Facebook Graph Search is rolling out to users as we speak. Unfortunately, small businesses simply do not set up Facebook pages so that they can be found easily.
Granted, old Facebook search is worse than useless and most people still have that version. Using Facebook Graph Search for business probably hasn’t even crossed your mind. Graph Search is rolling out now and that gives YOU and your small business a huge advantage if you set your Facebook page up properly.
I switched to Graph Search a couple of weeks ago now. I did a screencast video as I turned the new search on and you can tell I was horrified. I don’t do social search, but then I am not your average web user.
Facebook Graph Search And Local Businesses “Nearby”
Is Your Business Doing It Wrong?
In the last couple of weeks using Facebook Graph Search, several things have become very apparent…
- The number of small businesses still using a profile instead of a page is astronomical – and it is against Facebook terms so they risk losing their profile
- Local businesses not completing their business name and address details, therefore totally missing out to community pages that aren’t even claimed by the business owner
- So many abandoned business pages showing up in search, again because actual active pages aren’t created correctly
The good news is none of these scenarios need apply to your business page.
Now I am not saying create a Facebook page if your target audience isn’t there. Neither am I saying use a Facebook page instead of a website – that would be daft. I am saying if you use Facebook and your target market use Facebook then set your page up correctly and use it as part of your online marketing.
To help you, I’ve put together a workbook you can download today. “5 Steps to Local Business Facebook Success” will help you to:
Download your copy today
- Define goals for your Facebook Page
- Discover if your target audience is using Facebook
- Plan your page and discover the options open to you
- Create your page so you will be found “nearby” on mobiles and in Graph Search
- Plan your updates and maintain your page
Oh, and it’s free. Get it at 5 Steps to Local Business Facebook Success
Over to you…
Have you switched to Facebook Graph Search yet? Do you like it? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Facebook Graph Search For Business - Are You Doing It Wrong? by Jan KearneyThis free short report guides you through the 5 essential steps to make your local business Facebook Page work for you. Discover:
- How to find your audience on Facebook
- How to optimise your page so people find you “nearby”
- The types of updates you should be posting
Download your report and get started today. Simply fill in your details in the boxes above and I'll whizz the report over to you!
Don't worry, I despise spam too, your details will never be shared, sold, passed on, traded or any other jiggery pokery!
How revealing about the local businesses – never has it been more important for them to have a good Facebook presence I can see. Very canny move by Facebook.
These days, people expect a business to be on Facebook don’t they, Ginny? This new Graph Search certainly makes it easier to find pages – if only people would put the info in the right places to be found! Thanks for popping in and commenting 🙂
I didn’t even notice this from my Facebook page. Is this something you have to request to get it added?
It’s still in beta, Bonnie. You can apply to get it at https://www.facebook.com/about/graphsearch. Eventually, everyone will have it as standard. Thanks for popping in again 🙂
I don’t have the new search graph yet but I just found out this weekend I can get on the waiting list and get it earlier. All I have heard it is a good move for a fan page.
Graph Search certainly makes it easier to be found on Facebook, Shawn. But you do need to set up your page properly to take full advantage! Thanks for popping in and commenting 🙂
I agree it’s a bit creepy. Especially since you might show up for liking something beyond what you actually did press like on. (partial phrases.
I haven’t turned it on yet, but I probably should.
I’ve been using pages since they were available, and I now have 5 (3 of which are for my business branches)
Hi Linda, I’ve not noticed people showing up for partial phrases. One to be careful of though, are those pages you like in passing because they made you laugh or appealed to you at the time and you no longer resonate with them. A good clean up of what you like is well worth the effort! Thanks for popping in and commenting 🙂
Jan – Thanks for the great info. I’ve never heard of Graph Search, yet I do have a facebook fan page. Should I push converting my site to the graph search to the top of my to do list?
Hi Evelyn. Graph Search isn’t restricted to pages (although since switching my Facebook to Graph Search, search from my pages is taking on some features). The new search will eventually come to all accounts, you can turn it on earlier. From a pages point of view, it is important to review your pages and complete info so you can be more easily found.
Facebook pages are the bane of my existence. They are one of those things that I’m like, “Oh, great, I have to do this.” And I’m not one to do things just because I “have” to do them. But I will anyway. I’m signing up for your book. /sigh
Hi Amethyst – like you I started my page (and admin others) because I am expected to be there! I’m not a great social fan, but can’t ignore it totally. I hope the report is useful for you 🙂
Thank you so much for the introduction to Graph Search. I have heard a little about it: It was great to see it in action.. 🙂
Hi Peggy, I’m pleased you enjoyed seeing it in action! Will you be turning on Graph Search early?
I think I will. I turned timeline on early, and was very happy with the results. (I’m normally a person who embraces change, especially when the change is going to happen whether I want it to or not…)
Hi Peggy, you’re right – this will happen to us all eventually so it’s better to embrace the change now than growl at it later 🙂 Thanks for popping in and sharing your thoughts.
I haven’t used it yet, but I’m on the waiting list to try it out. I can’t wait to figure out some great ways to use this in the business arena! I will go download your book to learn more!
Hi Emily – Graph Search has a lot of potential for business use. Enjoy experimenting when you get it!
I just joined the waiting list for graph search. It looks intriguing to me as an improved search function. It doesn’t feel creepy to me. I’ll have to explore it to learn how it can benefit me in a business sense. I don’t have a local business, so the “nearby” issue doesn’t apply . . . but I’m sure there’s lots I can learn about it in other ways. Thanks for this post. It motivated me to get on the waiting list (I’ve been ignoring it until now :)).
Hi Leanne – yes it is a very much improved search function. I don’t like any personalised search, even the little Google does these days I avoid – and search plus your world hasn’t arrived here yet! Thanks for popping in and sharing your thoughts 🙂
I’d seen a few articles on this, and had it in the back of my mind that I really should take a closer look…. Thank you so much for breaking it down! Off to read the book 🙂
Hi Corrie – Graph Search is worth a closer look, preparing Pages now will help later when it rolls out fully. Enjoy the report 🙂
Just downloaded the ebook, Jan! A great resource. I’m going to go shovel a bit of snow and then come back to read through it!
Hi Peggy Lee – let me know how you get on with the guide – and good luck with the Graph Search! 🙂
Great post, I subscribed to download the guide, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for popping in Lena, I hope the report is useful for you 🙂
I am really jealous that I have not got it yet!
Yes Facebook creepy search is a good alternative name! Haha
Get out there Jan and convert those local businesses
Sue
Sue, you’re more than welcome to my search!
Local businesses do need social media. What an untapped market? Curious about my area. Thanks for sharing this with me. I’ve yet to switch to it but I can totally see how useful it would be for those with actual brick and mortar stores.
Hi Sara, just rescued you from spam! The graph search is looking useful for any business page. I do focus on local here, so I mention it a lot. If you have a page, or create events for your crochet, bear in mind what signals the graph search looks at and make sure they are there. Thanks for popping in 🙂
Great info, Jan! I’m looking forward to reading your book. The info about facebook graph search is all new to me, and I have a question for you. Will Facebook keep my business address private if I provide it? I work from home so my biz address is actually my home address. I’d be reluctant to add it if it becomes public info, but if it simply allows my page to come up in local community pages would consider adding it. Many thanks!
Hi Nicole, any info you add to your business page is public and cannot be made private. Rather than add your full address, it would be worth you adding your town or city. basically complete the address section without the street and postcode.
Facebook will flag it as an incomplete address and state it cannot show a map (if you have chosen local business, you have a Bing map in the about section). However, you will still show in Graph Search when people search “nearby” or by city.
Hope that helps! Enjoy the report. 🙂