Today, small business owners are using Facebook to drive web traffic resulting in sales gains by capturing some of the over 350 million social network users. Many see a huge increase in sales traffic; others only see a trickle of traffic. Facebook just announced joint eCommerce features with Paypal so maybe it’s time to be a little creative in order to draw people to your site. Instead of doing the “same old” thing such as post the link to your new blog or service, entice customers with a contest. It’s a win-win situation! 

 For example, Facebook and PayPal just signed a deal to offer PayPal in key parts of Facebook’s advertising and developer systems. The partnership allows advertisers around the world to use PayPal to pay for Facebook Ads through the company’s online advertising tool. In addition, PayPal will become a payment option for Facebook Credits, which is currently being tested in a small number of games and applications. The goal of Facebook Credits is to give users a fast and easy way to buy virtual goods on Facebook, including items from the Facebook Gift Shop. 

Small business owners will benefit from thinking outside the normal realms of social media, marketing, and advertising. Having a contest is a great way to drive traffic to your website and gain new customers. It’s outside the normal realms of how small businesses use Facebook. Who doesn’t love a contest? 

Many small business owners may not know what to do for a contest. Let’s say your small business is wedding vendors, here are some ideas for a contest. 

• Name that tune! Have an instrumental song and have people guess what it is;
• Post a picture of a flower and have people guess what kind of flower it is. You can really make it interesting by asking for its scientific name and give a bonus in addition to the original winnings;
• Have people plan a bachelor or bachelorette party and choose the most creative one;
• Post a picture of a designer wedding dress and have people guess the designer;
• Give people a “wedding theme” and have them come up with ideas for favors.

Having a contest is such as great advertising and marketing tool. You could give away gift cards, money, free services, or anything else. People love to win stuff! Your small business is sure to gain web traffic after visitors read that you’re holding a contest.  Make sure you incorporate SEO into your ad copy for your contest.  When people do a search, you’re Facebook page will show in the search results. 

Small business owners must think broader and wider. Having a monthly newsletter is great, but spicing up your marketing endeavors can do wonders for your business. You’d be surprised how many NEW customers you can gain by giving away something. Remember, people like to receive free stuff! 

If you’re small business could use a boost in web traffic, consider holding a contest and announcing it on your Facebook page. Make it intriguing — don’t give away all of the details. Build it up so people will want to know more about the contest.  

There’s no reason that you can’t be creative when you use Facebook. Many small business owners struggle with driving traffic to their website. Hold a contest or use Paypal promotions for eCommerce and you may hit the jackpot delivering rewarding sales. 

About Author: Mr. Rickman is a respected developer living in Oregon. For over 25-years, companies have relied on his innovative business development, Internet marketing content and web media information services. He is a published author in sustainable industries with several books including Eight Billion People.  Mr. Rickman holds advanced business and technical degrees from Boston University. For more information visit: http://www.sustainablevirtualbiz.com  or call (503) 621-4953.