Social media allows businesses to stay in constant contact with their customers. One of the easiest ways to enter the world of social media is to start a Facebook business page. Business owners with pages will be able to send content to any customer, at any time, and creating pages is a simple, step-by-step process.
Pages on Facebook differ from profiles in several ways. Pages are established for businesses and other organizations, while profiles are set up for individuals. Anyone who administers pages has to maintain an established profile, but users who access pages will be unable to access the administrator’s profile, and will not even know the administrator’s identity. Administrators may manage their pages directly from their profile, much the same as they would manage an event, or a group.
To create pages, owners should look for the “Create a Page” menu. From the menu, owners should select the “Local Business or Place” icon, and then a category that fits their company. Next, administrators simply enter the name, address, and phone number of the company. Names should be chosen carefully, as the use of generic category names will result in a loss of administrative rights. Also, names cannot be adjusted, after pages have received one hundred likes.
Managing pages is a simple process. To pull up pages, administrators simply type the name into the search box, or choose the name from the “Ads and Pages” menu, on their profile. Administrators then click “Edit”, to update status, upload videos, post photos, or share links. After the update, those who have “liked” the page will receive updates in their News Feed. Administrators should always remember to “like” their own pages. Pages with no likes will not show up when a member does a search.
The marketing capabilities of Facebook offer exciting opportunities. For instance, administrators may send messages directly to those who have “liked” their company pages. Administrators should simply click “Edit, then “Marketing”, and then “Send an Update”. Messages will be sent to the “Other” portion of the Message box, to all fans, or to a targeted group of fans.
Ad campaigns are also easy to manage. Facebook takes a few marketing terms, entered by the administrator, and calculates the number of members who fit the target demographic. Administrators then bid the amount they will pay for each ad click, and Facebook sends the ad to the targeted group. The higher the bid for clicks, the more exposure the company will receive.
Facebook’s “Insights” capabilities highlight the target market. “User Insights” provide data on the total likes, fans, daily users, demographics, and new likes and unlikes. “Interaction Insights” provide daily story feedback, including comments, as well as daily activities regarding pages, including mentions, discussions, and wall posts.
The most effective content for a Facebook business page will focus on helpful information about the product, and will not rehash the administrator’s sales spiel. Once pages are established, they may be added to Twitter feeds, to electronic signatures, or to company cards. Also, pages will allow administrators to connect to industry bloggers, or to other businesses, for effective marketing and networking.
Do you need a social media consultant who can build an effective Facebook business page?