The second post in this Series is all about Facebook. Everybody is talking about it, but let’s take it apart a little and look at what is behind the shiny “face” (bad pun intended
) If you read my previous post “What is Social Media” you know that this series is designed to see how Social Media platforms incorporate these three indicators:
Founded in 2004 at Cambridge University Facebook has quickly grown into a Digital Media Giant and is expected to reach 1 Billion registered users by this summer.
If you are into statistics, you will like the graphic below.
If you break down the numbers further we have 50.600 regular Facebook users in my home town – Kelowna, BC (assuming the 2006 census numbers on kelowna.ca)

There are many different uses for Facebook: Most people I know use it as a scrap-book to share memorable moments or digital information with their friends. Some share news about their business (please use a Facebook Page!) others play Scrabble, Farm Ville or other Games on Facebook. The fact that so many Internet users are on Facebook makes the messaging features a viable alternative to email.
So, IS Facebook Social Media? No – Social Media is a revolution in the way we communicate, share and consume information and entertainment. But Facebook has successfully managed to create a product that most Internet users accept and like.
For some it is a love-hate relationship but:
Facebook makes it easy to learn something new about someone that we knew for a while or someone we just met
The demographics of Facebook users have changed from teenagers to adult users – Facebook is the Social Media platform of choice for
“should my business be on on Facebook?” The best answer to this question I have ever heard: “if your customers are there, you should be”
So, like most business owners you realize that using Facebook is a smart business decision. But how to build it into your general marketing strategy? How much time do you have to spend? It may be worth-while to get going right and ask a professional for advice
Make sure you use a brand PAGE to promote your business and enable your followers to write on your wall!
Frithjof is a Social Media Consultant and blogger – read more about his views on Digital Media topics at http://tweet4ok.com/blog

Comments