How to Create a Facebook Page for Your Business
With over half a billion users, Facebook has become an exciting new way to connect to your customers, build a following, and reach out to new markets. A Facebook page allows you to:
- Interact with customers and leads in real time, on a one-on-one basis
- Gain valuable insight into your customers’ likes, dislikes and needs
- Use your existing customers to share your message with their own networks of friends, family members and colleagues
And the best part? It’s absolutely free.
Get Started
A Facebook page (intended for use by businesses, public figures and organizations) is similar to a Facebook profile. It has a “wall” for sharing status updates and other news, a section for photos, a section for notes, and an “info” section that provides details about your business.
Thanks to Facebook’s simple interface and limited customization options, setting up your page takes only minutes. In fact, if you’re already a regular Facebook user, you’ll find the set–up process for your new page to be quite intuitive. If you don’t already have a Facebook account, you’ll be asked to create one as part of your page set–up. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php
- Enter your desired page type (business or brand), company name and category
- Check the box verifying that you are authorized to create a page for your company
- Click on “Create Official Page”
- Indicate whether you do or don’t already have a Facebook account (if you don’t, you can create one now) and log in
- On your new page (you’ll be directed to it once you’ve logged in), click on the “Get Started” tab to begin adding information about your business
- Add your company’s logo or other photo to the page by clicking on “Upload an Image
- Enter your web address, company overview, mission and product information by clicking on “Edit Page”
- Voilà! You’re done!
It’s important to keep your branding consistent across platforms. Use the same or similar graphics and language on your Facebook page as you use on your web site to help build brand recognition. Add photos, if you wish, of your products or your team, and use your wall to share links, videos, information and events.
Get “Liked”
Your first step toward building a network of loyal fans and word–of–mouth advertisers is to get some “likes.” Begin with your own social network. The “Suggest to Friends” function allows you send an invitation to some or all of your existing Facebook friends. Next, find and connect with as many of your customers on Facebook as you can, and invite them to “like” your page too. Promote your page by adding a Facebook icon or link to your company newsletter, your email signature, your web site and your blog. Drive traffic to your page by offering Facebook–only specials or content. The more “likes” you get, the more people you’ll reach with your updates and the more visible you’ll become to your extended network and target market — your customers’ friends
Get Noticed
Once you have fans, you can begin harnessing Facebook’s explosive, chain-reaction marketing potential by encouraging your customers to become advocates for your product or service. On Facebook, getting noticed means getting (and staying) involved. A steady stream of content, prompt replies to inquiries and comments, and a palpable presence are the best ways to make your message resonate. Remember that when it comes to content, quality counts. While “Trying out Facebook…” may seem a logical answer to the question “What’s on your mind,” it won’t do much to generate interest. Your Facebook page isn’t a platform for your musings, but rather a living, breathing billboard perfectly placed for daily interaction with your target market. Use it wisely! If you’re a regular Facebook user, consider which types of posts generally grab your attention or prompt you to comment. The best content is simple, varied, interesting and valuable — what do you have to offer?
Use status updates to promote your specials, highlight your product’s best features, and give customers a glimpse into your corporate culture. Post links to your latest blog posts, show off your most recent ads, and let Facebook fans in on what’s coming next for your product. Promote dialogue and gain valuable insights by posing questions, starting discussions and engaging with customers on a one–to–one basis. Warning – your marketing strategy may never be the same again.
