The October 2010 Facebook and Brands report from DDB and OpinionWay demonstrates the value of gaining fans on Facebook, and it also offers some insight on the top ways to build a business' social community.

The October 2010 Facebook and Brands report from DDB and OpinionWay demonstrates the value of gaining fans on Facebook, and it also offers some insight on the top ways to build a business' social community.

According to DDB and OpinionWay, more than 20 million people worldwide become fans of Facebook pages each day. Attracting fans on the social site can be profitable for businesses, as Facebook impacts purchase intent for more than one-third of respondents.

In order to build a Facebook community, marketers' first step may be to start social ad campaigns. Three-quarters of respondents say they came to join a brand's Facebook page through advertising.

Search is another important factor in finding fans. Nearly half (49 percent) of consumers say personal research is what led them to a Facebook page, so businesses will want to ensure they have sound SEO strategies in place to enhance their social marketing efforts.

Once fans are acquired, they are often valuable brand advocates. Ninety-two percent of respondents said they would recommend brands after becoming fans. More than half of fans say they recommend that friends follow brands, and 48 percent engage with brands by commenting on information they published. Plus, 43 percent send information published by a brand to family member.

When marketers are trying to decide what content is right for social, they should consider the results of a recent CNN POWNAR study that indicate 43 percent of online news sharing happens at social sites. Ongoing stories, in particular, may catch Facebook fans' interest, as these topics represent 65 percent shared news content.  

Katherine Griwert is Brafton's Marketing Director. She's practiced content marketing, SEO and social marketing for over five years, and her enthusiasm for new media has even deeper roots. Katherine holds a degree in American Studies from Boston College, and her writing is featured in a number of web publications.