A Walk in the Park

Platypus Park Riverside Retreat had its share of business struggles even before it formally opened. But with proper Social Media assistance, Facebook advertising and by simply letting nature take its course, it has now become one of the must-try vacation getaways in Bundaberg, making it a certified Social Media success.

Interview by Shannon Woolacott
Edited by France Pinzon

Owners: Col & Julie Pearson
Years in Business: 2012 to Present
Website: platypusparkriversideretreat.com.au
Facebook Page Likes: 2,472 Likes and counting

   

Col and Julie Pearson met with a Social Media consultant for the first time a few months after opening the 50-acre property Platypus Park Riverside Retreat to vacationing couples, families, recreationists and nature lovers. Based at their beautiful organic farm, which went under in the massive floods of 2010 and 2013, it was only able to fully recover recently. Located on the banks of the Burnett River, the goal for Platypus Park is to become a second source of income for the owners.

Like other people who have just started a business, Col and Julie initially tried out all sorts of ways to promote Platypus Park, from running ads on radio and television, to magazine features, store signage and brochures, to simple word-of-mouth.

And then they encountered Social Media.

Under Dan’s guidance, Col gave Facebook Advertising a shot for its cost-effectiveness and the way it targeted their market. He said that with the paid advertising on Facebook “you could target a particular market, age group or demographic at an affordable price. Rather than when you just blanket advertise by going out there to the masses and you’re really not hitting that target market. So that was one of the main things, but it really came through just talking to Dan and getting to know what Facebook could actually do,” Col explains.

FINDINGS

Why Facebook?

1. More Convenient

“You can manage it on your phone wherever you are just to put a new post up or put a photo up,” Julie says. “And to send messages to people if they’ve had an enquiry. It’s just really convenient I feel.”

2. Wider Reach

Julie attests to Facebook as a big platform that caters to what businesses and customers both look for. “I think because it’s out there all the time. It’s constantly reminding people. It’s not something that you have to wait for it to be played on the radio,” she adds. “And as a visual thing, too, you can constantly put your photos up, and I think people get a lot more out of looking at something rather than reading through information. And yes, it’s just a great thing that’s always out in front of people, so it just acts as a constant reminder of what you have to offer.”

3. Interaction At Its Best

For Col, Facebook has become a tool to interact with people (who are potential customers) whom they share common interests with, whether it’s interest in wonderful vacation spots, wildlife or even flood recovery.

When you DO get your business on Facebook…

1. Get professional help – hire a manager

“Our Social Media manager was really helpful and setting it up initially, getting us off the ground. And a few times, he was only a phone call away with things. And he’d help with this, and bang, it was done,” Col shares. “Julie would say, ‘Oh, he’s put this up,’ or, ‘He has done this and that, and it’s already up there.’ And it was just like quick and easy, especially from my perspective that I had no idea what to do. It was really beneficial.”

2. Feedback is always a good thing

Just like any business owner, no one wants to hear someone say something negative about their product or service. But the people behind Platypus Park, which has a 4.7-star rating on Facebook, have learnt to work every bit to their advantage. “We try to encourage everybody who is on Facebook to go on and leave a review on our page or post photos or even check in,” Col says.

Final words regarding Social Media for Platypus Park Riverside Retreat…

“In all honesty, I was probably the biggest skeptic. And I guess because not having any real knowledge of Facebook, I didn’t realise the power of Social Media. It’s quite amazing the power of it,” Col shares.

And on seeking Social Media assistance, Col stresses: “Giving a comparison to a haircut and a bad haircut, whereas if people try and do things off their own bat, often, if you’re not a hairdresser, you shouldn’t cut someone’s hair. And if you’re not savvy with Facebook, get professional help. That’s what they’re there for. They’re professionals at their job for a reason. Seek the help because it is there and it’s affordable. You reach your target market and get the results.”

For more information, visit Platypus Park Riverside Retreat Facebook Page