Facebook Helping Business

Tools

Story Published: Dec 6, 2009 at 10:01 PM PDT

By Holly Zuluaga

Video
KENNEWICK--Facebook is going beyond social networking.

It’s now also a tool for schools, emergency services, and businesses.

“We had an incredible response from it our first month. We didn't have any advertising going on. We produced 140 new members just by Facebook alone our first month. We didn't even have equipment in the gym,” Tom Donahoe from Gold’s Gym said.

More businesses like Gold's Gym are getting hip to Facebook as a way to connect with potential customers.

Gold's Gym's Facebook page has only been up for about 2 months and already they have nearly 400 fans.

“It just spread really quickly and you can't beat the price of Facebook marketing,” Tom Donahoe said.

It’s a free way to get the word out.

Gold's says they post information on seminars, events, discounts, and updates to spark interaction between members.

It seems to be working.

Last month Gold's had 1600 new memberships total.

“Just from me alone I'd say I had 50 people from Facebook and I'm just 1 of 6 people signing people up.

There is a feature on Facebook where businesses like Gold's Gym can gain some insight into how their fans are interacting with their page.

That's valuable information for any business.

Gold's says they're cautious to make sure it doesn't go too far.

“If you do it the right way it isn't going to spoil your Facebook. We're not trying to sell people and get them in here. We're just trying to give them the opportunity and information,” Tom Donahoe said.

If all goes as planned, even more growth on their Facebook page, and on their bottom line.

Gold’s Gym says eventually they hope to dedicate an employee to managing their Facebook page daily.

Current Weather

Icon
Current Temp 45.0 °F
Fair
Video
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand