Facebook: A Great Road Map to Human Psychology
I have been on Facebook for about 2+ years now, and although it began as a giant cocktail party for me, I now have advanced to the Facebook Ad Campaigns. I have been using the ad campaign for only 3 weeks so I really can't comment on how it's going---I have gotten many clicks though, and the price is reasonable, so it may take several months or even close to a year to know if it has driven enough traffic to my website to make it a long term marketing strategy.
I have gotten to know the many "friends" I have accumulated, and of course most of these are e-friends, friends of friends, colleagues, friends of colleagues, old friends from college, family members, friends of family members etc. What has interested me, though, is the window into someone's personality Facebook provides. Silly, you say? Not when you are in a "people" business like Real Estate and where communication is our main focus. Here's just a few:
The Bragger
You know the type. He is constantly posting to his Wall his fabulous week-end plans, all his fabulous friends and the many fabulous restaurants he has dined in. Life is so fabulous for these folks, I wonder when he gets the time to even post to his Facebook wall? He's not a bad person, maybe a bit insecure, but hey, aren't we all?
The Do-Gooder
Let's change the world and join my Groups: Save the Whales, Save the Planet, Go Green Now, Alternative Energy, Organic Gardening, Yurt Life, Ban Bottled Water, Vegans Unite, Earth Day Forum, Gay Pride and Electric Cars. I am socially conscious too...and these guys are just trying to make the world a better place. I give them a "thumbs up".
The Photo Queen
I counted one friend who had about 300+ photos of herself and her friends and family, and they all featured her with a huge smile,drink in hand, socializing with a group of people. All of them. Week after week--weddings, graduations, parties, and beach blanket bingo. Same smile, over and over and over. I love it when folks are happy!
Self Promoting Realtor
Every wall post is a new Listing, an Open House, a client that loves him, a client that found him on Facebook, a Webinar to "boost your sales". Hold on--- I'm just envious of your success--------I'm a coming to join you!
Farmeville Groupies
Ok how do I politely tell you I don't want your wooly sheep or rows of corn? I am not quite sure I get this aspect of Facebook, but I notice this is very popular and has no age limit. I guess it's kind of like cross-word puzzles: there's no point, really, just a way to pass the time and hone your farming skills. A deep thinker.
Happy Grannies
Pictures--- daily--- of their little grandchild in different outfits, hats, shoes and seasons. In the swimming pool, under the Christmas tree, playing with the family dog. You got to love a proud grandmother.
If you have noticed other "types" of Facebook friends, feel free to add your comments here. The more types of personalities we can identify, the better we can understand our clients. And that's a great foundation for any business!
Check out my Facebook Investor's Group
Deborah A. Stone, Realtor Integrity-Solutions-Results-
Hogue and Belong Realty-Bankers Hill
San Diego, CA
"Representing clients with the experience of an investor"
I love this!
Hi Deborah,
Oh no! If those are my choices, I must be a Bragger. But I would really prefer not to be any of them. I will have to re-think my Facebook strategy. :)
~Lisa
I joined this early and now am playing catch up for my business. Nice post aIf you had a slug catagory I think I would be there
Deborah you have laid out a pretty good analogy of the personality traits of avid Facebook users.
I would like add my contribution, My Crazy Family. You know the kids that talk to you on FaceBook when you are sitting three feet from them. Or, how about the only place you can find pictures of your grandkids is on FaceBook. Or, how about finding out who is divorcing or getting married on Facebook. They never cease to amaze me!
How about the Drunken College "Students" Photo Group!!!
Michele-
Thanks for stopping by. I am always up for a good laugh at myself!
Charlie-
Slug---ok....if you just joined FB you still have time to "reinvent" yourself.
Lisa-
We love braggers---I mean, it's good to live vicariously through others, isn't it?
Deborah-
Gossip-gossip-gossip---I love it all! It's such a fun way to find out the dirt, isn't it? But you are right--it is the only way my sister can see her grandkids between visits to the west coast...she keeps on asking her son to "send pictures" (she is technologically challenged) and this is met with a blank stare. Like who send photos anymore?
Craig-
I heard of someone who got fired for being tagged in a photo--college kids---oh my, I can only dream of the fun I would have had if the world was like it is now when I was in college. You really got to watch what you say on FB....Big Brother is watching you!
What about the person who tells you every time he or she takes a sip of coffee? Which category is that? Love the post!
LOL Deborah! That is just too funny!
Maybe I missed it in your post, but reacquainting with old junior high, high school, and college classmates is probably the most enjoyable aspect of Facebook for me.
You left out the snarkies:-) You know, the ones that jump into any conversation with a wise-assed remark. Like me, for example...
and I hate being left out, even if only in general terms. Just sayin'
Deborah,
Good morning and great feature. You have done a fine job of grouping- and explaining there rolls.
I've been on FaceBook a bit longer than you, and have even been referred to as the "poster boy for Florida's Waterfront Lifestyle" ! I maintain 3 profiles [4 on Twitter / TwitPic / TwitWall];
Steven.Zimmerman [@StevesGulf_com] is about me/my Family / Associations / Interests and yes, Real Estate. GulfHarbors [@Gulf_Harbors] is about my Coastal Family-Friendly Boating Community on Florida's Gulf of Mexico. SeaViewPlace [@SeaView_Place] is my newly constructed Waterfront & Gulf view Pet-Friendly Condominium.
While I have had enjoied some sucess directly related to my FaceBook presence, I have not yet looked into an ad campaign, but will look forward to your up-date.
Having just 'Friended' you, I trust you will accept my 'Friendship' and enjoy my diverse posts and countless photos [as well as my well defined photo albums].
Have a wonderful day,
"poke"
Steven Zimmerman Realtor ABR GRI / Prudential Best Realty, Inc / Gulf Harbors 34652 on Florida's Gulf of Mexico
Dear Deborah
Thanks for funny and insightful article. We must not forget the "I have never had an unexpressed thought" group.
I await a blog on your advertising success.
Your neighbour to the North, Nova Scotia, Canada
Great observation, and so true. Here's a few more:
WANNA-BE's ... those that post all kinds of great stuff about themselves or their beliefs, but if you know them in reality, you find a completely opposite person
THE SARCASTIC ... and negative about EVERYTHING. A bee flew in their car, they feel moody, etc. I usually "hide" these kind of people
NOSY NEIGHBORS ... those friends that comment on EVERYONE's posts. You can't post anything without seeing their two-cents worth. Did I ask for their opinion?
MISS BUBBLY ... seems to be giggling and LOL at everything. Part of this goes back to the Wanna-Be category. Very ironic when the same person is alone and in a corner when out in public.
I use it to post some business stuff (through my Fan page only so to not annoy non-fans), and maybe an ocassional photo. Beyond that can get to be too much, and as productive as watching TV.
LoL, funny stuff! I'm new to blogging and such so I suppose you need a "rookie" catagory?
Melissa-
Oh yeah, the ones who tell you what they had for lunch? I guess we can call them the "Micro-Managers".
Jeremy-
Thanks for stopping by---glad I could give you a good laugh .
Phil-
Yes I love finding old pals...I found an old pal I traveled with in Greece in the late 70's--he is now a well-known author in Germany, living in Spain. The world has truly gotten smaller.
Inna-
Snarkies, for sure. There are definitely those amongst my "friends".
Steve-
Thanks for stopping by. "Poster Boy" is not a bad reputation...I will keep you posted on the Ad Campaign.
Patricia-
Yes, I find the "nevr has an unexpressed thought" group does better on Twitter. Really, does the world need to know all this about you? Does the world care?
Eric-
I like your Facebook types, especially the "LOL" type--got those kind of pals too. I have also thought Facebook was as productive as watchhing T.V. and may be for some, but I think if utilized correctly, may be huge....just think, a platform of 400 million---doesn't that mean ALL our clients are using it?
I've got a Realtor who I'd call Twitter Chatty with each segment of her day outlined on my wall. Getting ready to block as I've no idea how to politely change her behaviour.
How about Game Stats as I really don't want to know how many miles this one individual runs each day but I do like her other contributions, recipes and blog posts that are relevant & well written.
Tina
I guess it's the new frontier, so everyone is trying to utilize technology in some fashion---it's amazing to me that people have so much free time, isn't it? I haven't figured out how to incorporate Twitter into my marketing yet.
I'm not crazy about the Farmville stuff, either, but there is a way to block that kind of post by application (i.e., Farmville, Mafia Wars, etc.) and still get "regular" messages from the person. When you're online, click on ACCOUNT, then click on APPLICATION SETTINGS. You can "hide" or remove posts concerning just about any app on Facebook, without closing out other messages from people playing the games. I sure has cut down on wasted space, IMO. :-)
Oh, there's a few more types all right but this is a PG audience. Had to LOL at the Photo Queen, as you say hundreds of the same smiles, all alcohol induced.
Sonsie
Thanks for that App. Blocker---no more wooly sheep for me!
Lyn-
Photo Queen and Bragger kind of overlap...to form another "subcategory". I am curious about the other types..send me a private e-mail..LOL
Members of my family are addicted to Farmeville. I am trying to explain to them Lifeville, where you do your homework, clean house, take responsibility and prosper in real life.
Such a funny post with such good observations. I like the additional comments. Everyone has something to say about FB!
The category I haven't seen anyone mention yet is the "inspirational quoters". While I love a good quote, I also like my friends to actually use words of there own. LOL! (oops does the lol make me a Miss Bubbly?)
Baby Mamas! There are a lot of photos of babies among my FB friends along with frequent updates on how angelic they are and how little sleep their parents are getting.
Cheers,
Robin
We did an ad campaign for a horse rescue I help out with, here in the Snohomish County, WA. In a nutshell, if you go slow, read the instructions, you may well be overwhelmed with the response, like we were. hint; be sure your phone # is in your ad copy, so it may be seen and recorded even if they don't click through. We had roughly 250,000+ exposures in three days. We added to our name recognition, and we had several more entries to our emergency show fund raiser - horses and families we'd never seen come out before! And, get this; it was a last minute event, on Mother's Day. What a fabulous success!
Unexpected plus - we had a terrific young professional photographer call from the Facebook ad, and volunteer to come take custom portraits, all proceeds to the charity. She drove 5 hours, even took the ferry, to get there. Moms and daughters at the horse show were thrilled. The sun was out all day. I used my cell phone, and posted live to YouTube right from the show, interviewing some of the Moms and kids. That was a hit, too. What a day!
Facebook is *incredible*. Still, an undiscovered tool. I utilized my own android app, (awhitehorse,) to coordinate everything, and it was a truly phenomenal result for less than about $70.
I had every page optimized, and in place, before the ads hit; just like they talk about at Raincamp. (Love, Raincamp!)
Go for it. Facebook ads are a very powerful tool.
Me? I'm the encourager that always leaves positive notes for my Facebook buddies. :) I bet you can tell!
Gene-
I agree---wasting time that could be spent doing other things--Lifeville--I guess Farmville is like watching bad t.v.--mindless and relaxing?
Jennifer
FB is definitely the place to be. I have a few inspirational quoters on my FB---mostly from Real Estate gurus.Thanks for stopping by my Blog.
Robin-
FB is a great place to show off your new baby. Baby Mamas should most definitely be a new category of users.
Great Post!
I took a Facebook class yesterday at the local board because I had questions about the FAN PAGES and I did get them answered.
FYI - She also said you can reject or mass block all of the FARMVILLE requests - so of course I did. There just are not enough hours in the day to play all the time! Joy
Joy
I am learning about my Privacy Settings. Facebook is quite the phenomenon, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by my Blog.
You really got facebook pegged :o) but what about those who fall into more than one group; sometimes they mesh sometimes not. I too just started trying the facebook ad; way too new to decide anything.
Thanks for the contact; for reasons unk I can not get it to respond hence another comment. I have my toe in the water but I do have some plans to try out a couple of different things to see what works. Hopefully I will be able to email to you.
Deborah - the obsessive compulsive Quoter. Posting quotes from all kinds of people all of the time. Some is okay to pick up ones spirit but try writing your own material for a change people! LOL
Remember, your clients have access to facebook, too. If they look you up on facebook before a listing presentation, what will that important first impression be?
I have seen real estate agent pages with photos of agents flipping "the bird" to the camera, hanging on a stripper pole, and sitting behind a table of empty beer bottles.
In the right context, or with a full explaination, this behavior might be acceptable, or at least explainable. However, we don't always have the luxury, or the opportunity to offer an explaination.
Please be careful what you post, and keep an eye on what others post about you.
Liane-
Great point you make. Although you want to share some of your "personal" self, I agree---don't go on Facebook and post photos of yourself in uncompromising positions. What you stated is just plain stupidity! I think you should stick to tasteful, fun and generic photos, and keep the political and foul language banter to yourself.