We’ve recently discussed how Facebook has decreased the organic reach of posts and how to set up Facebook promoted posts to drive more traffic to your business page. The question we want to address today is what to do after you bring additional traffic to your Facebook business page to keep fans engaged with your brand.
In addition to posting share-worthy content, you can use Facebook Apps to engage your audience in a variety of ways, which also integrate with marketing channels you already use. To do this, we’re recommending seven of the best Facebook Apps for business pages.
The Best Facebook Apps for Business Pages
Before we dive into the list, we should mention that Facebook is in the process of rolling out a new layout for Business Pages … again. One noteworthy change is the relocation of the Apps section. Those custom tabs that used to appear as thumbnails just beneath your cover photo will soon appear in a left sidebar along with your photos and information about your business.
Is this a good thing? We’re curious to hear your thoughts on this change in the comments below … In the meantime, onto the list!
1. Iconosquare – Formerly called Statigram, the Iconosquare app connects your Instagram feed with your Facebook page. It’s a great way to promote your Instagram account to your Facebook community, and to bring more visual content to your Facebook Page.
2. MailChimp – If you have a MailChimp account, you can connect it to your Facebook Page to create an opt-in form for your enewsletter right on your Page.
3. RSS Tab – Bring your blog posts in front of your Facebook audience. Publish up to five blogs to your Facebook Page using the RSS Tab.
4. Pinterest – Cross-promote your other social networks on your Facebook Page. Use this app to connect your Pinterest account to Facebook so that your fans can view all your boards and pins.
5. Ecwid – Ecwid offers ecommerce functionality that can be added to any website, and they also provide a Facebook App. This means you can add a shopping cart to your Facebook page, giving your fans the option to purchase your products right there.
6. YouTube – If your business creates YouTube videos as part of your overall marketing strategy, this is a no-brainer. This app integrates your YouTube account with your Facebook Page, so your Facebook fans can view your brand videos without ever leaving the page.
7. Static HTML – If you have someone on your team who knows html code and you want to create a highly customized app, you can do so using the Static HTML iFrame app. The app simply provides you with a blank box in which to enter text, images, and other content using HTML, CSS or JavaScript. If you don’t know any of those coding languages or don’t have time to create a custom app, don’t worry; we’re sharing another tool below that can help.
Bonus: ShortStack – Shortstack is not actually a Facebook App, but rather a tool for creating custom Facebook apps to run contests, promotions, and sweepstakes. ShortStack has a gallery of templates to help you get started with designing your app, and it integrates with many other social networks and services to create a sort of one-stop shop for setting up apps. You can get a free ShortStack account if your business page has less than 2,000 followers, or there are paid plans available starting at $30 per month.
What apps do you use on your Facebook Business Page? Any favorites you would add to this list? Share your comments below or visit our Facebook page.
