We’re used to being online, and we’re used to using social commerce sites like Amazon.com. But what about Facebook shopping? Talking to friends, spending money. Laughing with friends, spending a little more money. Sounds good, right?
The revenue generated through social commerce in general is expected to grow sixfold within the next four years. But now, people are also shopping on Facebook. Since one out of 13 people are on this social networking site, how can you take advantage of this trend?
For the quick version, you may want to look at Stephania Andrade’s infographic over on TabJuice, Social Commerce for Brands and Fans. She gives you an easy-to-digest overview of how you can use a store on Facebook.
Before you dive in, consider this…
While the facts about the number of people on Facebook are impressive, Amy Kean of Havas Media offers a few points worth thinking about. Writing on Our Social Times about 13 Essential Facebook Social Commerce Tips & Statistics, she says:
“Don’t sell expensive things on Facebook. On average, people say they will spend up to $85.”
She also makes the point that:
“89 percent of social network members have never bought anything on Facebook.”
Not yet, anyway. You know that there is no magic bullet. Whatever you do will take effort. But once you decide that you’re ready to dive in, here’s a shortlist of some free or inexpensive options for setting up a Facebook store.
3 tools for building a Facebook ecommerce store
TabJuice.com: Lets you create a free store inside Facebook.
Wix.com: Wix offers free Facebook templates for your fan page including some ecommerce options.
Vendio.com: You create a free store inside Vendio. But as you upgrade you are able to load your products in one place and sell them in multiple spots including Amazon, Facebook and eBay.
For a more robust collection of ecommerce options, check out Small Business Trends contributor TJ McCue’s list of 68 Ecommerce and Shopping Carts for the Small Business.
More stats and facts behind the graphic:
50 Fascinating Facebook Facts and Figures by Jeff Bullas. He rattles them off quickly, so it’s an easy read.
10 Facts About Consumer Behavior on Facebook from the 2011 Chadwick Martin Bailey Consumer Pulse.
Shopping on Facebook? It really seems like facebook knows no bounderies.
Are these solutions all just using iframes?
Please add another application as you consider building out a social presence: Dimenzen.
Most apps on FB are designed for large brands with tens or hundreds of products. Dimenzen is the only app for the small and medium business owner.
Built in a unique collaborator model, this is the only app where you can influence the product direction. And best of all, since we are in alpha- its free to use.
I would like to invite owners to try it out.
Prithvi
CEO and cofounder
Dimenzen
Jennifer Rai
Thank you for the interesting insight. It is truly encouraging for small business owners trying to expand their revenue options.