Facebook is an essential marketing tool today, but you have to do more than simply create a business page and expect your target audience to engage with it. While it is a casual medium and you do best with a more personal, informal tone, Facebook for business needs a solid strategy that is built on your target audience and what your analytics tell you about them.
In this blog, we look at how to create a Facebook page for your business and how you can use it effectively. But first, let’s look at what a Facebook business page is.
What is a Facebook business page?
A Facebook business page is exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a public profile that allows businesses, organisations and public figures to promote themselves. Users of Facebook can choose to follow (previously known as ‘like’) a business page to view content such as posts, photos and videos and engage with it. This allows users to connect with their favourite brands on a personal level.
You can also run Facebook ads if you have a business page as well as open a Facebook Shop and use other ecommerce and promotional features. It’s also important to note, you will need a Facebook profile to create a business page, so you can either use your own personal account or create a new one.
Creating a Facebook business page
You can create a Facebook business page in a few simple steps as we outline below.
Step 1 – Login to Facebook and create your page
When you first set up your business page, you will need to login to your Facebook account (whether that’s your personal account and the new one you’ve created). From here, you can begin creating your business page by clicking ‘Page’ under ‘Create’.
You’ll then be prompted to select a broad type of page most suitable for your business. Most businesses would be a Local Business or Place, or a Brand or Product, so ensure you select an option that is relevant to your business. Then you will have the option to select a more specific category. It’s worth thinking carefully about this, because this will be how your target audience is likely to think of you.
Step 2 – Complete your business details
When completing the details for your business, you’ll want to think strategically and fill in every blank where you can. If you have any target keywords, be sure to include these where you can and make sure to include all of the possible ways to contact you, including your website. If you have a bricks and mortar shop, include your hours of operation and don’t overlook the map feature. You can edit these details at any time, so ensure they’re always kept up to date.
Step 3 – Add your cover photo and profile image
Your profile and cover photo need to be a recognisable feature of your branding. So it goes without saying using your logo and any brand styling to these is a must. This helps your audience to understand they’re in the right place when connecting with your company. Cover photos are also a good opportunity to promote any current offers, deals or campaigns you have running.
Step 4 – Add an action button
The action button sits at the top of your business page and is your main call to action. Think carefully what you want this to be. You can link to your website, a landing page, link to a special offer, or any services you may offer.
Tips to successfully managing your new Facebook business page
Once you’ve successfully created your Facebook page for your business, you’ll no doubt feel eager to get posting and you’ll want to share your content to your target audience. But before you do, here are some tips from us to successfully manage your new Facebook business page.
Plan your content before you post
It’s certainly wise to plan a social media marketing strategy before you start posting. Some businesses don’t plan and leave themselves scrambling and not posting regularly, while others schedule posts far in advance and then sit back and let the opportunity to post timely status updates pass them by.
Before you really get going, think about the mix of content you’ll want to post and where you’ll get it from. It’s important not to over-do the self-promotion, so in addition to posting about sales, offers and other events, share a few light-hearted but relevant posts.
If you regularly post to a blog, share a link to this on your business page as well as your other social media outlets. Share news articles related to your industry and encourage debate and discussion about them to improve engagement
Ensure you connect with your target audience
You need to ensure you’re connecting to your target audience as this will help to build your following. If you already have a decent database, make sure they know you’re on Facebook and make a clear call to action inviting them to like and share your page.
In the early days, especially if your business is new, encourage your social connections to also like and share your page. Don’t forget to also promote your business page on your other social media outlets as well as your business cards, email signature, blog and website.
Regularly monitor your Facebook performance
If you keep a close eye on your business page’s performance, you can adjust your content and campaigns as necessary. If you notice a pattern when people are not engaging with your content, tweak the timing of your posts or maybe change your content slightly. It’s critical in business to give the people what they want.
Speak to our social media experts for more advice
Facebook is a powerful tool you can get some great use from and is a fantastic opportunity to go out there and give your audience a chance to connect with you on a personal level. However, it’s important you get this right.
Why not speak to our social media experts today for advice on content and strategy? We can advise you on the best social media platforms to use and even provide social media training so you can get to grips with those platforms. Check out how we can work with you here.