Facebook is one of the main referrers to my blog. For a long time it was THE main referrer, but recently I have stepped up my Pinterest game and I have been noticing huge growth there. (a Pinterest post is coming soon!) I think most bloggers are aware of the power of Facebook, which is why every time Facebook switches up its “algorithm” bloggers and business owners alike start freaking out. You will start seeing things like, “Facebook is hiding my posts, comment if you want to see me in your news feed!” and so on. Having great interaction on your page is very important, but I also think all bloggers should be using Facebook ads.
To explain why, let’s start with a little story. Once upon a time, a person started a blog. At first, it was casual… just a fun way to connect with others and express their feelings. People with similar interests starting reading and following that blog. The blogger realized that their words and opinions had meaning to their readers. Businesses started realizing that, too. They would send the blogger items for free, which was very exciting in the early days. FREE STUFF! AWESOME! Then the blogger realized that since they had such a specific following, they had an amazing reach. This blogger had the power to speak directly to the exact customer those businesses were targeting. So the blogger said, “Screw this, you have money… if you want me to use my hard work and connections to directly benefit your brand and business, then you need to give me some of that money.” Totally reasonable, right? Well… replace the word BLOGGER in this story with FACEBOOK.
You see, as a blogger I think it is perfectly fine to charge for my sponsored posts. Why shouldn’t Facebook have the same right? Yes they started out as a free site, but so did I. Once I grew, I realized my power to connect brands with buyers and felt it was only fair to start charging. It has taken Facebook years to grow, collect user information and create the software to give each Facebook user the most personalized & unique social media experience out there. Which means they know EXACTLY who would be interested in seeing your posts. What other form of advertising can guarantee that?
Bloggers are always getting insulted when people ask them to work for free, yet expect Facebook to bring them hundreds, if not thousands, of views per month without paying a dime. You may be thinking, “But it is social media… it’s not fair!” Well, it may not be fair, but it is a smart business move. And Facebook is SMART. So try as you may to beat the algorithm… if you are trying to promote yourself on Facebook, they will figure it out. And your reach will go down. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you can’t get out of it, get into it!”
The best part about Facebook is the simple fact that you don’t have to pay a lot to get noticeable results. Next week, I will tell you exactly how I use Facebooks ads for my blog, and share tips and tricks to get the most bang for your buck. (you may be surprised to hear just how little I spend!) Even if you still hate Facebook, I hope I at least gave you something to think about.
Such a valid point, Lauren! I've used Facebook to promote some of my posts, but I hadn't thought about it this way before. Thanks for sharing!
I heard many people have had success using it to promoting their books too!! 😉
Great point, Lauren! FB is one of my top referrers too but I've definitely been struggling here lately in reaching people. I think I'm about ready to take the jump in promoting my posts, thanks for sharing!
YES! You should! You dont have to spend a lot and there are so many different ways to make it work for you! It was too much to put in just one post so I split it up 😉
This is an amazing way to look at it. I have been on the fence about using them, but now, I think I might start this month. Thanks for sharing this ☺
You will def see results!!
I completely agree. You have to play the Facebook game in order for them to send you traffic. It's sad because I've been on Facebook since way back when as a blogger, and I remember the good ol' days. Times have changed.
Yes it is a little sad, but I guess you cant argue with results.
Wow! That is an amazing way of looking at it that I never considered.
I've been intimidated before by Facebook's ad buy system with the bids and whatnot, so I've just sort of avoided it.
Dont be scared… They make it so easy! Check back next week for my follow up post!
I have tried to "boost" posts on Facebook but haven't bought an ad before. I am excited to read your post next week!
Boosting is the same thing, but there are ways to customize each boost.
My publisher bought ads on FB for my book, and I must admit it helped sell the 24,000 copies out there to date!
Yes, I have heard people swear by it to build a fan base or sell books/items.
It is really a pay to play world. Though there are so many things you can do with ads and audiences that are really worth it as well.
Right! You would be hard pressed to find a place where you can get specific targeted ads for so cheap!
agreed with this my friend. i really need to use facebook more often in hopes of also getting paid to put stuff i blog about or promote! xo
Yes and once you start getting those sponsored post you should def pay to promote those posts on FB! (I'll go into that more next week)
Great, great points! I don't boost all of my posts on FB, but when I do I have gotten great results. I absolutely don't blame Facebook for going this route – they are a business, after all! My boosts are usually less than $5 and give me great results!
Yes you dont have to pay a lot! I hope you are having a great week and thanks for stopping by!
All valid points. I haven't boosted any posts yet, but I can see the value in doing so!
I think it is worth it, maybe give it a try once to see if you like the results! 😉
What an awesome attitude to have! It is so true that we as bloggers put in so much hard work and should be compensated for it. Therefore, paying a little to have someone else do some work for us in not unreasonable. Great post 🙂
Thanks for stopping over! 🙂 I hope you are having a great week!
Yes. I'm realizing this more and more. THere are still ways to promote your blog for free using Facebook, but it has a lot to do with the time you post, how you post and whether or not you're posting videos or photos along with sharing you post. It's super annoying that Fb changes it's algorithms as much as I change underwear (so it seems). But at the end of the day, you gotta point.
Yes there are ways around it, but I just dont have the time or energy these days to deal with it! ha!
you did. bravo. point taken. nice…
YAY!!
So true! I'm not the biggest fan of FB all the time but I have to respect their hustle. I've used ads and they definitely deliver to your exact target. Thanks for sharing.
Totally! And where else can you get that kind of advertising for so cheap!
So true! I'm not the biggest fan of FB all the time but I have to respect their hustle. I've used ads and they definitely deliver to your exact target. Thanks for sharing.
I applaud this post. You really won me over with it, LOL! I did do a FB ad back when I just launched my Facebook fan page, and it did help me get 100 fans. 🙂 For $20, LOL!
haha well good, cause that was my plan! It is such a great resource and I just dont understand why bloggers are so reluctant to use it!
Absolutely love this perspective! I think the biggest reason I haven't paid to pay recently is because I haven't had enough time to really focus on it to feel like it's been worth the money
Promoting my Blog on Facebook is definitely on my to do list once I have more experience blogging (and a bigger budget)! All the different social media channels can get really overwhelming, but I think Facebook is awesome for promotion and ads!
I plan on utilizing FB boosts in the near future when I get a little more money.
xoxo, Jenny
I agree! I have paid Facebook once to "boost" my posts for one week. I had no idea what I was doing, but I thought I would give it a try. I didn't necessarily get more "likes" or comments on my posts, but the first day I did it my views on my blog sky rocketed. I will definitely do it again!
Ughhh I had a very similar convo with my dad not to long ago! I was complaining about Facebook and he was like if you are making money just suck it up and pay the few bucks. He's right. If I'm making money, fb should be able to make money too.
Such an interesting way to think about it! And I definitely believe it's worth it to pay to promote your posts. I usually do $10 a post (not for every post–just some of thme) and it makes a huge difference.
You make a really great point. I never really thought about it like that. Although, Mark Zuckerberg doesn't really need the money as much as most of us mommy bloggers
You make some really good points! Though I have never blamed Facebook for asking us to pay I still can't bring myself to do it. Maybe some day…:)
Interesting point. I'd love to hear your stats and results from ads on facebook. I've heard other bloggers say that they would rather spend $ on pinterest ads. What are your thoughts there , which one is more effective?
Thanks for sharing
Danielle Greco | AccordingtoD.com
Wow… when you put it that way I feel like such a hypocrite. And, rightfully so. I was looking into ads anyway for selfish reasons. Now I feel even better about opening my pockets. Fair is fair. Well said.
I was just seriously thinking about this earlier today! I had my mouse on the button and chickened out! Pinterest is my main source of traffic but I want to start boosting my FB posts but haven't dived in yet. Some day…soon though – because it is necessary!
I definitely need to learn more about promoting posts on FB. The two times I did pay to promote a post the results were very disappointing. I'm really looking forward to reading your next post and learning even more helpful insights and tips. This is the year that I need to step up my game on FB!
I have been struggling whether to use it or not,however I might just give it a shot.
I have been struggling whether to use it or not,however I might just give it a shot.
I noticed when I boost and then stop that's the worst. I'm all ears for any tips. Can't wait to hear your suggestions.
Interesting point! I've started using some targeted Facebook ads for the posts I really want to promote, but I have to say that I haven't seen the payoff I expected from it. But I'm still experimenting and trying to figure out what works best for ads and my brand. – Katy
What a great analogy! FB's algorithms are so complex now, you gotta pay to play!
Drops mic. This is a great point! Well played, Magic. Definitely sharing this one.
Definitely gives me some things to consider about this. Still torn though.
I appreciated this post. Now I'm trying to decide what I should be promoting. Blog links? Photos? I see your stuff that you promote and it seems to be varied. What do you have the most success with?
Great points and something to definitely think about!
I love your take on it! I used to put some money behind Facebook, but really need to get back into it.
xx katie // a touch of teal
You are so right! Facebook isn't worth what it is for nothing! Great reminder!
I'm really looking forward to hearing how you use Facebook ads. I've never been able to figure out the whole Facebook for blog promotion, and I have been considering using their ad system but it's really intimidating. I can't wait to read your next post.
I'm brand new to the blogging world, so still seeing how it goes before taking the plunge, but have started a page there for my blog. Finding it awkward to advertise myself though…
Great tips with great analogy! Something to definitely think about!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by!