When one of my clients complains that business is down, my first advice has been to get busy on Facebook and Twitter.
It’s not the end all answer, but it’s quick, painless, and free – a way to get your name in front of your local audience. It tends to result in posting a special offer or something that promotes the business. While there’s nothing wrong with that … other than the obvious loss of income from price discounting … we may get better results if we have a little fun with our audience.
Here’s a recent example:
My husband and I rescued a tiny, frail chipmunk a few weeks ago. It was dehydrated and hungry, and perked right up after some water and a little peanut butter. We attempted to reintroduce it to our backyard a couple of days later, but it clearly wasn’t going to work, and we had already grown attached to this really cute little rodent.
Meanwhile, my husband started posting pictures and updates about Chippy on his Facebook wall – and oh my, the response to those updates was amazing! Not just on Facebook, but when Gerald is out taking photos, people stop to ask him about Chippy! Last night, by popular request, he created a Facebook page for Chippy.
Just 12 hours later, that page had over 40 followers.
As a marketer, I’m always looking for ways to help businesses connect with new customers. So, is there a takeaway from a Facebook page not related to sales for gaining followers quickly? (Hopefully, your target audience includes people. 
I think people are drawn to Chippy because it’s a feel good story/life to follow, and in this day and age, those feel good stories are few and far between. Personally, I wait for photo updates from Jerry every day on Chippy.” ~ Kristine Feldmann on Facebook
As business owners, we need to remember that it’s not about us. Whether our target audience is moms, dads, kids, seniors, or other businesses, it’s always, without fail, comprised of people.
How can you interest them? What will they respond to? How can we engage them in a fun, maybe offbeat way to get their attention?
A.I.D.A. is a marketing acronym for Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. It’s the basic principle behind all effective advertising copywriting. Notice that attention and interest precede desire.
Facebook pages aren’t about direct advertising, but they clearly draw attention to your business. The acronym is still, if not more, relevant in social media. What can you do today to attract the attention of your target audience?
This isn’t the first time I’ve written about chipmunks, believe it or not. Click here to read 5 Small Business Tips from a Chipmunk
I love Chippy!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it when people inject some fun or whimsy into their social media. Personally, I’m much more apt to follow or show interest in a company that incorporates fun elements. Thanks for this! Gotta go to FB and check in on Chippy. — Abby
Thanks, Abby! By the way, I think you’re doing a great job with the Xuron Facebook page.
I love it when people inject some fun or whimsy into their social media. Personally, I’m much more apt to follow or show interest in a company that incorporates fun elements. Thanks for this!
What a cutie species. I am enjoying watching your photo. It is too cool. Thanks!
The growth of that Facebook page continues to amaze me. It’s been up for less than two weeks and we’ve gained over 100 ‘likes,’ but more importantly, lots of interaction.
Jody and Lovilou, thanks for your comments!
It’s cute. I think people are drawn to Chippy because it’s a feel good story/life to follow, and in this day and age, those feel good stories are few and far between.
Thanks for your comment, Karen!
It’s an interesting insight. Now I am thinking about which thing will attract my marketing targets to what we sell through my social networking…something that is not so serious…well I still need an idea
Hi there cutie Chippy!
He must be very happy now that you are able save him. I just checked his facebook page and he has become one strong chipmunk.
Regards,
Amber
The thing you did about Chippy is really interesting. And you can always get attention for doing good acts for someone or something like animals.
Not surprising, people are looking for something new and fresh. Stories like Chippy are not found everyday, so people want to get in on the bottom floor. He sure is cute!
Sometimes it is good to change the way business. It feel boring when we have the same process all the time. What you and your husband did was a great method. You made people attract by a good post of image and story of chippy. He is actually very cute. I love to have it too. Thanks for sharing Chippy on your blog.
Nice site! Your chippy is really cute. I wonder can i buy it so i have a pet. If you don’t mind to suggest where? Thanks and God bless!
I am not surprised when i read this article. Your method is great. Probably because people always look for something new and fresh. They want to learn and see something unique. Your Chippy attracts a lot o people and that’s include me. Thanks!
OMG! I love Chippy! Really! What you did is best. This is one way to attract your target.
That’s true. Well actually, it sometimes depend on the niche or the field of your business. Facebook has been a powerful social media tool. So letting your business’ role be recognized and dominate this important area is really a key.