A series of initiatives for British commercial property businesses were recently launched by Facebook, including a flagship advertising credits programme to help small commercial property businesses reach potential new customers. British commercial property businesses will be the first in Europe to have access the credits programme, with countries across Europe to follow soon.
The three-part scheme follows research issued by Deloitte in January, which found that the growth of mobile applications and Facebook in recent years has already contributed an estimated £2.2 billion to UK GDP and created 18,400 jobs in small commercial property businesses across the country.
More and more commercial property businesses are seeking growth through new technology, using Facebook’s free pages to build loyalty among exiting followers and connect with new customers from the 30 million people on Facebook in the UK let alone the 870 million users elsewhere. Facebook’s landmark programme is designed to support more of Britain’s small commercial property businesses through challenging economic times by ensuring that they are fully prepared to reap the benefits of social media.
As well as being the first in Europe to have access to the free advertising credits programme, British commercial property businesses owners can now learn everything there is to know about the opportunities offered by social networking site Facebook. Published in association with small commercial property business experts Enterprise Nation, ‘Boost Your Business with Facebook’ is a free downloadable guide which offers all the practical advice necessary to build and maintain a Facebook page, master advertising and engage fans.
Facebook has also joined forces with the British Chambers of Commerce to take its know-how on the road. Growth and marketing experts are giving practical face-to-face advice at free breakfast workshops in six cities this summer. The roadshow has already visited Glasgow and Birmingham, with additional events scheduled for Sunderland, Manchester, London and Sheffield.
Facebook’s UK and Ireland Policy Director, Simon Milner, said: “Many small businesses have thrived despite difficult economic conditions in recent years, thanks to savvy entrepreneurs spotting the opportunity to benefit from new technologies which bring people closer together.
“We want more businesses to prosper in this way, which is why we are rolling out this series of initiatives to give all businesses, whatever their digital experience to date, the confidence to use Facebook as an efficient and highly rewarding platform for growth.”
Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk, said: “It is fantastic to see Facebook and the British Chamber of Commerce working together to give SMEs the tools and knowledge in technology they need to help them innovate and grow.
“The rapidly changing world of technology means that SMEs need to keep pace so they can connect with customers in the UK and abroad and continue to promote British business. We have some of the most innovative SMEs in the world and we want to make the UK the best place on the planet to start and grow a business.”
Louise Gillespie, founder of Jessies Jewels which sells low-priced costume jewellery, says: “Facebook has proved a real lifeline for my business. There is no way my business could have grown at the rate it has without Facebook. A business like mine relies on regular displays in shops and I’ve managed to set up many of these through our Facebook page.
“We’re also seeing more and more sales come directly through Facebook – our fans love commenting on our picture galleries, their friends spot their comments and then follow the link to our page and in return we get more fans! We’ve definitely seen a return on investment on Facebook – in fact, I can’t imagine running Jessies Jewels without it.”
The Boost programme will be offered to 50,000 commercial property businesses across Europe, starting in the UK and following in Germany, France, Spain and Italy later this month. Commercial property businesses with over 50 fans can automatically sign up for £20 of credit, with the chance to apply for an additional £60 as they increase their fanbase.
Businesses who want to take part in the Boost programme, find the full British Chambers of Commerce schedule and download the Enterprise Nation e-book, can visit: facebook.com/FacebookMarketingUK
