SmallBusinessNewz

First off, if you run a business, you have to acknowledge how important Facebook is. It continues to grow rapidly, and is getting connected with more and more websites, applications and devices. Even Nintendo just launched Facebook Connect integration with its portable DSi device.

Secondly, you need to recognize the importance of operating a Facebook Page. This is a valuable tool to keep your brand in the news feeds of your customers. There are ways to make it easier for customers to find you Facebook Page. Check out the Fan box that you can stick on your site (with a variety of formats). People can even sign up to become a fan of you page ith a simple text message.

InsideFacebook has a fantastic post about 8 "best practices" for retailers on Facebook pages. You should check it out. It goes into detail about:

1. Making shopping more social
2. Engaging customers
3. Enhancing your page
4. Rewarding customers
5. Partnering with causes customers care about
6. Boosting SEO
7. Bringing the conversation offline
8. Keeping it simple

Engaging customers and enhancing your page can (and should) go hand in hand.  The InsideFacebook post talks about including apps on your page. That's a great way to engage customers and make your page worth visiting to them. The post looks at an app used by American Eagle that lets users send "virtual kisses" to their Facebook friends.

Yes, these kinds of "gifts" are kind of dumb to some people, but as a Facebook user, let me assure you that people do use them all the time. "It’s just not enough to build a Facebook Page and expect viral growth," says IFB's Jessica Lee. "Successful pages are complemented with applications, social ads, etc. that can point fans and their friends (your potential fans) back to your page."

Facebook lets you chat with users within apps too. You can probably find some value in this feature. Justin.tv recently launched a live streaming video app that lets users watch video from right within your Facebook page.

Look at the Facebook App Directory. You can get an idea of the potential that is out there. Some apps have opportunities within them too.

Hopefully you're not ignoring Facebook. But even if you are participating on the social network, you might not want to ignore the opportunities that come with apps either.