Facebook releases a new widget called Fanbox. This can be found under your profile picture with a link that says “Add Fan Box To Your Site”. From the developers wiki, this “is a social widget that allows Facebook Page owners to attract and gain Facebook fans from their own website. The Fan Box lets users:

• See how many users are already fans, and see some of their friends who are
• Read recent posts by from the Page
• Become a fan with 1-click without needing to visit the Page

Much like the Twitter widget, this allows you to convert some of your website traffic into a larger fanbase for your page all the while creating a richer interaction with your visitors.

It should be noted that this widget is 200 pixels in width and over 500 pixels in height. So regardless of which page you want to integrate this into, be sure you have enough space to do so. This should fit well into most sidebars. In the future, I’d like to see other options for this widget such as the ability to have a horizontal version of this where the width is wider and the length is shorter.

This is just another reason why I encourage businesses to get on the Fanpage bandwagon. Facebook intends to really develop the Fanpage platform in the coming months so that it becomes a robust marketing platform for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Feel free to list any creative ways that you are using this new widget in your comments

I’ve been completely fascinated by what’s been occuring with Iran lately. I feel that we are witnessing history unfolding before us. I honestly believe the voices that are being shouted out could not have been heard as loudly as it were not for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Iranians are logging into their Facebook account to find out what’s going on. They are Tweeting to update the world on the tragedies that are occurring as we speak. The force and the impact would not be as strong if it were not for the tweets, updates, and uploaded Youtube videos. Continued…

Given the existing economic conditions that many businesses are facing today, I’ve been wondering how social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogging can help many businesses who are struggling. Of course, all sorts of answers popped into my head. But I wanted to hear from the businesses themselves.

So, to celebrate the redesign of the new company site and to get a conversation going with other business owners, I’m by giving away two social media packages with a contest. I have 2 types of giveaways. Here’s how it works;

Social Media Giveaway Contest #1.

In order to qualify, tell me in your own words in the comments below, how or why you think social media can save your business in these tough times. How can these marketing tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and others improve your business? No more than 2 paragraphs is necessary to explain why you think social media can help you.

There will be 1 winner for this contest. The winner will receive a free social media audit package that we typically charge $175 for. You can learn more about our audit packages in the link provided. The winner can choose from 1 of 3 Social Media Audit packages; Facebook, Twitter, or the website audit package. The SMA packages I’m giving away can really help any business with an existing social media presence improve their marketing.

In addition, you will get a free WordPress blog installation template along with 4 plugins of your choice and 2 hours of free design tweaks to the new theme we install onto your domain. The total value of this giveaway is almost $500. If you already have an existing self-hosted wordpress blog (that’s the .org version and .com version), then I’ll throw in another hour of free design/code upgrades or give you a free hour of blog consulting strategies. The design/code upgrades is limited to html/css or graphic design services only. No flash or javascripting here. Either way, you’ll be getting some great upgrades to your blog.

Social Media Giveaway Contest #2

The second contest is the giveaway of a free WordPress blog installation along with 2 themes of your choice, 4 plugins, and 2 hours of free design tweaks to your site. The total value of this package is a little over $300. Please note that your webhosting provider must meet the minimum WordPress requirements for hosting.

All you have to do to qualify is, again, tell us why social media can help save your business in the comments below and sign up to our newsletter, Smart Social Media Tip of the Week.

The most persuasive comments are those that can give a brief background on your business and how you can best implement my giveaways.

Contest ends next Friday June 24th at 9pm. Minimum of 10 comments needed for me to giveaway the packages.

So, can social media help save your business? If so, how? Let’s hear it!