Facebook advertisingWhile there may be mixed messages surrounding the profitability of commercial activity on Facebook, the social network’s primary source of income – targeted advertising – is still a sound option for those looking to purchase banner ads to promote their business. In much the same way that Google - granddaddy of targeted advertising – gives away free vouchers for people to test-drive their AdWords service, Facebook is now planning to give away free adverts to small businesses in the US.

Although the plans do not extend to the UK yet (although we could certainly see them doing a similar deal here), 200,000 small businesses in the States will have access to vouchers worth $50 to try advertising on Facebook. The offer, totalling $10 million, has been spearheaded by the US Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business (an organisation similar to the UK’s FSB).

The vouchers, along with specific guidance on how to best utilise Facebook to grow your business, will be distributed at local business events as part of a road show designed to help businesses better utilise the social network. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg told USA Today:

“I think every small business should … be using Facebook. We’re not going to stop until all of them are using it to grow their business.”

Although their motives may be fairly self-serving, it’s difficult to discount the importance of Facebook as a way to reach out to existing and potential customers. With a current headcount of around 750 million members, it boasts more users than any other web property, and time-on-page and bounce rates that make other advertising networks weep. The largest companies in the world spend millions of dollars advertising on Facebook, often not even in search of a sale, but an all-important “Like”.

We’ve got our fingers crossed Facebook bring their advertising promotion this side of the pond to give small businesses a chance to test the waters of social advertising.