Home service company leaders must recognize the differences between Facebook Ads and other online platforms. Let’s learn more about how to attract your audience using Facebook Ads, help them maneuver through the Facebook Ads funnel, and develop them into interested, paying clients for your company.

What Is A Facebook Ads Funnel?

Picture a funnel in your mind. The top of the funnel is larger than the bottom, and there are varying widths in between the large and the small. A Facebook Ads funnel is divided into three main parts: the Top of the Funnel (TOF), the Middle of the Funnel (MOF), and the Bottom of the Funnel (BOF).

The TOF is the awareness stage. This is when your ad is seen by people who live in the area but may not be actively searching for your services at the time they come across your ad. However, based on their online behaviors, interests, and demographics, your ad may appear to them. The top of the funnel provides potential customers with the opportunity to discover your company online.

The MOF is considered the nurturing stage and is a critical stage for the business owner. This is where potential customers may begin to consider the services you offer and align them with their own needs. As people start to interact through your ads, it’s important to follow up with increased information about your services and increase the frequency of customer contact. Over time, the potential customers will consider buying into your services and recognize the benefits they provide for their properties. 

Lastly, the BOF is the transition phase. Customers who have decided your services will fit their needs will contact you for quotes, service details, and appointment availability.

What Marketing Techniques Work Best For Each Stage?

TOF Stage:

Objective: Company Awareness and Introduction

Marketing Techniques: Before and after photos, team photos, videos showcasing past projects, or client testimonials. 

MOF Stage:

Objective: Information Gathering

Marketing Techniques: Free estimate offerings, downloadable project ideas, and checklists

BOF Stage:

Objective: Transformation to a paying customer

Marketing Techniques: Schedule a free inspection prior to service, discount offerings for certain services.

Tip: Highlight promotions or interesting offers that entice customers to schedule a service with your company

Tracking Your Facebook Ads Funnel

Tracking the success of your Facebook Ads funnel is valuable because it allows you to decide if changes are needed to optimize your ad creatives, your landing page, or your follow-up process. You can track success by researching video views, your engagement rate, lead form completions, the time someone spends on site, or the number of booked customers.

Bottom Line

Facebook Ads are a marketing technique to help expose your brand to hundreds of potential customers who are likely to be interested in your services. Whether you are a contractor, landscaper, roofer, HVAC expert, or interior designer, you can significantly impact your success by using Facebook Ads effectively. Understanding the Facebook Ads funnel will help generate leads and nurture them effectively to transform them into paying customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Facebook Ads important for local home services companies?
Yes! Many property owners refer to Facebook to find local businesses that can meet their needs. Facebook Ads can promote your company, engage future customers, and lead to higher sales for you.

How will I know if my Facebook Ads are working?
Tracking the progress of your Facebook Ads is important so you can identify what is working and what is not effective. For example, if consumers are looking at your Facebook Ads but not spending much time there, then you may need to improve your landing page. You might even want to create new offers or add details that will grab your customers’ attention.

How much should I budget for Facebook Ads?
Your budget depends on your goals, location, and the competitiveness of your industry. For local home service companies, even a modest daily budget can generate strong results if ads are well-targeted. Start small, track your results, and adjust your budget as you see which ads perform best. This approach allows you to invest more confidently in strategies that deliver the highest return on investment.

The post Understanding the Facebook Ads Funnel: How to Turn Local Homeowners into Paying Customers appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Build Your Brand Awareness

For customers who like to be ahead of the crowd, your Meta ads will encourage them to contact you early in the season to set up holiday lighting installation or maintenance services. The holiday lighting season is a relatively short timeframe, so it is important to book customers early who are serious about using your services. When you provide these opportunities, you can focus on delivering reliable customer service, timely appointments, and flexibility for your dedicated clients. 

Warm Up Your Local Audience for the Upcoming Holidays

Early holiday ads on Facebook and Instagram are a great way to introduce yourself to new and potential customers, as well as remind past customers of your services. Consumers will begin thinking about how they want to decorate their own properties this holiday season. When your ads are seen on Meta platforms, they joggle the holiday memories of local residents, and when the customers are ready to make their holiday plans, you will be the first company that comes to mind. 

Secure Premium Jobs Before Competitors Enter the Scene

When your company’s ads are highlighted before the holiday lighting season is in full swing, you are a step ahead of many other industry competitors. Facebook and Instagram are impressive platforms that reach countless customers. Your investment in Facebook and Instagram ads will encourage customers to reach out to you early and set appointments for their holiday lighting needs. Customers will feel your enthusiasm through your ads, which gives you an advantage. 

Lead Costs May Be Lower During the Summer Months

Fewer holiday ads prior to the holiday lighting season rush means there is less competition, especially for unique holiday services, such as holiday lighting. Your company can have a higher visibility rate, lower cost per click, and more efficient audience participation. Ad costs will increase later in the year for holiday service companies. Use this time now to save money and target online traffic that will enhance your holiday lighting company. 

Attract Residential and Commercial Clients Who Plan Early

Many homeowners and commercial property owners or managers plan early in the year for their holiday lighting and decorating budget. If they are making financial decisions for their holiday needs in late summer or early fall, then your early ads on Facebook or Instagram will entice them to reach out to you and use your services. 

You Can Offer Early Booking Options

Early Facebook and Instagram ads will bring customers to your company early in the year. You can reward these early customers by offering early booking discounts or providing them with numerous appointment options. They will have priority options since they were the first ones to be placed on your calendar. 

Bottom Line

By marketing your company early and starting ads on Facebook and Instagram, you can experience many benefits for your holiday lighting company. Early advertisers experience a higher rate of investment because they reach their customers before other competitors, can provide customers with a variety of scheduling needs and options, and can fill their calendars before the holiday rush really becomes hectic. Early advertising is a win-win situation for the company and the customer!  

Frequently Asked Questions

Will most people ignore the holiday lighting ads in the summertime?
Not everyone will act on holiday lighting ads in the summer, but your brand will still be getting noticed. Even if people aren’t ready to book yet, you’re building awareness, so when the holidays arrive, your name is already top of mind. Your ads should focus on early-bird specials and easy scheduling now, which will attract clients who want to ensure they get great services from you when the holidays approach.

What platforms work best for early holiday lighting ads?
Facebook and Instagram are great platforms for early holiday lighting ads. They allow you to build brand awareness while showcasing your past projects and lighting displays through eye-catching, visual content. These platforms help you stay top of mind with local homeowners and businesses as they begin thinking about their holiday plans.

What kind of results can I expect from running early ads?
You can expect increased brand recognition, more inquiries from planners who like to book early, and a head start on filling your holiday calendar.

The post Why Starting Facebook and Instagram Ads Now Sets You Up for A Stronger 2025 Holiday Lighting Season appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

This guide will walk you through the process, giving you practical tips to maximize your page’s impact.

Setting Up Your Facebook Business Page

Creating a well-optimized Facebook Business Page is your gateway to connecting with potential customers and establishing your brand online. Follow these steps to set up your page correctly:

• Log into Your Personal Facebook Account: Facebook requires a personal account to manage a business page. If you don’t have one, create it first.
• Access Page Creation: Go to the left-hand menu, click “Pages,” and then select “Create New Page.”
• Fill in Basic Information:
  • Page Name: Use your official business name for easy recognition.
  • Category: Select up to three relevant categories that describe your business (e.g., Home Services, Landscaping, Cleaning Services).
  • Description: Write a clear, engaging summary (up to 255 characters) highlighting your business’s core offerings.
• Add Essential Contact Information: Include your business address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation to ensure customers can reach you easily.
• Claim Your Vanity URL: Customize your page’s username (e.g., facebook.com/YourBusinessName) for easy sharing and brand consistency.
• Save and Publish: Once all information is complete, click “Create Page” to make your business official on Facebook.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

First impressions matter—primarily online. A visually appealing Facebook Business Page boosts credibility and invites customers to explore your services.

Upload a Professional Profile Picture

Use your company logo or a recognizable brand image—ideal size: 170 x 170 pixels.

Add a High-Quality Cover Photo

Showcase your services or a customer testimonial image—ideal size: 851 x 315 pixels.

Use Branded Visuals

Align page colors and graphics with your brand’s identity for a cohesive look.

Create a Facebook Story Highlight

Use highlights to display offers, customer reviews, or new services in an eye-catching, permanent format.

Add a Video Cover

Stand out with a 20–90-second branded video communicating your business’s unique value.

Update Regularly

Refresh your cover image to align with seasonal promotions, upcoming events, or new products.

Optimizing Page Information

Accurate, detailed page information helps customers find and trust your business.

• Craft a Keyword-Rich About Section: Include phrases customers would search for (e.g., Affordable Roof Repairs in Miami).
• Enable Business Services: List individual services (e.g., “Gutter Cleaning,” “Window Washing”) with descriptions and prices.
• Add Location-Specific Information: If you serve multiple areas, mention city names to boost local search visibility.
• Customize Your CTA Button: Use a Call-to-Action button like “Book Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Get a Quote” to guide visitors toward their next step.
• Set Up Automated Messaging: Use Facebook Business Suite to create instant replies for common customer questions.
• Use Milestones: Highlight major achievements (e.g., 10 Years in Business or 5,000 Happy Customers) to build trust.

Engaging Your Audience

A successful Facebook Business Page thrives on regular interaction and valuable content. Engage your audience with these strategies:

Post High-Value Content

Share how-to guides, customer success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Create Polls and Surveys

Ask questions to understand customer needs and preferences.

Schedule Consistent Updates: 

Use Meta Business Suite to plan and post content at peak engagement times.

Host Facebook Live Events

Offer Q&A sessions or product demonstrations to foster real-time engagement.

Leverage User-Generated Content

Share customer photos and testimonials to build authenticity.

Pin Important Posts

Highlight key announcements (e.g., promotions or service changes) at the top of your page.

Promoting Your Page

Once your Facebook Business Page is live, promote it to grow your audience and drive conversions.

• Invite Personal and Business Contacts: Send page invites to friends, family, and existing customers.
• Share Your Page Link Everywhere: Include your Facebook URL on your website, email signatures, and printed marketing materials.
• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Cross-promote with complementary businesses to reach a wider audience.
• Run Targeted Facebook Ads: Use Facebook Ads Manager to promote your page and services to local audiences.
• Offer Exclusive Facebook Deals: Entice followers with special discounts on your page.
• Join Local Facebook Groups: Share expertise and subtly promote your services where relevant.

 Bottom Line

A well-optimized Business Facebook Page can increase your reach, build customer loyalty, and drive more inquiries. By following these steps—from setting up your page to engaging with your audience—you’ll create a dynamic online presence that works for your business 24/7. Start today and leverage Facebook’s powerful platform to grow your business and strengthen your brand.

The post How to Create a Business Facebook Page: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Share Before-and-After Project Photos

Transformations speak volumes about your skills and services. 

Here’s how to make them work for you:

• Highlight Project Results: Post high-quality photos showing the “before” and “after” of your completed projects.
• Make it personal: Include a short story about the client or the problem solved.
• Use Carousels or Slideshows: Showcase multiple angles of your work for maximum impact.
• Encourage Engagement: Ask followers which look they prefer to spark interaction.

These posts are a great way to highlight your expertise and sell customers based on the quality of your work.

Post Educational Tips and DIY Advice

Position yourself as a trusted expert by sharing practical advice. 

These posts are a great way to showcase your expertise and attract customers by highlighting the importance of regular maintenance. For example:

• Seasonal Maintenance Tips: Remind homeowners to schedule gutter cleaning before heavy rains or HVAC servicing before temperature changes.
• Quick Fixes for Common Problems: Share simple how-tos, like removing minor gutter clogs or cleaning exterior surfaces safely.
• Prolong the Life of a Service: Teach followers how they can maintain their newly installed systems or cleaned areas.
• Answer FAQs: Dedicate posts to address frequently asked questions you get from customers.

By helping your audience solve small issues, you position yourself as their go-to expert for larger jobs.

Go Behind the Scenes

Give your followers a glimpse into your business operations. 

Behind-the-scenes content could include:

• Meet the Team: Introduce your employees with photos and fun facts about them.
• Day in the Life: Share a day in the life of your team, showcasing dedication and professionalism.
• Job-Site Stories: Post updates about your current projects, highlighting interesting challenges or solutions.
• Office Culture: Share moments from team celebrations, birthdays, or training events to show your company’s personality.

This content humanizes your brand and builds trust by showing the faces behind the services.

Run Contests and Giveaways

Engage your audience and attract new followers with fun campaigns:

• Social Media Contests: Encourage followers to submit photos or tag friends to win a free service.
• Referral Challenges: Reward customers who bring in the most referrals during a set period.
• Seasonal Giveaways: Offer discounts or free consultations to promote engagement during slower seasons.
• Partner Promotions: Team up with local businesses for collaborative giveaways.

Contests and giveaways increase engagement and help expand your social reach.

Showcase Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Build credibility by spotlighting happy customers:

• Video Testimonials: Ask satisfied clients to share their experience in a short video.

• Review Highlights: Turn positive reviews into polished graphics.

• Before-and-After Pairings: Combine customer stories with transformation images for maximum impact.

• Thank You Posts: Publicly thank your clients for their trust and business.

This type of content builds social proof and encourages new customers to trust your services.

Leverage Trending Topics and Important Days

Stay relevant by aligning your content with trending themes:

• Industry-Relevant Days: Highlight days like National Homeowner’s Day or National Cleaning Week with tips on home maintenance, such as gutter cleaning and exterior washing.
• Seasonal Themes: Create content around topics like spring cleaning, summer lawn care, or winter weatherproofing.
• Trending Hashtags: Use popular hashtags to expand your reach and participate in broader conversations.

These posts make your content timely and relatable, boosting engagement.

Bottom Line!

Creating engaging social media content doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From showcasing your skills with before-and-after photos to sharing behind-the-scenes moments and educational tips, there are endless ways to connect with your audience. By integrating these ideas into your strategy, you’ll grow your following and establish yourself as a trusted name in the home services industry. 

Ready to stand out on social media? Start implementing these ideas today!

The post The Best Content Ideas to Share on Social Media for Home Service Providers appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Step 1: Define Your Target Audience

Before diving into Facebook, clarify who you want to reach. Ask yourself:

• Who are my ideal clients? (e.g., homeowners, renters, property managers)
• Where are they located? (focus on local areas)
• What problems do they need help solving?

Example: If you’re a landscaper, you might target homeowners in suburban areas who discuss yard care or outdoor renovations.

Step 2: Search for Local Groups

Use the Facebook search bar to find groups in your area. Type in keywords like:

• “[City Name] Homeowners”
• “Buy/Sell/Trade [City Name]”
• “[City Name] Community Discussions”
• “Home Services [City Name]”

Tip: Use variations of these keywords to uncover more options. Look for groups related to neighborhoods, real estate, or home improvement.

Step 3: Evaluate the Group

Not all groups are worth joining. Check these criteria to ensure a group is a good fit:

• Active Members: Look for frequent posts and comments. An active group means more engagement opportunities.
• Relevant Discussions: Skim through posts to ensure the content aligns with your business (e.g., service recommendations, homeowner advice).
• Group Size: Larger groups have more potential lead opportunities, but smaller groups can offer more personalized connections.
• Engagement Rules: Some groups may not allow self-promotion. Focus on groups where you can contribute value without breaking the rules.

Step 4: Join and Observe

Once you’ve found a group, request to join.

• When answering membership questions, be honest about your intentions but highlight how you’ll contribute (e.g., “I’m a local service provider looking to offer helpful advice to the community”).
• After joining, spend a few days observing posts, reading comments, and understanding the group’s dynamics.

Step 5: Start Adding Value

Here’s how to stand out once you’re in the group:

• Answer Questions: Offer genuine advice and helpful tips without pushing your services.
• Share Insights: Post seasonal advice or tips related to your expertise.
• Engage with Posts: Like, comment, and participate in discussions to build visibility and trust.
• Post Occasionally: Share valuable content, like before-and-after photos, case studies, or educational videos, while ensuring your posts comply with group rules.

Bonus Tips for Success

1. Create a Schedule: Dedicate 15–20 minutes a day to engaging in your top groups. Consistency builds recognition.
2. Join Multiple Groups: Don’t limit yourself. Experiment with different groups to see which generates the most engagement.

Conclusion:
The right Facebook groups can help you connect directly with potential clients, establish your expertise, and grow your business. By following this guide, you’ll be on your way to leveraging local groups effectively.

Get started today—your next client could already be in one of these groups!

The post Guide: How to Find the Right Facebook Groups for Your Business appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

As a small or home service business, building a social media presence can be one of the best ways to reach new clients, showcase your expertise, and stay top-of-mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and succeed, even if social media is new to you.

1. Choosing the Right Platforms

To maximize your time and effort, focus on platforms that align with your audience. Home service clients often look to platforms that can showcase visual and informational content, like Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business. Here’s a quick rundown on choosing where to focus:

• Facebook: Great for community engagement and local targeting. It allows you to connect with neighborhood groups, run ads, and use detailed targeting for your local audience.
• Instagram: Ideal for showcasing “before and after” photos, client stories, and visually appealing service transformations.
• Google My Business: While not a social media platform per se, it’s essential for local search. Regularly posting updates here can keep your business profile active and visible.

Tip: Start with one or two platforms and establish a consistent posting routine before adding more.

2. Building a Consistent Brand

A cohesive and professional brand presence can build trust with potential clients. Here’s how to set up an appealing and consistent profile:

• Profile Picture: Use a clear, high-quality logo or professional photo for brand recognition.
• Bio/About Section: Write a concise bio that mentions your services, your location, your website URL, and what makes you unique.
• Contact Information: Ensure clients can easily contact you by adding phone numbers, email, or direct messaging options.

Brand Voice Tip: Choose a tone that resonates with your audience—friendly, professional, or conversational—then keep it consistent across all posts.

3. Content That Connects

The best content is helpful, engaging, and authentic. Here are 10 content ideas to get you started:

1. Before-and-After Photos: Show transformations that highlight the quality of your work.
2. Client Testimonials: Share positive client feedback in a visual or story format.
3. Tips and How-Tos: Provide seasonal tips, maintenance advice, or quick fixes relevant to your service.
4. Behind-the-Scenes: Share photos or videos of your team in action to give a personal touch.
5. Meet the Team: Introduce team members to make your business more personable.
6. Community Involvement: Showcase any local events or charities you support.
7. Seasonal Specials: Announce promotions or offers during holidays or seasonal events.
8. Educational Posts: Explain industry-related concepts that are helpful to clients.
9. Project Highlights: Show completed projects to showcase your expertise.
10. FAQs: Address frequently asked questions to provide useful information and preempt inquiries.

Pro Tip: Use your phone’s camera and natural lighting for clear, engaging visuals—no professional equipment needed!

4. Planning Your Posting Schedule

Consistency is key. Establishing a regular posting schedule helps build momentum without overwhelming you. Start with a manageable frequency—2-3 times per week on your primary platform.

• Content Calendar Basics: Create a simple calendar where you can plan posts for the month. This helps ensure you have a steady stream of content and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Automating Posts: Use free scheduling tools like Facebook’s Creator Studio or apps like Later to schedule posts in advance.

Tip: Rotate content types (such as tips, before-and-after photos, and client stories) for a balanced approach.

5. Engaging with Your Audience

Engagement builds loyalty and keeps clients coming back. Here’s how to make connections that matter:

• Reply to Comments & Messages: Responding to comments and messages promptly builds trust and encourages interaction.
• Ask for Client Reviews: Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on your posts or in platform-specific reviews sections.
• Use Polls & Questions: Engage your audience by asking questions, running polls, or sharing fun facts. It’s an easy way to spark conversation.

Engagement Tip: Even short responses or emojis show clients you’re attentive and appreciative of their support.

6. Tracking What Works

Knowing what’s effective helps refine your strategy and saves time. Start by looking at basic metrics on each platform:

• Engagement (likes, comments, shares) shows which content resonates.
• Reach (how many people see your post) indicates your content’s visibility.
• Follower Growth tells you how your audience is expanding over time.

Most platforms offer free insights that break down these metrics. Use this data to repeat what works and adjust what doesn’t.

Growth Tip: If a post performs well, consider promoting it as an ad to reach more potential clients in your area.

Conclusion

Starting a social media presence doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple strategies, you can introduce new clients to your brand, showcase your expertise, and build meaningful connections—all with just a few posts each week. Remember, small, consistent steps lead to big results over time.

The post Social Media Starter Guide for Home Service Businesses appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Preparation is everything when you want to win in business. That’s why we created the blueprint to plan ahead this year! We learned a long time ago that when you plan your marketing strategy ahead of time, you have a much higher chance t smoke your competition on the web!

Google pays very close attention to companies that are relevant online. When you leverage the power of our 2020 Marketing Calendar, you will be able to methodically spoon feed Google targeted content and be one step closer to dominating your local rankings.

Preparation Is Key If You Want To Win On The Web

Click here to Download & Save our 2020 Marketing Calendar 

Here are a few ways that we suggest you implement our 2020 Marketing Calendar:

• Content Marketing: The focus of content marketing should be to publish valuable content that hits your exact target market. When you publish content that’s holiday specific you always convert at the highest level possible.
• Social Media Marketing: Social Media is all about pushing targeted information for your social followers to consume. For example: If the 2019 Marketing Calendar says April 1st (aka April Fools Day) is coming up..you can create a clever social media post that leverages the holiday and your service.
  • Facebook Post Example: “Hi all! We are officially opening up offices in Dubai and Germany and are servicing the entire world starting next month! If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us right away. ????April fools!!???? We aren’t going anywhere and can’t wait to service you here in our hometown forever!????
• Holiday Specific Advertising: Create flyers, brochures or other marketing collateral that keeps you ahead of the game.
• Email Newsletters: When you leverage the 2020 Digital Marketing Calendar for email blasts, you are set up to push a targeted message to your audience month over month.
• In Person Events: Whether you own a brick and mortar or a service business, you can funnel in more sales when you plan ahead with a marketing calendar. Make sure you “Wow” your customers by collecting “toys for tots” during the holidays or a giving valentine cards to those special customers that you truly treasure.

There are countless other ways to use our 2020 Marketing Calendar to help you build a better business this year. Contact us here at Mr. Pipeline if you ever need any additional advice.

We are always here to help!

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The post Dominate Online With Our 2020 Marketing Calendar appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

While it’s still a social media medium, LinkedIn differs vastly from the other “big players” such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that it’s a powerful to plug into solely for professional networking.   If it’s professional networking that you want, you don’t need to log on and scroll through 15 pictures of your high school classmate’s children’s pictures with the Easter bunny to get to the content that you’re looking for.  If you’re looking to grow your business or look for employment online, there is no better medium to plug into than LinkedIn.  However; be sure to avoid these common LinkedIn mistakes users often make which may cost you important and productive networking opportunities.

1)            Having a profile with no photo:  Although it seems like common sense, due concerns over privacy, many users opt not to put a photo on their profile.   Studies show that profiles with photos get viewed seven times more than those without one.  Would you even respond to an ad on craigslist for a home, vehicle, or other item if it didn’t have a photo attached?  Probably not!   The same is true for employers who might look at your profile.   Another bonus to having a LinkedIn photo?  It will give you the opportunity to put a name with a face before even meeting someone.  It’s also useful for recognizing your contacts at marketing events.

2)            Not having a photograph showing your professional side– Aside from not having a photo on your profile at all, another mistake users commonly make is having the wrong type of photo on their profile.   While Fido and Fife, your furry children might be awfully cute, you should keep them off of your LinkedIn profile.   The same goes for that picture of you doing the Chicken Dance at your cousin’s wedding. Think “high school yearbook photos” when selecting your LinkedIn profile picture.  A nice headshot with a genuine smile and gleaming confidence is exactly what most professionals use.

3)            Sticking with the defaults when connecting with someone – Whether you’re looking to find a new job position, looking to network for your current position, or wanting to connect with old classmates or colleagues, you should avoid the default connection requests at all costs.   Rather than simply stating that you want to be their friend, a short note introducing yourself (if relevant) that indicates why you want to connect with them will make you stand out from other connections.  Did they write an outstanding blog piece that you were impressed by? Let them know that you enjoyed their post and you’re looking forward to more great material in the future.  Are they a professional in the field you’re just starting a career in?  Let them know you’re new to the industry and looking to connect with professionals like them to grow your pipeline of connections.

4)            Not paying attention to privacy settings – Along with having no photo, setting your profile to private may lead to lost opportunities to connect with the people you hope to connect with.  Get to know your privacy settings.  You can certainly tailor them to only allow certain groups of people to see certain posts you may make, but selecting the option to have you show up as “LinkedIn user” rather than by your first and last name will mean that people can’t connect with you.   Since making connections is the objective of LinkedIn, you don’t want to miss out on any one that you may be able to make.

5)            Never posting an update or status – Just like other social media outlets, you want to make sure that you keep your profile engaging and current.   Let your viewers know what you’ve been up to on the career front.  If you write an interesting blog piece, share it.   If you’re currently looking for new clients for your dog grooming business, let your audience know.   If employers and potential connections can see you’re active on LinkedIn, they’re more likely to correspond with you.

6)            Worrying about having a concise resume– While LinkedIn is definitely a place to display your resume, you shouldn’t be so much concerned about having a perfect employment history as you should be with adding in any useful experiences you might have had during your time not working. You never know what potential employers or clients/customers might be looking for when they’re looking at your profile.   If you had an employment gap, by all means add in that volunteering position you held while you were out of work, as well as any social clubs or hobbies you might have belonged to or currently belong to. Were you an unpaid guest blogger for a fitness website?  Use LinkedIn to showcase that you’re a great writer.   Do you deliver dinner for Meals On Wheels every Sunday?  Share this fact with your network.  It markets you as personable and charitable.  Most professional recruiting services will tell you to limit your professional resume to one page.   You don’t need to do so on LinkedIn.   You can add in any relevant experience you’ve had over the years in addition to your professional full time career.

The post 6 Mistakes Not To Make On LinkedIn appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Here are 6 common mistakes that business owners make in the social media world and how you can remedy them.

1)            Not posting engaging material regularly – views are the name of the game in the social media world, as is getting your potential customers to interact with you.  It goes beyond just making sure you post regularly enough that your potential clients remember you. Status updates and tweets should be interesting enough that your targeted traffic feels a desire to comment or reply.   Posting riveting quotes, statistics about your business or actually asking questions for your customers to respond to will make you stand out from the rest.   These statuses should be posted on a regularly scheduled basis so potential customers know that you are actively seeking their business.

2)            Not converting followers and likes into paying customers –  You can follow anyone and everyone on twitter, but if you’re not engaging with your customers and following up with them, you’re not going to close those deals and convert those leads into paying customers.   Studies show that only 12% of people who see products advertised on social media actually go out and buy the product or service they see advertised.   This is why it’s important to have a strategy in place to follow up with those leads.   Let an internet marketing company like Mr. Pipeline take care of the legwork (posting interesting, relevant material), then have your sales team follow up with the folks who respond and interact to your social media material.   That person that “likes” your statuses and comments on your material?  They want you to reach out to them how you stand above the rest in customer service.

3)            Focusing on quantity of “likes” and followers rather than quantity – Just as you want the material you post to be relevant, you want those who “like” and follow you to be relevant as well.   Do you sell a health and fitness product? You’re more apt to get quality leads by following on those in the field – personal trainers, nutritionists, athletes and the like than you are by simply following every local business in your town.  500 personal training leads will likely give you more conversions than 5000 donut shops.

4)            Spamming – The opposite of not posting engaging material regularly is spamming your audience with tons of sales posts.   Just like most Facebook users don’t want to scroll through their feed and look at 45 pictures of your cat every day, no one wants to log onto Facebook and see 10 status updates from you trying to sell your product or service.   Spamming will lead to people hitting the “unlike” or “unfollow” button.   You want to sell your business by being unique and engaging.   Once people like you, that’s when it’s time to jump in and make the sale.   Use social media as a means to build rapport first.  (Although you can certainly post any sales or specials you have going on, don’t make sales be all you post.)

5)            Posting the same exact messages on every social media outlet –  LinkedIn and Facebook are two totally different social media channels, as are YouTube and Tumblr.   When you’re coming up with your strategy, remember that some material may be appropriate for one place but not another.   People may want to see your sense of humor shine through on twitter, but you may not want to use that same cartoonish post with your professional leads on LinkedIn.

6)            Not having any strategy at all – Just as posting the same message across all social media mediums is a mistake, not having any strategy is the fast way to failure.  If you simply create social media accounts and aimlessly meander around them with no game plan, you’re not going to see results. Working with a reputable internet marketing company such as Mr. Pipeline to come up with a strategy for targeting your audience and executing that strategy can help you to ensure social media marketing success.   An internet marketing company can handle coming up with the appropriate material and amount of material (with your suggestions) for each channel you choose to have us utilize to help build your business.

The post 6 Mistakes Businesses Make On Social Media appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

While Halloween is a holiday that is typically uneventfully wedged in between Back To School and Christmas campaigns in the retailer world, small businesses that provide services such as pressure cleaning, painting, lawn care, and landscape maintenance often miss the boat as well; focusing their energy on developing their marketing strategies for upcoming winter and Christmas campaigns. Halloween provides a unique opportunity to build up your customer base and keep business booming throughout this time period that can be viewed as a bit of a drought on the marketing front. One way to achieve results is by providing “spooky specials” available throughout the month of October that will create curb appeal for parents and trick-or-treaters as they are out going from door to door picking up their Halloween goodies. Let those ghouls and goblins come collect their candy from your freshly painted or pressure washed home and/or a well-manicured lawn! There’s no better opportunity for potential customers to see your top notch work than in person during Halloween festivities, and it creates a great opportunity for some word of mouth advertising as well. This will help you to generate business even after your Halloween specials have ended and before you’ve even decorated your Christmas tree.

With a little creative marketing and viewing each holiday that approaches as an new opportunity to market your small business, even holidays that tend to get lost in the dust in the world of advertising can be an opportunity for your business to hit a marketing homerun.

The post Home Service Businesses Miss Out on a “Ghoulishy Good” Marketing Opportunity appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.