Intro:
Why Start on Facebook?

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Twenty years ago, the best way to market your business was through word of mouth. Today, there are different tools for spreading your message through word of mouth, including social media tools like Facebook. Patrick O’Malley, a Boston-based social media consultant, offers these four steps to get your business started on Facebook.

1. Create a Facebook fan page.
Creating a fan page allows Facebook users to “like” (what used to be called becoming a “fan” of) your business and provides a place for them to connect with you and with each other. A fan page includes basic information, like your company name and contact information, as well as a writing space—called your “wall”—where fans can leave comments and start discussions.

You can also use analytics to track who and how many visitors are viewing your page, a tool that cannot be used on an individual’s profile page. A fan page gives companies a chance to personify their brand and engage with customers. (For an example, visit NFIB’s Facebook page.) Here’s how to set one up.

Start on Facebook

1. Go to www.facebook.com and log in or create a personal profile. (This will allow you to set up a fan page.)
2. Once you’ve arrived at your home page, turn your attention to the left navigation bar, where the first entry says “News Feed.” Click on the item “Ads and Pages.”
3. On the right-hand side, choose the button labeled “+Create Page.”
4. Using the drop-down menu, select the categories that best fit your business.
5. When you enter the name of your business, also include keywords that describe what you do. That way search engines can more easily find you and your fan page. For example, says O’Malley, instead of entering “Papa Ben’s Pizza,” enter “Papa Ben’s Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago.” If a potential customer is using a search engine, and they search “pizza in Chicago,” Papa Ben’s would show up.

2. Solicit friends, family, and current customers to build your fan base.
Just because you build a fan page doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly have hundreds of users becoming “Facebook fans” of your business. Ask your current Facebook friends, and others you know offline, to become fans of your business on Facebook. Then, ask them to share your fan page with their friends by using the “+Share” button on the top right-hand corner of your fan page. This action will publish an “update” promoting your business on those friends’ newsfeeds.

3. Encourage more Facebook users to become fans.
Your fan page can be used as a customer service platform, with tips and solutions to customers’ problems right on your fan page wall. Offer your Facebook fans discounts by using specific promotional codes. For instance, if you own a beauty salon, tell your Facebook fans to mention a word or phrase to receive a discount on services. This encourages more people to become fans of your business on Facebook while allowing you to keep track of how much business your fan page generates.

4. Create content that will draw attention to your fan page.
Whether it’s videos, photos, discussions, or news—like the arrival of a new product—offering interesting content on your page is a great way to keep customers coming back to your fan page. Customer-created content is even better. Host a photo contest or post a discussion starter asking fans to suggest new products or services for your company.

Most importantly, says O’Malley, make sure the tone of your interaction with your Facebook fans is not too sales-y. “You’re better off engaging your customers. Get them involved. Be a little educational, if possible.”

Bonus tip: Get your new Facebook page listed by NFIB
Did you know NFIB has a list of small business Facebook pages? Check out those examples for some inspiration when creating your own business Facebook page. Once you’ve finished making your own page, add yours to the list.

Summary:
Why Start on Facebook?

Any small business can start on Facebook without the assistance or guidance of a third party. However, WebPro360 provides the expertise and professional guidance to assure your entry onto Facebook is a success from the beginning. Plus, our Facebook marketing plans are priced specifically for small business. For as little as $350, WebPro360 assembles your new, custom Facebook (Fan) page, and begins adding your content.

Find more information from our Facebook Marketing page. Your business can start on Facebook today!