Today let’s look at 2 brands that do a great job socializing on Facebook and how you can learn from them to create your own social media strategy.

The two for today are: Udi’s Gluten Free Foods and popchips.

Udi’s Gluten Free Foods ( go >> )

Udi’s is a brand that makes gluten free baked goods that you’ll find in grocery and health food stores (ex. cookies, muffins breads, pizza dough, desserts).

I think their Facebook page is brilliant. They have over a million likes and terrific fan engagement.

BUT, the best part is their approach to social media…it’s all about community.

The Gluten Free Community…

Think about this, in North America it is estimated that upwards of 1 in 133 people are living with Celiac disease and even more with some form of gluten intolerance. Rather than create a Facebook page to advertise how great their gluten free products are, Udi’s has created a Facebook community for people who eat gluten free. And they do it brilliantly.

If you scan through Udi’s wall you will see they only occasionally talk about their products and when they do – it’s not blatant advertising.

Here are some of topics you’d see in your newsfeed if you liked Udi’s:

– gluten free recipes and recipe contests,

– tips for saving money on gluten free groceries,

– links to news articles relevant to people living a gluten free life,

– questions to their fans (ex. “What’s your favorite gluten free snack?”),

– free live chats on their website, focusing on topics relevant to their community,

– and holiday-themed recipes (ex. gluten free Superbowl snacks).

Thought point: Could your company create a community around your industry?

Next up, popchips…

popchips ( go >> )

popchips takes a different approach than Udi’s and it works for their brand.

In case you don’t already know, here’s what popchips are (as copied from their info section):

we don’t fry it (unhealthy). we don’t bake it (undelicious). we take the finest all-natural ingredients, add a little heat and pressure, and pop! it’s a chip. the only thing added is a flavorful blend of seasonings for a snack so delicious and crispy, you won’t even notice it’s (we hesitate to say) healthier.

In a way that oozes creativity, their page managers post short questions, photos, quotes, statements and riddles that encompass the popchips brand.

They manage to keep their brand and their product top of mind, without advertising and without an ounce of “dull”.

You really have to visit their page to get the full picture, I couldn’t do it justice by quoting them here.

Thought point: How could your company have fun with your brand and engage your fans?

Next up: stay tuned :)