Facebook Insights from MITcon 2018

One of the biggest takeaways from IFA’s 2018 Franchise Marketing Innovation & Technology Conference (MITcon) was a presentation from Facebook’s Head of Local, Phillip Rather. He shared his insights about the importance of your brand's Facebook page, and the importance of the Facebook pages of independent franchise locations. Didn't attend the event? Here's what you missed from Phillip:

It is true that local is mobile. Why? Well, statistics show that eight in ten of the people surveyed say they use their smartphone to interact with local businesses. Three in four Facebook users in the U.S. say they visit the page of a local business at least once a week. If your business is online and on that platform, then you have a bigger chance of being both seen and sought after. It’s a win-win situation.

Facebook truly is an asset for your business. People put so much of their lives into their phones with calendars, connections, and their searches. Fifty-nine percent of local businesses surveyed perceive Facebook as the top service to strengthen the connection to the local community. Just as these people can see you online, you are able to see them. Six in ten small businesses say they are now hiring more people due to advertising on Facebook. With the option of looking online and finding great assets for your business, the platform becomes an extremely helpful tool for your brand.

You know what your outreach is based on regular ads, but if you have a chance to strengthen your reception, why not take it? By putting your business online and becoming more integrated to local people, places, and other businesses, you are leveraging the amount of customers and communications you get. People will know where and how to reach your franchise, and they will do it more often and with more intention. 

Does your brand have a plan for where it will be in 10 years? See below for Facebook's 10 year roadmap, and make sure you have similar plans for your brand in this ever-changing digital world.

Phillip’s insights were so well-received, we’re bringing him back for MITcon 2019! He’ll host a Facebook Marketing Workshop where you’ll get hands-on assistance for improving your brand's Facebook campaigns, capabilities and more.

Register today and view the programming at franchise.org/mitcon.