In May of 2012, Facebook introduced a new feature for Facebook Business Pages called “Facebook Offers.” We read a lot of articles about the success of Offers, but the feature seemed to only be available for brick and mortar retailers.
As of last week Facebook Offers became available for all Pages with 400 or more fans. So, what is a Facebook Offer?
Facebook Offers are a special type of story that works something like a coupon. It looks like this:
Offers may be the most viral type of content you can post and this is why:
- A special newsfeed story is created just for your offer.
- When people claim your offer the story is automatically shared with their friends in their newsfeed.
- These stories encourage more offer redemptions, more shared stories, and help you reach a bigger audience than you normally would without an offer.
Facebook research indicates businesses get 3x ROI.
Want to test a Facebook Offer? Your first Offer is free, so try it! Here’s how:
There are 3 different types of Offers:
- In Store Only
- In Store & Online
- Online Only
How to Set Up Your Facebook Offer:
- Go to the window on your Facebook Business Page where you would normally post an update:
- Click “Offer, Event +” and you’ll see the following screen. Click on “Offer”:
- Choose your type of Offer:
- Write a compelling headline that is less than 90 characters in length. This could be a free drink, a discount, a coupon, a donation or any number of things based on your type of business.
- Upload a corresponding image that sensibly accompanies your offer. Keep in mind that images with one large subject work best on Facebook.
- Set the number of claims you want to provide.
- Set your expiration date - the Offer can run for one day or one year – it is up to your discretion and the needs of your business:
- If your offer is a product or a coupon to be scanned while in your store, create a 12 or 13 digit barcode:
- Set the terms and conditions for your offer. Example: “Limit 1 Per Customer.”
- There are two additional options for online Offers, entering the web address and a redemption code:
- Set Your Budget - while your first Facebook Offer will be free, you’ll have to set a minimum budget to reach your fans thereafter. The number of fans your Page has determines the cost of your Offer. Here’s what the Offer looks like before the budget is set.
- You’re almost done. Now click “Set Budget” and you will see a drop-down menu similar to the one you see in when you use Promoted Posts for Facebook Business Pages. You will have the option to choose how much you want to invest based upon how many of your fans (and their friends) you want to reach:
When a user redeems the offer, an email is sent to the address that is in his or her account, and the email contains a redemption code or the bar code that you have set up. For in-store offers, the user must bring the email to your business by printing it out or showing it to the staff on their phone.
Has your brand or business run a Facebook Offer or have you redeemed any Facebook Offers personally? What was your experience like?
