You may have seen this on some websites already, they’re pretty awesome. Facebook officially unveiled their Open Graph API and tools over a month ago. Over 50,000 websites have already started using this technology. I’m pretty sure this number will grow as businesses discover new ways to use these tools with their website visitors.

To install the wordpress Like button there are plugins that work very easily, for any website owner. Here are a few that I found:

Like – Let your readers quickly share your content on Facebook with a simple click. It supports multiple languages and has many options for you to customize.

Facebook Like Button – Adds the facebook Like button and has a nice admin panel. Also supports multiple languages.

Facebook Like Button Plugin – This plugin allows you to have global settings and be able to speficy what posts have the button and exclude it from other posts and/or pages.

These are only a few plugins. Look them over and see what one fits your needs best. Facebook has added many social plugins for you to use. I love all these new features!

How are you using Facebook on your websites and blogs?

So many businesses are seeing success with targeted Facebook ads. Facebook ads offer businesses flexibility and optimization of their ads. You can chose dates and budgets for your ads, as well as who you want to target.

What’s in an Ad?

The Title
No longer than 25 characters, is the bold blue headline. A strong title can include your business name, the name of a product, a call to action, or a target audience’s interest.
The Destination URL
Every Facebook ad must have a destination URL that is directly tied to the ad, so this may not be your home page. This is key to getting your ad approved. If your link is not revert to the ad you are likely to get rejected. If you want to promote something on Facebook (event, page, application or group) then you will need to chose the option “I want to advertise something I have on Facebook”
Image
It is highly recommended to add an image to your ad to make it more appealing to the eye. The ad system will resize any image you add to 110 by 80 pixels.
Body Text
This will appear just below your image and has 135 characters available. It should include details to your offer, product, service or event.

Targeting
The targeting options need to directly match your advertising goals. You can set a number of filters to assist you in reaching the best audience for your ad. Options include; Location, Language, Demographic, Education and Work, Likes and Interests, and Connection Targeting. As you edit each of these areas Facebook will update you on your estimate reach alone the right hand side.

The Like button on ads
Many ads will have the well known like button. This allows users to express their liking over ad. Their friends will also see this action on their version of the ad. There is an “X” in the top right corner where users can close the ad. These actions assist Facebook advertising improve their system.

Reporting
Once you run an ad you will have access to reports from Facebook on how you ad is doing. These reports include standard metrics like Impressions (the number of times your ad was shown) and Clicks (the number of times your ad was clicked on), and Conversion metrics. You will be able to view demographic and profile information on those that have clicked your ads, for example; age, gender, location, interests, books, etc.

Facebook has a webinar recording available to you on “How to harness the full potential of Facebook Ads and Insights”. Great information to those who want to run ads on Facebook.

If you would like more information on Facebook ads here is the resource center from Facebook.

I recently had the pleasure of offering a workshop to local women’s business group. We held the event at a great local cafe, Sertinos, where we enjoyed some wonderful food and coffee before the workshop. I covered Twitter and Facebook basics for all the business owners in attendance.

Check out a few pictures of the workshop on my facebook fan page!

Just a little food for thought, I found this group through social media! Had I not been on Facebook and meet another woman business owner and she not recommend this group I would not have know about them. I would have never had the opportunity to hold a workshop! If you are in the Tucson area and are a women business owner please check out Sharon Michael’s Group, Women Who Want To Successfully Work For Themselves

Add more social media to your website! This is a free Google tool that lets website owners of any experience level add personalized social media features to their website.

I really like the members gadget. This gives you the ability to easily add a member feature to your website. You can also customize what information you ask for. This gives you the ability learn more about those visiting your site, priceless information!

Watch this short video for a quick overview of the options Google Friend Connect can bring to your website.

I have been testing out a few systems lately and asking questions to all the big brands and one has provided a solution. SocialOomph has now added the ability to schedule updates for your Facebook profile and any page your are an administrator for.

This makes me so happy, not only for myself but for my clients too. We can now streamline our tasks even better.

What can you do with the new Facebook feature?

• Schedule status updates — Free up time. Now you can keep your Facebook status updates fresh by scheduling them to appear on your Facebook account at the dates and times of your choosing.
• Schedule page wall updates — Be productive. You can schedule updates to be posted to the wall of any Facebook Page of which you are an administrator.
• Secure Facebook Connect access — Peace of mind.

This is only available to Professional members so get your free 30 day trail and see all the possibilites there are with SocialOomph.

There has been a lot of talk on the Aweber blog about the new web form creator and it is now available to all members. This new feature is great for business that are new to HTML coding because it is point and click, with a little typing in between. Check out this short view with a preview of the new web form builder.

Now it’s easier then ever to get your newsletter on your website. Check out all of Aweber’s great features.

I often hear new business owners seeking a way to check their brand name availability on the social networks. With the high activity of social media it is important to check your potential branding. Here are two easy tools that will check the social networks for any name you may be considering.

User Name Check

and

NameChk

When you are thinking of a new product or new business you should run them through these easy tools and see if they are already in use. If they aren’t in use then go sign up and retain the names for when you are ready to use them…or they be gone before you get the chance.

Short post today. I had to share this awesome offer you guys!

StomperNet is giving you access to free tutorials, software and training from their huge library. This is an incredible offer you can’t miss. Check out all the details at: http://stomper999.com/

You are essentially taking a test drive of their wonderful program. These guys are wonderful check it out.

Many small businesses and entrepreneurs find themselves working on the marketing and public relations during these pressing times. It is very important to be using tools that improve your efforts and make them run smoothly. Just as important you need to stay up to date on the new trends, resources and anything to help you stay on top.

During the month of June there is a a wonderful DIY marketing giveaway happening at Understanding Marketing. Every week they are giving away a different prize to help you and your marketing efforts. Here is an overview of their giveaway. You will have to enter every week for your chance to win that week’s prize.

June 1st through the 7th they are giving away 5 copies of the Public Relations Toolkit written by John Sternal. The Public Relations Toolkit is packed with detailed information and easy to follow tips for entrepreneurs. This will help businesses increase their exposure through the media.

June 8th through the 14th will be an American Express Gift Card. Sign up during this second week and you can use this gift card to purchase educational books, PPC advertising and more to help you with your marketing efforts.

June 15th through the 21st is a free press release with a PR Toolkit. You are entering to win a 60 minute mindmapping session with John Sternal to discuss the goals of your business. A 400 word press release will be written on a topic that will promote the winners company. Plus the PR Toolkit will teach you effective techniques to generate ongoing media exposure for your business.

June 22nd to the 30th is a marketing makeover plan AND SEO software. This great combination will take your marketing to the next level. Chrisanne Sternal will be providing an hour consultation to discuss marketing goals and objectives for your business. You will then be able to implement this strategy on your own without the aid of any angencies. Plus you will also receive 6 months of LotusJump DIY SEO software Pro Edition. This software covers many topics in an easy to understand manner. From content and link building, directory and article submitting, backlinking and more. Two additional winners will also receive the SEO Pro software!

Good luck everyone! Again here is the link to this great giveaway.