1. Create A Memorable Name And URL For Your Fan Page.
It’s important that your fan page is immediately recognizable to your prospective customers and clients.
Depending on how your prospects recognize you (either through your personal name or company name), you will want to name your page as an extension of your brand.
Once you have named your page, and have at least 25 fans, you will want to secure your username at http://facebook.com/username.
This allows you to promote y our fan page using a vanity URL which is much shorter and simpler for your fans to find.
2. Use A Compelling Image
One of the most important components of your Facebook fan page is the image that you upload.
It’s important to understand that the ideal image is 200 pixels wide by 600 pixels high. Therefore, you’ll want to edit your image to these dimensions before you upload it to Facebook.
Of course, you also want to make sure that your image is clear, compelling and is an excellent representation of you and your small business.
3. Control Where Your Fans First Land
Most small business owners don’t realize that you can control where your fans first land when they visit your Facebook fan page.
Believe it not, you probably don’t want them to land on your Wall. The main reason is that you don’t have total control over what is posted to your Facebook Wall since much of its content is created by your fans.
Facebook allows you to create a customized page for your Fans to land on. You can even include pictures, text-links, videos and many other pertinent applications.
To create a customized landing page, search through the Facebook applications and find the FBML application. Paste in the FBML code and then edit your fan page settings to select the specific tab that you wish newcomers to land on.
4. Integrate Facebook Applications
At the time of this writing there are over here are over 55,000 applications on the Facebook platform that can be directly integrated into your fan page.
This means that as newcomers land on your Facebook page they will have various ways to interact with you and your brand.
It’s important that you create a memorable experience for your Fans so that they continue to visit your fan page again and again.
5. Import Your Blog
One of my favorite Facebook applications is the Notes application.
This allows you to import your blog feed so that every time that you post to your blog, your fan page is automatically updated.
Of course, fans are then able to read, comment and interact with your blog post directly on your fan page.
6. Interact With Your Fans
As you build your fan base, you will begin to receive comments on your new status, photos or videos and new discussion threads.
It’s vital that you interact with your fans.
We are in the midst of a marketing revolution that revolves around building and sustaining relationships.
Therefore, it’s vital that you participate in the discussion, answer questions and take the time to engage with your fans on a daily basis.
7. Publish Relevant Content
Your Facebook fan page is no different than other social media platforms.
It’s incredibly important to provide interesting and engaging content to your readers.
Take the time to update your status with interesting facts about your industry, integrate your blog posts and publish informative videos and articles that will position you as an expert within your industry.
8. Update Your Status Regularly
Although quality content and engagement with your fans is crucial, the most important aspect when marketing through your Facebook fan page is persistence.
It’s imperative that you keep your fans engaged on a regular basis.
Not only does this bring in a consistent flow of new fans, it keeps your brand continuously in front of your current fans as well.
9. Promote Your Small Business Through Your Bio
If your Facebook fan page is interesting and interactional, many fans will want to find out additional information about you and your small business.
Make sure that your bio is fresh, engaging and lets your fans know exactly what you do and why you are a leader in your industry.
In addition, it should include a hyperlink that fans can click on to visit your website for additional information.
10. Promote Your Events
Events (live or virtual) are an amazing way to promote your brand to fans.
You simply create an event in your Facebook account and allow your fans to register and attend your event.
Obviously, this can create incredibly engaging and interactional experiences for your Facebook fans while promoting your small business in the meantime.
A Facebook fan page is fast becoming a necessity in today’s marketplace.
So, make sure to create a powerful Facebook fan page that positions your brand as a leader in your industry.
About Jessica Swanson
Facebook has now updated (sept 2011) and is FBML still allowed or are they changing that too?
Doesn’t it seem that Facebook is ALWAYS making changes?? At any rate, they are phasing out FBML to make it easier for their users to add landing pages, etc.
Oh! So this is how they use Facebook to promote their business. It sounds a bit similar to blogging. You have to interact with your fans, just like how bloggers interact with their readers. That, in my opinion, is one of the most important parts since the friendship you create with other people is going to be the fuel to your fame and success!
These are great tips you have here! Thanks for sharing this 10 Tips For Creating a Fantastic Facebook FanPage! Keep posting!:)
hehehehehehehe
FANTASTIC!!!!!
i totally dig your rave
Hi Barbara,
Glad that you enjoyed the tips Barbara. Actually, you should keep your group page and then create a new fan page. Then, go ahead and invite your group members to join your fan page through a group email. That way you will have BOTH a group and fan page and won't lose anyone in the process!
Great ideas, Jessica! Just curious… before fan pages became so popular, I started a group page for my book based on my dog, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog. So the group page is named Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog. I've thought about converting from group to a fan page with the name Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog, since that is how we are known. I fear changing as I don't want to lose what we have built which is over 600 fans. Any suggestions for this? Thanks so much!
Barbara Techel
Award winning author of the Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series
My passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities
Frankie is Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day and
Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Thanks Therese! Glad that you like it
Great ideas, Jessica! Just curious… before fan pages became so popular, I started a group page for my book based on my dog, Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog. So the group page is named Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog. I've thought about converting from group to a fan page with the name Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog, since that is how we are known. I fear changing as I don't want to lose what we have built which is over 600 fans. Any suggestions for this? Thanks so much!
Barbara Techel
Award winning author of the Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Book Series
My passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities
Frankie is Official Mascot for National Disabled Pets Day and
Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog
http://www.joyfulpaws.com
http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com
Hi Barbara,
Glad that you enjoyed the tips Barbara. Actually, you should keep your group page and then create a new fan page. Then, go ahead and invite your group members to join your fan page through a group email. That way you will have BOTH a group and fan page and won't lose anyone in the process!
Great Content Jessica, very comprehensible. Great Value for Facebook Fan Page
Thanks Therese! Glad that you like it
Thanks, Jessica. I watched your Facebook webinar on my iPhone on the plane last weekend too. Will be Tweeting this too.
)
http://twitter.com/bayareasea
Tom
Thanks Thomas…glad that you enjoyed both the webinar AND the blog post
All terrific points Jessica. Thanks for sharing.
http://twitter.com/juliespira
You're welcome Julie…glad you enjoyed the post