How to DIY Facebook ads (that actually work) and get more reach with the RIGHT audience

So you've decided you're ready to take the leap and get that Facebook sales funnel working- wohoo! But there's just one problem.

​You log into the Facebook Ads interface and freeze. It looks just a tad overwhelming and all you can see is your precious dollars goin' down the drain... 

There's no doubt about it, I've been there as well. And I've been left in that horrible space of inaction where you want to press forward but it seems just SO uphill to even know where to start.

You know you're losing potential customers and income because you haven't done this yet- but you're literally in entrepreneurial paralysis too scared to press go!

In the VIP Members Club this month we asked Claire Warin from Pint Sized Social Media to walk us through what it all means- check out our sneak peek video below.

And read on for some quick win hacks that you can start applying today to maximise your reach and grow your audience!

If you're not a Member yet but you're keen to boost your Facebook reach, here are our top tips to start maximising your engagement: 

1. It starts from the heart.

You need to know your customer AND your brand message inside out in order to create content that resonates and is useful to your target audience.
We discuss this more in our convo about how to build a brand that stands you out from the crowd and helps you build a tribe of raving fans. But basically, you need to know exactly who it is you are talking to, what they care about and why they should care about you. 

In our Facebook Engagement Bootcamp, Roslyn Ryan from Roslyn Ryan- Digifit talks us through just what you need to know about your target customer and why- see a snapshot here: 

​2. Create warm fuzzies.

One of the common mistakes I see new biz owners or self marketers make is creating too many 'sell' posts. Think of Facebook like the front door of your shop. If you stand at the front door and yell in your customers face about your amazing product or service they will probably high tail it in the other direction. 

But offer them a warm cup of tea of on a cold day so they can browse your shop with warm hands? Or deliver them them a taste of your latest morsel with good grace and a story? They'll be inside your shop looking to find out more and support your biz. 

So, think of ways you can make your customers day better. Something that will make them smile or make them laugh. Something that will help solve a problem for them or get them further, faster. 

Even better, ask your audience what they want to know from you or how they can help- and create a freebie based on the feedback you get back. Involve your community in your decisions and start interacting, getting to know them and generally creating warm fuzzies.

Now I can tell you first hand that warm fuzzies work! I found a way to do this through our Facebook Support Group for NZ women in business. YOU guys are my target market, I luuurve you to pieces and I am so stoked that I created this space where you all encourage and support each other along.

​It's warm fuzzy central and guess what? It's how I launched the VIP Members Club - and it's event how I made $10,000 in one night when I launched. 

So think of a way that could work for you and really offer something truly valuable to your audience. Build community, help people connect, make them smile. This is not just about business it's about life. So why not make someones day a little better and do some good for your biz at the same time?

​3. Use the right medium.

Just in case you haven't heard- video is the way of the future when it comes to Facebook. Yes you can be posting content like images, motivational quotes and great copy, but video done well is going to blow your engagement out of the water.

​Not convinced? Check out these stats for the WE Network Facebook Page (ps please ignore my angry face I do like Monique I promise!!! #badscreenshot: 

High performing recent post

Compared to high performing recent video

So start thinking now about your video strategy. Some of the questions you want to address are:

1. What types of video content would be right for your audience?

2. Is there anything you could do to make your videos unique that also aligns with your brand? A fun background, special colours, maybe a series? Consider your business values and 'vibe' and think about how you could transfer that your videos. Then apply that consistently to your videos and create something with a little bit of wow factor. If you haven't heard of Marie Forleo yet, her videos are a great example of on brand video done right. 

So get out there and check out what other people are doing well, how they are branding their vids and think about how you can bring a unique edge to yours. Ask your community what stands you out or what they'd like to see- you might get some great creative input- plus it's a great chance to connect and learn more about your target customer.

3. When and how are you going to produce your videos and what equipment do you need?

4. Do you have a 'dream' list of guests you'd love to interview? Write it down and make it happen! 

The key with all of this is consistency which is SO hard as a solopreneur. I'd recommend starting small and with something you feel comfortable with. If you need help growing in confidence in front of the camera, I'd highly recommend you jump on board with Deb Rock Evans' Get Yourself Out There  Challenge where she guides you through practising in a supportive, encouraging environment. 

OR if you want to get together with some other fab biz peeps and learn from a pro about what content to shoot- check out Show And Tell and head along to one of their 'Video Marketing With Your Smartphone' Auckland based workshops. 

Finally- START DOING!

OK wow I've covered a lot but there is so much more to learn! Honestly though, getting a grip on how to market online is one of the best gifts you could ever give your business.

Please don't get stuck in entrepreneurial paralysis because you're scared of what you'll look like or that your lovingly created post won't get traction.

Same as anything, you have to practise! Watch your results, see what resonates and repeat refine repeat. 

YOU CAN DO THIS!!! 

And hey- comment and share you're Facebook Page below and WE'll give you a follow 😉

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