5 Ways to Promote on Facebook Without Being "Overly Promotional"

5 Ways to Promote on Facebook Without Being “Overly Promotional”

 

by Aaron Lee

Facebook is now penalizing overly promotional posts.

So-called “overly promotional” posts will no longer enjoy as much visibility in the news feed.

I’ve written about this update before — but it’s not enough to just discuss the change.

Facebook marketers need actionable tips to keep getting exposure in the news feed while converting fans into loyal customers.

According to Facebook, here’s what you should avoid to keep from getting spanked by the news feed algorithm:

1. Posts that solely push people to buy a product or install an app.
2. Posts that push people to enter promotions and sweepstakes with no real context.
3. Posts that reuse the exact same content from ads.

Clear as mud, right?

So how do you post calls-to-action, promotions & other key content without sounding too salesy?

The 5 tips in this article will hopefully have you interacting with fans & future customers without offending the almighty algorithm.

5 Ways to Promote on Facebook Without Being “Overly Promotional”

1. Tease Fans & Customers

You know the feeling when someone sends you a message saying they have something important to tell you — but you’re going to have to wait?

The anticipation always makes me want to know more!

Try using this tactic on your Facebook page. Subtly tease your fans into sticking around for big announcements.

You can even foreshadow new features & product launches.

Quest Nutrition nailed it with this post! 

2. Showcase Your Products

Post photos & testimonials from customers that show your products or services in action!

This won’t seem overly promotional & might entice people to buy.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Shots

Behind-the-scenes shots of your business go a long way toward humanizing your company & making people want to buy from you.

And isn’t that what Facebook is for… to socialize with customers & fans?

It’s easy to showcase your products & services without pushing the hard sell. 

4. Provide Value

How does your product help your customers?

How does it improve their lives?

I’m sure there are plenty of ways. Tell people about it on your Facebook page.

People will remember you if your company provides value… and they’ll support you on Facebook.

Here’s an example from Duck Tape.

5. Customer Testimonials

Let your customers do the selling for you by posting testimonials on your page.

It’s tough to sound overly promotional when it’s other people doing the talking.

Conclusion

These tactics let you promote on Facebook without aggressive sales pitches — and you can use these strategies for your business.

Let’s review the 5 techniques one more time:

1. Tease Fans & Customers
2. Showcase Your Products
3. Behind-the-Scenes Shots
4. Provide Value
5. Customer Testimonials

Now go promote… without being promotional!

About the Author: Aaron Lee

 

Aaron is the Grand Master of Customer Delight at Post Planner. When he is not writing, he's finding the perfect cup of coffee and trying to perfect his coffee art. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.