do all sorts of things, mechanical, service and electrical work.
The electrical work in particular is good value for us. We advertise our services on Fleabay, and in this year, it's likely that about 60% of our profit will come from this source of revenue and advertising. While we will never be rich, we am lucky enough to keep head above water.
So far, we are just below the VAT threshold. It's likely we will be very close to, or maybe a little above it come the end of the year.
If we need to become VAT registered, we will have a considerable profit hit, and we were thinking that to counteract that, we would try and advertise for more of the high margin work.
Plan B - ease your prices up a bit now, before you hit the threshold. That will level off demand so you avoid the threshold/profit hit, and don't have to gamble on advertising to claw it back. You'll make the same amount of money for doing less work. There's no law that says your business has to get bigger every year. Even Tesco can't do that - much to their surprise.The electrical work in particular is good value for us. We advertise our services on Fleabay, and in this year, it's likely that about 60% of our profit will come from this source of revenue and advertising. While we will never be rich, we am lucky enough to keep head above water.
So far, we are just below the VAT threshold. It's likely we will be very close to, or maybe a little above it come the end of the year.
If we need to become VAT registered, we will have a considerable profit hit, and we were thinking that to counteract that, we would try and advertise for more of the high margin work.
Simpo Two said:
Plan B - ease your prices up a bit now, before you hit the threshold. That will level off demand so you avoid the threshold/profit hit, and don't have to gamble on advertising to claw it back. You'll make the same amount of money for doing less work. There's no law that says your business has to get bigger every year. Even Tesco can't do that - much to their surprise.
Agree completely with this.... and this is certainly an option. However, one has to explore as many options as possible.I am thinking of a month trekking in South America mind, rather than every night on Failbook. (and sod the kids)
Good point above about marginal pricing, but the other thing to bear in mind is that the VAT drag isn't 20%, as you will save some of that from the recovery you make on your VATable supplies - EricMc on here can probably provide some useful thoughts and advice.
The net profit drag for my wife's online retailer is sub-5%, for example.
The net profit drag for my wife's online retailer is sub-5%, for example.
loafer123 said:
Good point above about marginal pricing, but the other thing to bear in mind is that the VAT drag isn't 20%, as you will save some of that from the recovery you make on your VATable supplies - EricMc on here can probably provide some useful thoughts and advice.
The net profit drag for my wife's online retailer is sub-5%, for example.
It depends how much of the work is fee/labour based, and the margin. But whichever way you slice the pie, VAT registration is a thing to avoid if your customers are Joe Public IMHO. When I did B2B and bought in stuff I registered voluntarily as me and my customers could reclaim it. When I changed to B2C and fee-based I deregistered as it was simply a handicap.The net profit drag for my wife's online retailer is sub-5%, for example.
Contrary to what others have said, facebook advertising reaches a lot of people and can have a big effect.
Not paying for your advert to be popping up while people browse it, but joining local selling sites in your particular area, and writing posts on the pages.
My friend and mechanic for example does air con regassing for 25 quid, and he has had a lot of customers through posting on a local 'cars for sale in northants' page, and a 'things for sale in northants' page. Particularly effective when shared from your companies own page with a picture.
It does sound time consuming though as you mentioned, because in order to get noticed you have to post these things repeatedly.
Another friend of ours sells furniture mostly though these facebook selling pages. I'm sure it works, if you can be bothered.
Not paying for your advert to be popping up while people browse it, but joining local selling sites in your particular area, and writing posts on the pages.
My friend and mechanic for example does air con regassing for 25 quid, and he has had a lot of customers through posting on a local 'cars for sale in northants' page, and a 'things for sale in northants' page. Particularly effective when shared from your companies own page with a picture.
It does sound time consuming though as you mentioned, because in order to get noticed you have to post these things repeatedly.
Another friend of ours sells furniture mostly though these facebook selling pages. I'm sure it works, if you can be bothered.
Ghost91 said:
Contrary to what others have said, facebook advertising reaches a lot of people and can have a big effect.
Not paying for your advert to be popping up while people browse it, but joining local selling sites in your particular area, and writing posts on the pages.
My friend and mechanic for example does air con regassing for 25 quid, and he has had a lot of customers through posting on a local 'cars for sale in northants' page, and a 'things for sale in northants' page. Particularly effective when shared from your companies own page with a picture.
It does sound time consuming though as you mentioned, because in order to get noticed you have to post these things repeatedly.
Another friend of ours sells furniture mostly though these facebook selling pages. I'm sure it works, if you can be bothered.
Yep, this works. It's free advertising and many people already do it. Join as many local groups as you can which focus on either buying or selling and business groups. Post in the group listing your services and prices maybe and you'll get some work from it.Not paying for your advert to be popping up while people browse it, but joining local selling sites in your particular area, and writing posts on the pages.
My friend and mechanic for example does air con regassing for 25 quid, and he has had a lot of customers through posting on a local 'cars for sale in northants' page, and a 'things for sale in northants' page. Particularly effective when shared from your companies own page with a picture.
It does sound time consuming though as you mentioned, because in order to get noticed you have to post these things repeatedly.
Another friend of ours sells furniture mostly though these facebook selling pages. I'm sure it works, if you can be bothered.
I noted that the OP offers services that would likely be of interest to PHers in his area. So I clicked on his profile but already had a good idea what I would see. That's right, nothing.
No mention of area beyond 'United Kingdom', and no website or other info. Opportunity missed.
If you are in business, and want more business, don't miss ANY opportunity.
No mention of area beyond 'United Kingdom', and no website or other info. Opportunity missed.
If you are in business, and want more business, don't miss ANY opportunity.
singlecoil said:
I noted that the OP offers services that would likely be of interest to PHers in his area. So I clicked on his profile but already had a good idea what I would see. That's right, nothing.
No mention of area beyond 'United Kingdom', and no website or other info. Opportunity missed.
If you are in business, and want more business, don't miss ANY opportunity.
No mention of area beyond 'United Kingdom', and no website or other info. Opportunity missed.
If you are in business, and want more business, don't miss ANY opportunity.
- That's why I went on the training course in the first place - but a good point, and made in an amusing manner - Now, how do I do this profile thingy.......bearman68 said:
Now, how do I do this profile thingy.......
You can have your URL (web address) in the profile too.As far as FB 'advertising' goes, I thought the OP meant a paid-for campaign, not a social media personal PR excercise which of course only costs time. I don't know enough about FB to know if that would be useful, but do consider a small advert in the local free magazine.
My wife's business FB profile has over 15,000 likers, of which roughly half are regular active FB users, yet her posts are only seen by 3-700 of her subscribers - much lower than before they changed their systems - as they push for paid for advertising.
Clearly posting on noticeboard style walls will get you visibility and that is how my wife grew her business, and FB remains a key referrer to her website but we have seen alot less activity over the last year.
Clearly posting on noticeboard style walls will get you visibility and that is how my wife grew her business, and FB remains a key referrer to her website but we have seen alot less activity over the last year.
My 2p
When I read the title of the thread I was going to come on here and say no, don’t waste you time, I’ve never purchased anything through fb and don’t know anyone that has.
However then I realised that you were not selling a product, you are providing a service.
I follow a lot of companies, and if they are a car garage, or a wedding photographer, and they will reply to comments and interact well, then yes, i think it works.
As an example, somehow I saw a post from a company called "Wrapcube" a vehicle wrapping company.
They post interesting wraps and videos. Ive spoken to them a few times and seem a decent bunch, ive not given them any business myself yet but will do one day, ive also recommended them to about 4 people. Id never heard of them before facebook.
I found my wedding photographer through Facebook.
My gardener was through facebook
Graphic designer found through facebook
So i guess what im saying is have a presence, reply to peoples posts, both good and bad, and reply to direct messages promptly and you will get business, people will like/share your pics/vids if interesting and more people will in turn see it.
However i wouldn’t "Pay" for advertising.
When I read the title of the thread I was going to come on here and say no, don’t waste you time, I’ve never purchased anything through fb and don’t know anyone that has.
However then I realised that you were not selling a product, you are providing a service.
I follow a lot of companies, and if they are a car garage, or a wedding photographer, and they will reply to comments and interact well, then yes, i think it works.
As an example, somehow I saw a post from a company called "Wrapcube" a vehicle wrapping company.
They post interesting wraps and videos. Ive spoken to them a few times and seem a decent bunch, ive not given them any business myself yet but will do one day, ive also recommended them to about 4 people. Id never heard of them before facebook.
I found my wedding photographer through Facebook.
My gardener was through facebook
Graphic designer found through facebook
So i guess what im saying is have a presence, reply to peoples posts, both good and bad, and reply to direct messages promptly and you will get business, people will like/share your pics/vids if interesting and more people will in turn see it.
However i wouldn’t "Pay" for advertising.
Edited by sidekickdmr on Wednesday 23 September 09:46
A genuine thank you to the helpful comments you have all made.
In partucular the last comment make a lot of sense to me. I also understand the idea that people don't 'view' the posts that companies make due to the way FB works.
This is what we are going to do.
I have FB links to a local sports club I sponsered the shirts for this season.
I am intending to make small donations to a local cat santury for the ability to post interesting things to their followers.
One of the sports club guys posts interesting and popular things all the time - little vids, pics etc etc. I'm going to ask him to do the same for us - post something most days in an interesting and visual manner. When I think it's suitably interesting, pay to have that post 'boosted' to the cat and sports people.
I'll keep you updated.
Again many thanks for the helpful comments (Is this the PH I know?)
In partucular the last comment make a lot of sense to me. I also understand the idea that people don't 'view' the posts that companies make due to the way FB works.
This is what we are going to do.
I have FB links to a local sports club I sponsered the shirts for this season.
I am intending to make small donations to a local cat santury for the ability to post interesting things to their followers.
One of the sports club guys posts interesting and popular things all the time - little vids, pics etc etc. I'm going to ask him to do the same for us - post something most days in an interesting and visual manner. When I think it's suitably interesting, pay to have that post 'boosted' to the cat and sports people.
I'll keep you updated.
Again many thanks for the helpful comments (Is this the PH I know?)
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