Quick Tip: Creating a Facebook Page

You know about Facebook. You know you should have a Facebook Page for your bookstore, but perhaps you are a little intimidated and think it will be to technical or difficult to set up.

Have no fear! The folks over at American Express Open Forum have written step-by-step instructions to make it painless and fun to get started on the world's largest social network.

At the bottom of the article you'll find links to other resources for tips on what to do, what not to do, and when to post to get maximum engagement from your Facebook community.

Check out the article then go on over to Facebook.com/pages to create your page.

Once you have it ready to go, share the link with us in the comments below and we will add it to the list of "Likes" displayed on the Llewellyn Facebook Page.

How to Get Local Customers to Promote Your Bookstore

One of my favorite blogs to go to for advice, information, and tips on Social Media is Social Media Examiner. A recent post by Michael Stelzner, "How to Turn Your Local Customers Into Raving Fans," focuses on the local marketing activities of Chicago based Dominos pizza franchise owner, Ramon De Leon. It contains some very valuable advice on how to get your local customers not just talking, but raving about your local business.

A few of the key points covered in the interview include:

• How to encourage people to come to your local business.


• How to use photos to create an experience online.


• How to use Twitter for real-time monitoring and what to look for.


• The biggest thing businesses forget to do on Foursquare and why it makes the difference.


• How to create stories for customers to talk about.


• How to put out a social media fire.

Watch the 5 minute video of Ramon De Leon's interview and read the full post here.

Booksellers Getting Social

With all the buzz and hoopla around social media these days, its no surprise to see booksellers and bookseller associations using social networks to connect and share information.

We did a little research on LinkedIn and Facebook. Here are just a few of the bookseller groups and pages we found:


LinkedIn

Independent Booksellers Networking Group

American Booksellers Association

BookExpo America (BEA)

New Age Retail

Retail Industry Professionals Group

Small Business Online Community

Facebook

INATS

New Age Retailer

Are you involved in any online groups or communities for booksellers, retailers, or metaphysical stores? Where do you go online to connect with other business professionals?

Please share your favorite groups and pages as well as any positive experiences you've had connecting with other booksellers online.