How-to Guide to Create a Facebook Fan Page

by Aaron in Social Marketing and Facebook

Over 400 million people across the world are using Facebook to connect to family and friends. It has become the number two online destination behind Google. For a long time, businesses have known the importance of being ranked well on search engines. Now they are interested in reaching out and being noticed via a different method - and its called social marking. Businesses have created Fan Pages to do just that. If you haven’t considered Facebook now might be the time. We have created a tutorial on setting up your first Fan Page for your company.

Step 1: First, create your personal profile…

Create a personal profile before creating a Fan Page. According to Facebook’s policy your personal profile must be about you. It is prohibited to use it for business. If an employee is assigned to managing the company Fan Page we recommend you at least use your profile to get started. This will help prevent an employee from taking the Fan Page when they depart from the company. After it has been created you can assign staff members as administrators. Now go ahead and create your personal profile. Once completed move on to the following step.

If you visit www.facebook.com you will see the registration form.

When you visit www.facebook.com you will see the registration form.

Step 2: Finding the location to administrate your Fan Page…

There are a few ways to get to the Fan Page administration. Recently Facebook redesigned their site and placed the Fan Page button in more obvious spots. If for some reason you can not find it scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Advertising.

Click Advertising at the bottom of the page.

The Advertising link is found at the bottom of the page.

Step 3: Facebook Ads…

Next you will be on the 'Facebook Ads' page. Ignore it and click on Facebook Pages. It is found in the middle column under 'Deepen Your Relationships'.

In the middle you will find the Pages navigation button.

Under 'Deepen Your Relationship' click Facebook Page.

Step 4: Create a Page…

After clicking 'Pages' you will be directed to the section for the Fan Pages. Click Create a Page towards the right.

Click the Create a Page button.

Step 5: Choose a category wisely…

On the next screen it will introduce a few options for categorizing your company. You might be confused between choosing Local, Brand, Product, or Organization. Ford Mustang would be a brand or product. It’s one of many products that Ford Motor Company makes. Most small businesses will choose from Local. If you feel that one of your products is worthy of its own Fan Page than go right ahead.

Note: Be careful of creating too many Fan Pages as you only have so much time in your day to manage them. Part of social marketing is interacting with your fans.

Choose between Local, Brand, Product, Organization, Artist, Band or Public Figure for your Facebook Fan Page.

Step 6: Name your Fan Page…

Naming your Fan Page can be the simplest or most difficult part. Usually, most businesses stick with their company name. Because you cannot change your name later it is recommended to choose wisely and double-check your spelling. The name will appear in your Facebook URL and be indexed by search engines.

Choose a name that's appropriate for your Fan Page.

Step 7: Getting Started...

After the page is created you will be taken to the 'Getting Started' tab. Here you can upload an image, logo or photo and add basic information such as a business address and company website address. Before proceeding, click the Wall tab to see how the page will appear to your visitors.

Under 'Getting Started' you have the ability to upload an image, add basic contact information, and start posting status updates.

Step 8: The basic skeleton of a Facebook Fan Page…

Quite plain, wouldn’t you think? We recommend branding the page with a logo and adding company information. Go back to the Getting Started tab to start modifying the page.

Example of a Fan Page right after it has been created.

Step 9: Look around for ideas…

Many books are written about Facebook. In addition, there are many online tutorials that provide tips on enhancing your Fan Page. Plus, it is recommended to look at some other Fan Pages to get ideas. Here are a couple companies that take full advantage of all the features available.

Papa John's Pizza's has a large advertisement to entice visitors and fans to make an order.

Sears Facebook Fan Page has a section for offers.

Visit Pepsi - Refresh Everything to watch video and learn about the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Conclusion

Creating a Facebook Fan Page is the start of your social marketing adventure. After you feel comfortable with the look and feel the next step is to go out and find fans. Promote it on your website with a “Become a Fan” button along with a link back to the page. Social marketing means you interact with your fans. This could include providing resourceful information, coupons, video, photographs, or starting a discussion within your Fan Page. To be more successful search for resources and subscribe to websites that provide tips on social marketing. Good luck!