Should my business create a Facebook Page?

If you’re new to the Facebook phenomenon, where have you been?

Facebook is one of the fastest growing social media applications on the internet.   But isn’t Facebook just for personal use? Traditionally yes, but businesses are increasingly tapping into the benefits of Facebook Business Pages.

In this article, I’ll provide a step by step guide to setting up your business page and importantly, how to ensure it’s a success.

Why should I create a Facebook Business Page?

With over 500million active users worldwide, a Facebook Page allows you to create a far reaching, social media presence to connect with your customers.

You’ll be familiar with “word of mouth” marketing, so think of your Facebook Page in the same way.  Your fans are able to “like” and recommend your page to their friends and beyond.

You’ll notice that many businesses now direct their customers to their Facebook Page through advertising campaigns and their own websites.  Why? Because, it’s a great way to build a community, engage in conversations and generate customer loyalty.  It allows you the business to get to know your audience better.

So, you’ve learnt a little about ‘the why’, now it’s time to set up your page.

How to set up a Facebook Business Page

Step 1: Choose a category and business name

Here, you can choose your business category and create the name of your page.  Make sure you’re happy with your choices as neither can be changed once you click “create page”.

Step 2: Add a profile picture

Simply upload a picture which best fits your business.  Remember it only shows up as a thumbnail image, so make sure it’s still nice and clear in this reduced size.

Step 3: Add information about your business

There are specific fields which you can complete in this section.  The more information you add here, the more likely your fans can connect with you – so take your time and make sure all the details are correct.

Step 4: Add content to engage your users

Think of your page as a mini website, this is your chance to customise your content to suit your business.  Each page has a Wall tab to share content and engage with your fans.  But, you also have multiple tabs to play with, so get creative.

If your business is product driven, why not add a photo tab to showcase your product line?  There really are an unlimited number of different tabs for you use.  Make sure your page is as interactive as possible, to generate more popularity.  Click here to gain some inspiration and see what could work for your business

Step 5: Ready to publish your Page?

Once you’re happy with your content, click the “publish this page” and your page will go live to the world.

But don’t stop now, there are still plenty of ways to edit and customise your page.  Get to grips with the various enhancements available in your Account Settings.  This will really help you control the way your fans and wider audience engage with your business.

And if you have your own website, don’t forget to create a Find us on Facebook badge

How do I make my Facebook Business Page a success?

You have to update the page regularly. Be proactive and engage with your fans via your wall.  Start discussions and contact your fans with updates and promotions by clicking Send an Update to Fans.

Setting up a Facebook Business Page is useful way to generate fans and connect directly with target groups.  Your goal is to keep your fans coming back by creating exciting, interactive content that they want to share with their friends.  With a Facebook Business Page, you have a direct route to engaging with your customer base.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at 8:00 am and is filed under Social Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.