Who’s in the money on Facebook?

With Facebook users totalling a whopping 500 million users recently its little wonder that thousands of companies are now vying for a little slice of the Facebook ecommerce pie. But just who is cashing in?

One of the ideas adopted by a particular brand marketer uses Facebook to create buzz for its clients, which range from solo bloggers to megabrands like Coca-Cola. The aim is to win “fans” who, with one click, opt into further interaction with the advertiser.

Wildfire, who launched in summer 2008 and who won a grant from the Facebook Fund, has another little trick to hand by building marketing campaigns that include contests, coupons, quizzes and virtual gifts. The ultimate achievement for them is to get a campaign going viral, spreading brand recognition like, well, wildfire, says co-founder Victoria Ransom.

Companies can really benefit from viral channels but perhaps not all of them have the expertise to do this well. The key is not to be rash, take time to consider a strategic digital pr plan.

Engagement, connection, whatever you want to call it, get to know your customers to build and enhance your following by extending conversations into something meaningful.