Creating a Facebook Page: The Four Things You Need to Know

Depending on your experience with social media, creating a Facebook Page could go one of two ways:

1. Easy: slap on a profile photo and bare-bones company description, and start adding contacts—done!
2. Create an account: ohmigod, it’s asking for a lot of information. I’ll do it later, when I can devote the time to get it right.

If you’re a regular on social media (you started a Twitter account when the question was still, What are you doing?) but have been procrastinating on starting a Facebook Page, you’ll likely veer toward Door #1. If this whole social networking thing is new to you, you’re likely toeing Door #2. Both of these perspectives are laden with pros and cons.

Social media vets instinctively get the minimum amount of information needed to take a Page live; however, the bare minimum is not enough to warrant a following on this particular scene. Newbies, on the other hand, understand that creating a quality page, one worthy of others taking time out of their day to view, takes time. But this same fact intimidates them from actually creating their presence on this online stage.

For both vets and newbies, here are the four critical steps in setting up an effective Facebook Page—quickly:

1. Upload photos. Internet users are infamously visual creatures. Most will skip over text to get to photos any day, so make sure that yours are both interesting and relevant. Give them a face (or faces) to associate with your company. Share photos of company events, such as ribbon-cuttings, picnics, Christmas parties, and employee-of-the-month announcements. Today, it’s all about making corporate seem personal.
2. Make your description count. That means—don’t copy/paste from your website. Facebook is a different animal, one that begs for a more direct connection. Think of the classic 5 W’s of an effective news article: Who, What, Where, When, Why. In 200 words or less, explain who makes up your company, what services you offer, where you’re located, when you were founded, and—most importantly—why you do what you do. This is a chance to be both personal and personable. Allow clients and potential clients a peek into your company’s motivations.
3. Use the Wall. Share links to engaging and informative articles and company publications. Give quick, one-line updates. Offer Facebook-exclusive deals. Recognize leaders in your company and the industry as a whole. And ask questions—very important! The Wall should be interactive, a way of engaging with your clients and gauging what interests and excites them.
4. Start a Discussion. Ask questions. Share testimonials. Post links to articles, give your viewpoint, and ask for opinions. Facebook Fans are typically more apt to write on Walls than they are to join in on Discussions, but offering them the option is always a good thing.

What do you think? Are these pointers helpful? Let us know how setting up your Facebook Page goes—and alert us when it’s up! We’d be glad to spread the word. Because, after all, that’s what Facebook is all about.

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