There aren’t many people left that haven’t logged on their computer and checked out sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. At some point we’ve all come across a social media site or over heard someone talking about it. Facebook in particular has infected our daily lives with links built into new PC’s and apps readily available on just about every mobile device. Facebook has created a great way for us to keep track of old friends and family without having to actually talk to them.

What does that mean to you and your auto parts business? Isn’t Facebook just for cyber stalking old girl friends and posting pictures of my kids? While doing those things can be amusing, there’s more to it now then just that. For business, Facebook offers you a great way to get in front of your customers. As a repair shop or body shop it’s really important for you to be on your customers mind when they have a problem with their car. If you’re selling cars then Facebook can be a great way to advertise what you have on the lot. Brand recognition is key in any form of marketing and Facebook gives you a great way to consistently put your branding in front of a current or potential customer.

Don’t panic though; taking advantage of what Facebook has to offer your business doesn’t take an IT guy. With basic computer and internet skills you can have a business page up and running in no time. All you need is a Facebook account; there are no additional costs for you as a business owner other than your time. Once logged into your Facebook account you can get started by searching for your business. Often Facebook already knows about your business and its address, if it does then go to your business page and click Claim Place at the bottom left of the page. Facebook will then walk you through the process of claiming the page and verifying ownership of the business.

If Facebook doesn’t know about your business yet, then the easiest way to create a page is to go to any other fan page and click on the Create Page link at the lower left of the page. Facebook will again walk you through the steps of starting a page. Once you have the page up and running Facebook does a pretty good job of giving you tutorials and tasks to complete and get you started.

So that’s it, you’ve got the page up and running now you can just forget about it right? Not quite. You’ll need to advertise your Facebook page in your show rooms, waiting area, parts counter, website etc. Anywhere you can think of mentioning your Facebook page, especially in waiting rooms where people are prone to pull out their cell phones to pass the time on social media sites. Once you build up a following you can use Facebook to get the word out on specials your running, new inventory, or just to connect with your customers. The more you get involved the more it’ll pay off.

For more info on getting started just simply go to Facebook and start doing it! If you get stuck, a quick internet search can get you moving again. Don’t give up, you can do this! Your business will thank you.