For small business, the holiday season isn’t all “tidings of peace and joy”. With 40% of consumers now starting holiday shopping before Halloween, the holiday season is swiftly moving up the calendar and becoming a real battleground of competitors vying for consumer attention (talk about peace of mind).
Aware of the anxiety small businesses face at this particular time of year, Facebook has rolled out two great pieces of news this holiday season: FB Bootcamp for small business Boost with Facebook Holiday Bootcamp, and new customer communications tools coming to your FB and Instagram business accounts.
FB Bootcamp for small business is a nationwide series of workshops, presentations, and one-on-one coaching opportunities with Facebook experts. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to personally ask Facebook’s top experts on how to apply digital growth and marketing for your small business needs.
On its part, Facebook’s new business features will help users connect with customers smarter and keep more time for your own family this holiday season.
Here’s what you need to know about the new features coming to FB and IG Direct, and the FB Bootcamp for small business.
New updates to FB and Instagram business apps
Custom story templates
In time for the holiday season, Facebook will introduce customizable story templates. These new features will make it simple to create stunning ad campaigns right from your FB app.
Instant replies
This holiday season, look out for FB’s new “instant replies” tool that automates answers to standard customer questions. With more customer questions pouring in during the holidays than at any other time, this much-welcome automation will perfectly answer to customer’s general-type inquiries while saving you precious time.
Away messages
Solopreneurs, online businesses, and small teams will also welcome the “away message” feature. Remember to set this up when closing up for a vacation or holiday hours.
Organization
Last but not least, Facebook is saving you time on customer communications by organizing them with easy to find labels, search, and folders.
Look for all of the above features this holiday season in your FB and IG Direct business apps!
FB Bootcamp Schedule for Small Business
From October 24— December 11, 2019, small business owners across the nation will have fantastic opportunities to connect to each other and field experts through workshops, multi-day training and community events hosted by Facebook.
Note: All of the events are free of charge but require registration.
October 24, 2019, San Francisco, CA
About the event: A civic dinner for entrepreneurs in the Bay Area. Several guest speakers will share insights into using digital technology to maximize small business ROI.
hat to expect: Meaningful conversation with experts and entrepreneurs, networking opportunities and the opportunity to ask your questions.
Registration is closed.
October 28-29, 2019, San Diego, CA
About the event: Two days full of workshops for business owners of all levels of experience. Learn all about digital marketing/social media marketing from top experts.
What to expect: Workshops, presentations, one-on-one expert advice. Workshops range from beginner level to advice for advanced marketers and business pros.
See all Facebook Holiday Bootcamp sessions for October 28-29 and register.
November 4, 2019, Charleston, NC
About the event: A morning of holiday business advice from Facebook’s leading experts, tailored specifically for small business.
What to expect: Presentations and free in-person training for every participant. Great networking opportunities for all.
More information and registration.
November 6, 2019, Kaneohe, HI
About the event: If you’re not from around Hawaii, how about combining a blissful vacation with an evening of incredible business advice? This is a repeat of the October 24 civic dinner focused on helping SMBs leverage innovative tools to thrive in the digital era.
What to expect: Meaningful conversation with experts and entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, and the opportunity to pose personal questions to Facebook experts.
November 8, 2019, Manchester, NH
About the event: Facebook’s Holiday Bootcamp comes to New Hampshire! A morning of holiday business advice from Facebook’s leading experts, tailored specifically for small business.
What to expect: Presentations and free in-person training for every participant, plus great networking opportunities for all.
More information and registration.
November 13, 2019, Des Moines, IA
About the event: FB Bootcamp comes to Iowa! A morning of holiday business advice from Facebook’s leading experts, tailored specifically for small business.
What to expect: Presentations and free in-person training for every participant, plus great networking opportunities for all.
More information and registration.
November 18-19, Cleveland, OH
About the event: not yet available. Check FB’s site for updates soon!
December 10-11, Oakland, CA
About the event: not yet available. Check FB’s site for updates soon!
In conclusion
FB Holiday Bootcamp is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for entrepreneurs nationwide to connect and learn from industry pros. Don’t miss these fantastic events in your area.
Discover more simple digital transformation tips in time for the holiday season and complement with our guide to the mobile customer service apps indispensable for small business!
