Sale Organizer Advice

Facebook is THE place to be for marketing your sale.  If you haven't set up a Facebook Business page, get on it!  It's free, it's viral and the promotional capabilities are amazing!  Here are some of my VERY favorite tips, tricks and tools when it comes to Facebook and your consignment sale.

1.  Set Up a Business Profile Page (Not a "Person" or Profile page)

Why?  Facebook wants profiles to be real people.  If you set up your biz as a "person," your chances of getting removed are pretty high.  So, imagine having 1,000 friends and then you get totally shut down.  You'll have to start from scratch.  Here's the link to create the FB approved "Fan Page"

2.  Have TWO Admins

Unfortunately, profile hacking is a growing concern on Facebook.  If you are the SOLE admin on your Facebook page and your account gets hacked, banned and shut down... you lose your Facebook page.  YIKES!  Always have a backup admin in place so you don't lose your precious following! 

3.  Find a Balance with Your Posting

There is a fine line with how much you post... you want to create a community and build relationships, but you don't want to become a bother.  Over post and people will "Unlike You" or they will close out your post and then choose that dreaded "Hide All by Your Sale Name" option.  Then, you are off the radar forever. 

A great way to track your posting skills is to examine your Daily Likes & Dislikes.  In the left menu (under your profile pic), choose "View Insights."  Once you are on that page, there is an option on the left "Users."  The third graph on that page will show you how many new likes or new dislikes you've received.  Did you over post one day and get way too many dislikes?

4.  How to Get in Top News vs. Recent News

Just like Google uses a complex algorithm to determine what content is at the top of search results, Facebook has a formula for content that gets in Top News. FB basically looks at your # of fans, # of posts and the level of interaction you get.  Interactions through likes and comments will move a post up in the rankings.  It's the reason why I always "LIKE" all of your posts.  I'm trying to help you move up into top news!  And I'm a dork like that.... I'm not stalking you... well...

There's a really cool where you can see how you stack up at EdgeRankCheck.  

5.  Work Double Duty

6.  Invest in a Scheduling Tool or Assistant

If you are especially busy (think sale week!), delegate your Facebook posts.  You can either pre-schedule and use a tool like Sendible.  Or, you can have a volunteer post information for you. If you have someone else executing, make sure you set CLEAR guidelines and that you monitor the first posts to make sure you are on the same page!  

7.  Sell Your Sale with Photos

People love VISUALS.  And consignors LOVE it when their items sell.  Create a pre-sale buzz and have your consignors send in photos of their big ticket items, boutique clothes, etc.  Post these on Facebook and you'll have folks lined up at the door for that Power Wheels!!

Then, during sale week snap photos of HOT TICKET items as they come through the door and post them on FB!  EYE CANDY!! 

8.  Encourage Interaction

Your Facebook page isn't just YOUR platform to push out content, but it is also a GREAT tool for getting feedback, empowering your sellers or shoppers and building a community.  Some of my favorite strategies:

1. Ask your fans for their own tips 
2. Have fans post their "wishlist" - You may have a consignor who is hesitant to lug that Little Tykes, but if she knows Sally Sue and Betty want it, she'll bring it! 
3. Create a "I'm Consigning with Chrissy's Sale" graphic and encourage people to tag themselves.  Then, your little "ad" shows up in their feed and all of their friends will learn about your sale! 

9.  Link to Desirable Pages

By typing @ in front of a Fan page title, you create a dynamic link to that page.  And, you show up on their wall (if they have settings made to display posts by others).  Tag your vendors or similar targets.  Example: Chrissy's Consignment Sale is so excited to partner with @LIttle Gym on Wendover for our Spring sale.  The result?  Those Little Gym fans will see your post when they visit that page and they can click on your link and become a fan of you!   

10.  Make Sure Your Contests Are Legit

Facebook has pretty specific guidelines regarding fan gathering & "liking" contests.  Make sure to check the rules here before you do your promo. http://www.facebook.com/promotions_guidelines.php

Do you have any strategies or ideas to share?  Please post a comment below!!!!