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Let's look at one of the hottest topics in marketing right now - how to use Facebook in your business to engage with customers and prospects.

It seems that everyone wants a slice of the action but getting started and most importantly getting it right - even if you already have your own personal Facebook page - takes some careful planning, time and commitment.

It's surprising how many businesses with a strong following on Facebook have broken some of the most basic rules. We know of a business that had over 1,000 fans and was shut down without warning for breaking one fundamental rule. 

So whether you're currently considering it, or you're already using Facebook in your business, here's plenty of useful advice to help you avoid the pitfalls and get the best value from your involvement on Facebook.

In our personal experience with www.facebook.com/Mymarketingexpert it has taken less time than we expected, has been much more fun, has provided us with an easy way to get instant feedback and of course it has introduced new members to our services.

Everyone is doing it!

Facebook is the largest online social network and has the most active users in the world. With over 500 million users, some say it will become the new Internet as people are spending the majority of their online time on Facebook.  New Zealand is no exception and the Kiwi statistics are fascinating:

• New Zealandhas 1,650,040 users on Facebook - that's 38.66% of the entire population. 
• 49% of Kiwis on Facebook are aged 18-34
• The biggest growth areas are in the 13-17 and 55-65+ age ranges.
• Kiwi ladies outpopulate the lads online, with 56% of Kiwi users being female

One of the main reasons people want to use Facebook is because other people are doing so!
It's a simple and efficient way of keeping in touch with friends and relatives, and lets you reconnect with old friends with ease. In the information age, keeping up to date with everyone has become increasingly important, and Facebook is one of the easiest ways to
do so.

Reach your customers 24/7

Facebook also allows for businesses to have their own official page and this can be used
in a multitude of ways to promote your products, communicate with prospective and current
customers  and promote events, just to name a few. Facebook is great for businesses that
are selling any products or services targeted for a consumer.

Facebook is a great tool for generating new visitors to your website as it can provide many links back to your website through posts, in a variety of different media types e.g. text, video, audio to name a few. This is really valuable as not everybody responds to the same thing.