Social media is an extremely valuable channel for personal branding efforts. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow business owners to reach an audience that is virtually unlimited—and for a fraction of the cost of many other marketing channels.

But despite the massive popularity of sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, the truth is that many business owners have yet to figure out an effective method of conveying their personal brand through social media.

Today, we’re going to look at six specific techniques that will enable you to leverage Facebook for your personal branding efforts.

1) Regularly share links to news and opinion within your industry. Sharing links to to interesting articles and opinions in your industry shows that you are connected and up to date. For instance, as a tax accountant, you could share links to news articles discussing recent changes in the tax code—and breaking down the impact those changes will have on your clients.

2) Comment on popular topics within your industry. Pay attention to the conversations that your friends and your fans are involved in on Facebook. Involve yourself in “cutting edge” discussions, especially those that impact the future of your industry. Simply participating in such discussion will boost your credibility.

3) Ask for input from your audience. Facebook can be a great source of ideas and inspiration. If you are stumped by a particular challenge, ask for input! Number one, you’ll likely get some great ideas. But even more importantly, interacting with your audience is the best way to build stronger relationships—and at the end of the day, social media is all about building relationships!

4) Offer sales and special deals for your Facebook audience. Consider posting special deals for your fans in order to both keep them engaged and to drive traffic to your site. Include a special promo code in your post, and your fans will be even more excited because of the exclusivity of the opportunity.

5) Links to your blog posts. Do you regularly publish blogs and articles on your website or elsewhere on the internet? If so, you should be sharing them on Facebook. A good post can often go “viral” as your fans read it and pass it along to their friends.

6) Get personal. Don’t be afraid to share some personal thoughts and opinions—as long as you don’t cross the line and offend anyone. Whether it’s sharing an inspiring quote or letting your fans know what you’re doing for lunch, your audience will be able to form a stronger “bond” with you when they feel that they are getting to know the real you.

Facebook is an incredible platform for personal branding—and the six ideas we covered today will get you started in the right direction. If you would like to learn more, please get in touch with me today!

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