So, you’ve got that new idea, product, service, etc., the funding to launch your business, and you’re ready to rock and roll. Now, you’re looking to take that next step in “legitimizing” your business/organization, by adding social media. But with dozens of networks to choose from, and new ones being added daily, how do you choose where to spend your time planting those social seeds? Read our quick and easy “handbook” on Setting Up and Posting to a Facebook Page 101: You may have heard that Facebook is dying – “Facebook is bleeding teenagers and tween users who want their pictures private from their parents!” But with more than 1 billion users, and 10 years as the “Social Media Godfather,” Facebook is not going anywhere, for now. And with the average user age rising from teen to somewhere in the “I’m old enough to have a job and disposable income” area, making a Facebook business page is a no brainer decision.
Setting Up and Posting to a Facebook Page
First, you or the person creating and managing your business page must have a Facebook account. You can create a page using the Facebook mobile app on smart phones or tablets, but we recommend using an old-school computer or laptop, to avoid headaches. Once you are logged in, look in the top right hand corner, where you see a downward pointing, dark triangle. Click it, then choose “Create Page.” Click to choose which type of page you’d like to create, based on the type of business or organization, product, person or idea you are trying to promote. Then, you’ll be asked to name your page, and pick a category for its content. The page type and categories are pretty self-explanatory, but there are many helpful article on the Internet to help you decide. 1. About Next, fill in the website with which you’d like to associate you Facebook page. Providing a real url will help drive traffic back to your business website, which, in theory, can bring you new customers. Be sure to click save after you enter your info. 2. Profile Then, you’ll create your profile by choosing a photo. Keep in mind, this will be the image people see next to anything you post, like, comment upon or upload, so choose something to advance your branding. 3. Reach More People We recommend you skip this step altogether. Facebook wants you to give it your credit card number, so you can pay for an ad in the future with fewer clicks.
Your Page is Born
Your new Facebook page will now appear. Facebook will auto-generate a mini-tour showing you some features. Just follow along. Here are the most important things for you to know:
- How do I post? Click on the blank that says “What Have You Been Up To?” type anything you want, and click “Post.” Here’s how we recommend making that “anything you want” more appealing:
- Length – Try to keep your posts to two sentences or fewer. Posts of more than 50 words get cut off, and viewers have to click “Read More.”
- Active – Try to use phrases at the beginning of your post that are relevant and engaging, such as “#LikeThis if you crave chocolate,” “#ShareThis if you agree,” “#Comment below to tell us your favorite flavor.”
- Wondering why we keep using pound signs? They’re called hashtags, and they a simple way to cultivate branding, narrow topic and keyword searches and really just look like you know what you’re doing on Facebook. Just don’t overdo it. Click here to learn more.
- Please use photos – One reason Instagram and Pinterest are gaining an edge on Facebook is the visual element. Let’s face it, posts with pics are more interesting. So, to add a photo to your post, click the camera icon, and upload as many as you want. Legal clause: We recommend owning copyright to a photo before you use it.
- Please use links – Don’t post to hear your own entrepreneurial voice, post to promote. So, tie your post back to your site, news coverage about your business, or whatever, by adding a url to your post. You will see a thumbnail preview pop-up.
- Tell people where it’s happening – Click on the peg icon to “check in” your post. Choose where you are, or search for somewhere relevant to what you are posting. Yes, you can tag your own business, so make sure your physical address is up-to-date.