It looks like Mark Zuckerberg has more tricks up his sleeve. Facebook is launching a new initiative to educate small businesses on how to use their self-serve ad platform and retrieve better marketing results. Zuckerberg and his team of faithful web developers have partnered with the U.S Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business to launch a 3-phase strategic plan to help increase Facebook’s advertising revenue.

Phase 1: Information Sessions (This Week)

- This week, FB plans on releasing online webinars, case studies and other tips to help small businesses.

Phase 2: Road Tour (October 2011)

- Next month, FB will sponsor a series of road shows across the country to help promote small business growth.

Phase 3: Free Advertising (January 2012)

- In 2012, FB vows to give away $50.00 dollars advertising credit to 200,000 small businesses, totaling 10 million dollars in free advertising.

A new report from eMarketer shows that 44% of small- and medium-sized businesses used social media as a marketing tool in August, and 59% spent less than $100 on social-media marketing.

Facebook has yet to give out any specific information regarding the selected cities for the sponsored road shows or the selection process of the 200,000 lucky companies. I guess we will just have to sit and wait for more details.

To read the full Adage article, click on the link below:

http://adage.com/article/digital/facebook-launches-program-small-businesses-pages-ads/230038/