Last Updated on May 29, 2019 by Numinix Developer
This is the second in a series of three blogs on Using Social Media for Your Business. The other two in the series are Why Facebook and Twitter Are Great For Your Business, and How to Create and Use a Twitter Account For Your Business.
Unless you have been living under a rock or on a deserted island, everyone has at least of heard of Facebook by now. If you are over the age of 30, you probably think it is that website for college kids to bore each other with every detail of their lives. If we were still at the turn of the century, you would be right. However, in 2010 Facebook is so much more. It is a place to connect/reconnect, voice your opinion, share your thoughts, stir conversation, learn, grow, and yes, promote your business. Today, you will learn how to use Facebook to grow your business. The first thing you need to do is create a page.
A Few Points to Ponder
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of putting a business page together and using it, we need to go over a few things. First and foremost, make sure you are only using your business page for business. Posting cute pictures of your kids are not helpful, unless the business you are promoting is a photography service. Be mindful of everything you post on your page, and if you use a photo of yourself, make sure it is in business attire. You want to promote your business in the most professional manner possible. Now, on to the page itself.
Creating a Business Page
Step 1: Log in to your personal account. If you don’t have one you can go to www.facebook.com to start one.
Step 2: Open a new page and type this url into your browser: http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php
Step 3: Enter the type of business you are promoting, and the name of your new page. I recommend using the same title you use for your actual website or business. Then create your page.
Step 4: Once your page has been created, you will have the opportunity to add a profile photo, enter some basic information and more detailed information about your page, choose twitter and mobile options, etc.
Step 5: Publish your page when you are all finished with the set-up. You will also want to make yourself the first fan on your page. Then you at least have one. Now, time to put it to work.
Using Your Page To Grow Your Business
Here are just a few tips on how to utilize the page in order to grow your business:
- Load your front page with content. This page is called your wall. Post relevant photos and videos, start discussions, and announce upcoming events. Really engage with your community of “fans”. This is the first page they will see when they come to your business page, and you want to reel them in.
- Use the network you have already established. Send an invite to your friends, blog about your facebook page, put a badge or link on your website so people can find your page easily, and include a link to it in your e-mail signature.
- Optimize it for searching. Remember that Facebook Search is based on the number of fans you have. Also check settings to ensure you will appear in a public search.
- Advertise on Facebook. This is a cheap and easy way to advertise and attract more attention to your page. You can set the amount you want to spend, target your audience, and track your ad’s performance.
So now you know how to get started with a business page on Facebook. It only takes a short time and could add up to big dollars in sales and free promotion. It will be well worth your time in the end, so like Nike used to say: Just Do It!