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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: patyv on April 14, 2014, 11:07:51 AM

Title: Camper trailer manufacturers on Facebook
Post by: patyv on April 14, 2014, 11:07:51 AM
Why are some ct manufactures only on Facebook? I am not interested in Facebook and would like to see the different models and prices of the different manufactures, so as to able to compare what each has to offer
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: wilson79 on April 14, 2014, 11:24:35 AM
I know how you feel..

I too am one of the 7 people on the planet that is not on Facebook and have no interest in it as well..

But I understand that I am the minority and its my choice not to be on Facebook..
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: marvellous_matt on April 14, 2014, 11:26:48 AM
I think that Facebook is free and easy to update, so it is appealing to some manufacturers. Getting a website designed and made, and keeping it up to date would cost time and money some may not have.
That's just my suggestion.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: lino6 on April 14, 2014, 11:37:35 AM
I think that Facebook is free and easy to update, so it is appealing to some manufacturers. Getting a website designed and made, and keeping it up to date would cost time and money some may not have.
That's just my suggestion.

x2. Just ask the mods what it costs to run and maintain a web site. I am on Stalkbook and often see all sorts of companies on there and get frustrated that they don't have a proper web site I can get some decent info from. However in this day and age when everyone is out to find as many cost cutting measures as possible, online presence costs can be reduced by advertising on social media. Frustrating, but a sign of the times IMO.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: patyv on April 14, 2014, 11:51:24 AM
But happens when you want information on a ct?i have no interest in getting Facebook or even know how it works. It maybe cheaper for a company to use Facebook as a form of advertising there product,but if people don't use Facebook and prefer to use web sites are they not missing out on sales?
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: ozstickman on April 14, 2014, 12:00:05 PM
If you know what manufacture you want to see you can see it on Facebook without being on Facebook..

For example Stickos Campers are on Facebook and you do a google google search for Stickos campers and a Facebook page is listed. Click it and you can see it.  It will come up something like http://www.faceboo.com/stickoscampers/ (http://www.faceboo.com/stickoscampers/)

Then you will be able to have a look.  You don't need to be signed in to see it all, only to interact with them. You should find all their contact details there.

The reason why companies are doing this Facebook is it is easy to setup, low cost and updating is straight forward.

BTW I must add there is no such thing as Stickos Campers, just an example.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: marvellous_matt on April 14, 2014, 12:02:47 PM
But happens when you want information on a ct?
might just have to try the old fashion way of calling up and having a chat. Or Visit them. If you want to try the newfandangled way sign up for facebook, its similar to signing up for myswag, you put in some info about your self to create an account, then you can search around for what campertrailer manufacturers have pages. just because you are signed up, doesn't mean you have to be looking on it everyday. Just like myswag you can never look at it after you have signed up!
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: wilson79 on April 14, 2014, 12:19:36 PM
But happens when you want information on a ct?i have no interest in getting Facebook or even know how it works. It maybe cheaper for a company to use Facebook as a form of advertising there product,but if people don't use Facebook and prefer to use web sites are they not missing out on sales?

again as I said earlier those not on Facebook are the minority (me included) therefore in some cases it is still a better financial decision to be on FB rather than a web page.

like all advertising its all about bang for your buck and with Facebook you can potentially reach a lot more people than convectional advertising..
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: jwb on April 14, 2014, 12:29:54 PM
I know how you feel..

I too am one of the 7 people on the planet that is not on Facebook and have no interest in it as well..

But I understand that I am the minority and its my choice not to be on Facebook..

make that 8 ! ;D
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: UIZ733 on April 14, 2014, 12:43:36 PM
9.............. And if a company manufacturing a significant item like a camper is incapable of financing and maintaining a proper website you would have to question their business acumen. They would not even make it to MY longest list.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on April 14, 2014, 01:20:35 PM
x10  Waste of time and effort.
Your only feeding info. to anyone who wants it, for good  or bad.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Malcolm Tugless on April 14, 2014, 01:54:21 PM
Lets try x11.

FB is not the way to market a product. It can be used as another tool, but surely not the primary implement. And in fact if the pundits are correct, FB is actually dying out. Its popularity is waning.

Instagram could be used to show a presence, but never to market a product correctly. Its for showing all your "friends" what you're eating for dinner.

Web design doesn't have to be expensive, there are plenty of options available. Nowadays having a web page is like having a door on a shop, its pretty much a necessity when one is trying to sell a product.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: ozstickman on April 14, 2014, 02:12:07 PM
Primarily a website is needed for online presence but I do believe Facebook and other social media is a great marketing tool at low price. But yes I do agree it should not be the only online asset.

For a small operator I see a lot of merit in only having a Facebook page to start but your business plan in today's current markets should include a dedicated website.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Bird on April 14, 2014, 02:14:50 PM
Quote from: ozstickman
Primarily a website is needed for online presence but I do believe Facebook and other social media is a great marketing tool at low price. But yes I do agree it should not be the only online asset.

For a small operator I see a lot of merit in only having a Facebook page to start but your business plan in today's current markets should include a dedicated website.

A basic website can be done for $500. it aint going to break the bank.

oh and x eleventy4 on jam stalkerbook
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: ozstickman on April 14, 2014, 02:17:17 PM

A basic website can be done for $500. it aint going to break the bank.

oh and x eleventy4 on jam stalkerbook
Very true. But for small operator just starting out Facebook is a good start as I said but yes a cheap website I agree is a must in a short time period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Mik01 on April 14, 2014, 02:21:12 PM
x2. Just ask the mods what it costs to run and maintain a web site. I am on Stalkbook and often see all sorts of companies on there and get frustrated that they don't have a proper web site I can get some decent info from. However in this day and age when everyone is out to find as many cost cutting measures as possible, online presence costs can be reduced by advertising on social media. Frustrating, but a sign of the times IMO.

forums etc are far different to a static website. however, a forum isn't really that hard if you have moderators editing content etc

a simple website with info, basic blog, and images is a piece of cake to setup, and costs hardly anything.
anyone can make up their own for minimal $$.
you can setup a website in a few hours for free, or buy a template for $90! annual hosting charges are as little as $100.

I have built a few websites, and whilst the better ones (flashy ones) take much time and effort - the sort of businesses using facebook only wouldn't have a need for a serious website with many features.

i don't think they are cost cutting - I think they think that everyone is on stalkbook, and therefore its the best and easiest method to reach as many people as possible.
personally, i recommend at least both channels.  I am not on stalkbook either, but where a business chooses to use it only and doesn't have a website, i shy away from trusting them as it somehow feels as though they aren't a solid or trustworthy business - just a personal feeling i get about it.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: UIZ733 on April 14, 2014, 02:31:27 PM
I could all end up being a mirage.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: McGirr on April 14, 2014, 07:17:16 PM

Facebook can be used if its done correctly. Have a good photo page. Have relevant information easy to access.

The downside is that you are on social media and are open to comments and criticism. Always answer questions in a professional way.

Mark
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Kangaron on April 14, 2014, 08:36:52 PM
Lets try x11.


x 12
no need
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Tractor88 on April 14, 2014, 08:42:59 PM
I know how you feel..

I too am one of the 7 people on the planet that is not on Facebook and have no interest in it as well..

But I understand that I am the minority and its my choice not to be on Facebook..

Looks like your not alone Wilson, you can count me in on your club.    :cheers:
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Rumpig on April 14, 2014, 08:46:07 PM

x 12
no need
make that 14 now Tractor88 has chimed in aswell...never bothered to even think of joining it myself.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: marvellous_matt on April 14, 2014, 08:56:15 PM
I think some manufactures fear of setting up a website might be like some peoples fear of signing up for facebook.

It is true the costs are not that great, but I believe that a static website that is not updated regularly is not of much value, and if you are developing a product, making changes to fit out and prices, you need to be able to change those easily. If your skills are in one on one customer service and manufacturing, you might be scared of what a website entails. you might also be comfortable that your 14 year old son/daughter ect can set up a face book account in the time it take to make a cheese and ham sandwich!

I would not attempt to run any business these days that is not connected to many social media sources as well as a great website, its an easy way to make a BIG impression even tough you might be small. I work on a not for profit part of a business, so makes no money, and we have a website, Updated fortnightly or monthly, twitter and facebook updated if not daily every 2 days. And it makes no money.

I know people want to rant, if some one is not interacting with you in the way you want, find some one who is.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: oldmate on April 14, 2014, 08:56:39 PM
make that 14 now Tractor88 has chimed in aswell...never bothered to even think of joining it myself.

I'm sure your butler is on it  ;D ;D keeping the commoners up to date how your flight to work went today.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on April 14, 2014, 09:04:27 PM
Don't forget the humble blog too. Many are free and easy to use
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: ozstickman on April 14, 2014, 10:26:24 PM
Facebook can be used if its done correctly. Have a good photo page. Have relevant information easy to access.

The downside is that you are on social media and are open to comments and criticism. Always answer questions in a professional way.

Mark
It shows you publicly interacting with the clients and/or future clients in a public manner.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Mik01 on April 15, 2014, 06:31:21 AM
I think some manufactures fear of setting up a website might be like some peoples fear of signing up for facebook.

It is true the costs are not that great, but I believe that a static website that is not updated regularly is not of much value, and if you are developing a product, making changes to fit out and prices, you need to be able to change those easily. If your skills are in one on one customer service and manufacturing, you might be scared of what a website entails. you might also be comfortable that your 14 year old son/daughter ect can set up a face book account in the time it take to make a cheese and ham sandwich!

I would not attempt to run any business these days that is not connected to many social media sources as well as a great website, its an easy way to make a BIG impression even tough you might be small. I work on a not for profit part of a business, so makes no money, and we have a website, Updated fortnightly or monthly, twitter and facebook updated if not daily every 2 days. And it makes no money.

I know people want to rant, if some one is not interacting with you in the way you want, find some one who is.

arguably it takes more time and care to keep farcebook updated with relevant information than a website, and plus you have the responses to consumers and potential consumers to think about - if they aren't responded to in a timely manner, then you start having a problem and people will either complain (publicly) or go elsewhere.
farcebook requires much more care and attention - I agree with you that you need both, however if these businesses can find the time to update their info and respond to people's posts, they can find the time to keep a website updated on a semi regular basis.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: ozstickman on April 15, 2014, 07:30:26 AM
arguably it takes more time and care to keep farcebook updated with relevant information than a website, and plus you have the responses to consumers and potential consumers to think about - if they aren't responded to in a timely manner, then you start having a problem and people will either complain (publicly) or go elsewhere.
farcebook requires much more care and attention - I agree with you that you need both, however if these businesses can find the time to update their info and respond to people's posts, they can find the time to keep a website updated on a semi regular basis.
You have a good point there I did no think about.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: marvellous_matt on April 15, 2014, 09:12:23 AM
arguably it takes more time and care to keep farcebook updated with relevant information than a website
sorry, I need to dissagree with you on that. Facebook is updated on iphone while the kettle is boiling, waiting in line at supermarket, any spare 30sec. most actions are one click, weather it be deleting or blocking, updating a post, liking or sharing.
logging into wordpress to update website is done on a real screen with mouse and keyboard, the interface is not one I would try to navigate on an iphone, or update on the fly, as I regularly do on facebook.



Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Bird on April 15, 2014, 11:02:46 AM
Quote from: marvellous_matt
sorry, I need to dissagree with you on that. Facebook is updated on iphone while the kettle is boiling, waiting in line at supermarket, any spare 30sec. most actions are one click, weather it be deleting or blocking, updating a post, liking or sharing.
logging into wordpress to update website is done on a real screen with mouse and keyboard, the interface is not one I would try to navigate on an iphone, or update on the fly, as I regularly do on facebook.
Its much easier to see what your doing on a 19-27inch screen than a 2x2inch screen when your coding.

Wordpress is rubbish, just simple HTML with an FTP client is all you need.
If you cant set aside 20mins once a week to update your website, your doing it wrong.

Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: alnjan on April 15, 2014, 01:33:23 PM
I prefer a website, it is generally informative and I can find the info again.  With the likes of FB it is a mess with information that is unreliable and when I do find something I like, I can never find it again.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: chester ver2.0 on April 15, 2014, 01:47:31 PM
They are using facebook cause it is a social media platform that has become popular in recent years. About 4 years ago there was a rush as every company thought they had to have a facebook page. Like most things in IT people do it only cause everyone else is and have no real understanding about how it works or where it fits into their marketing strategy

Some work but most fail as a waste of time. If you want to make it work you need someone to run it that knows the company and their products. Most companies fail cause they give the job to some junior who yes understands the social media platform but has little understanding of the company they work for.

For it to also work unless you are doing it purerly as an awareness campaign it needs to generate a sale and it can only do that if it provides a link to a professional website that will give you more detailed information and options to either purchase online or go to a show room depeding on product.

Liking on facebook is now regarded as rubbish as there are now pay for like companies that will do this service for you.

For a camper trailer i would use facebook purerly as an awareness platform so pics and details of trips the campers have been on etc then link that to the website for the information. Lost is right as most people now read facebook on a mobile device specifics or techical details are useless to post for lack of ease of reading
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Rumpig on April 15, 2014, 06:15:41 PM
I'm sure your butler is on it  ;D ;D keeping the commoners up to date how your flight to work went today.  ;D ;D ;D
he doesn't have time for FB, he's to busy stuffing $100 notes into pillows for me...nothing beats the sound of rustling $100 notes to put you to sleep at night i always say  ;)  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: oldmate on April 15, 2014, 07:46:53 PM
he doesn't have time for FB, he's to busy stuffing $100 notes into pillows for me...nothing beats the sound of rustling $100 notes to put you to sleep at night i always say  ;)  ;D ;D

Got to keep the butler working I guess  :D :D ;D
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on April 16, 2014, 02:17:33 AM
What do they say, Yeah, that's right.

The Devil Makes Work for idle hands.
Now what woz I doin agin. 
This CRAFT can be a terrible curse.
Title: Re: Ct on Facebook
Post by: cm4x4nut on April 16, 2014, 02:57:29 PM
Facebook and website need to go hand in hand in order for it to work the best.

Facebook is used to generate an audience and can then dirrect the traffic through to a website. There is absolutely no way that a website just starting out can have anywhere need the reach of a facebook site.........