An example of what Bass Pro Shops is doing to encourage Facebook likes.

An example of what Bass Pro Shops is doing to encourage Facebook likes.

I’ve been giving people advice about expanding their social media influence online, and one of the things we always end up discussing is “getting more Facebook fans.” An email from Bass Pro Shops today typifies one thing you can easily do for your fans — give them a reason to “like” you on Facebook! Don’t just spam your (personal) friends and ask them, give them a real, honest-to-goodness, bona fide incentive. Some things you can do:

  • Have a drawing for a free service (if you’re a dentist, give away a free teeth-whitening package)
  • Send everyone (via Facebook) some sort of coupon or discount they wouldn’t get otherwise
  • Send them an occasional message that’s positive and topical; remember some fans might “like” dozens or hundreds of companies, so give them a reason!

Take the time to figure out what you can do to enhance your fan base through Facebook. It’s fast becoming a force to be reckoned with, and by pretending it’s not there (or, as many companies do, blocking Facebook entirely from employees), you’re simply shutting down a very cost-effective means to reach your customers and keep them coming back for more.

As my Aussie friends say, “good on ya, mate” — Bass Pro Shops has done a nice job on this one.