When it comes to Facebook, small business owners may soon have a new incentive to operate on the site. Targeting an estimated 9 million member entrepreneurs, the company will announce a plan this week to offer $50 in free Facebook advertising to 200,000 small businesses . As with all freebies, there are some things–both legal and not–that you should consider before signing up. 1. Your Customer Base If your answers are a resounding “no” to the following questions, the offer is probably not worth the hassle. Are your customers on Facebook? If so, do you interact with them on the site? Would you benefit from Facebook advertising? 2. The Contract Read carefully, as many free deals aren’t so free after all. Are there any conditions to receiving the free Facebook ads? What if you already pay for Facebook ads? Are you locked in for a specified period or amount? Are there automatic charges once the $50 is gone? If so, when must you cancel your ad account? 3. The $50 Be sure to find out just how far $50 goes–the time you put into the project may prove to be more valuable. Are ads calculated on a cost-per-impression or cost-per-click basis? What is the base rate? How many people will be reached? Can you target the ad by location, age, gender, education, interests, etc.? How long do you have to use it? To sum up the above, before your sign up for Facebook small business ads, you need to do your homework. Related Resources: Facebook finally takes small business advertising seriously. Does it matter? (Business Insider) New FTC Online Advertising Rules Coming (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise) ‘Fake News’ Crackdown: Avoid Deceptive Claims (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)
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Facebook Offers $50 in Free Ads to Small Biz