Creating a Facebook Fan Page for your business can be a daunting task. There are a ton of options, and if rushed a Fan Page is rushed through creation it usually turns out to look unprofessional and shoddy. Here are some tips to create a Facebook Fan Page just like the professional Facebook marketers use.
Creating A Fan Page Takes Time And Thought
You may have heard the old adage “Rome was not built in a day”. This is generally true for Facebook Fan Pages as well, unless an experienced marketer is calling the shots or an effective Fan Page creation tool is being used.
I do not want to discourage you from creating a Facebook Fan Page. Our business revolves around helping people create Fan Pages, and using Facebook to attract customers and loyal fans. I just want to warn you up front that developing a professional Facebook Fan Page takes time, money, and some trial and error.
A professional Fan Page is certainly attainable though! Let’s take a look at some areas that separate the professionals from the amateurs.
A Professional Looking Fan Page
The first step to becoming a professional Facebook marketer is having a professional looking Fan Page. This can be accomplished primarily through the cover photo of your Fan Page.
There are many things you can set to accomplish with the photos on your Fan Page. Establishing your brand should be your primary goal, though. You can also use the cover photo to promote current events or sales your business is currently running.
Have fun with your cover photo! Cover photos do not have to be static, “set it and forget it” images. A dynamic cover photo will encourage visitors to visit again and again. Just be sure to not diminish your brand. A cover photo that changes dramatically can have a negative impact on your Fan Page if it disassociates itself from your brand.
So You’re Not An Artist. That’s Ok!
If you do not have capability or talent to create artistic masterpieces, then do not attempt to throw some clip art together in Microsoft Paint to create a cover photo. A professional looking Fan Page needs to leave the artistry to the professional designers!
Some of you may have no idea where to look for designers, so I’ll offer up two sources that have served me well in the past.
For smaller businesses that may not have a large budget for graphical design, I recommend a little site called Fiverr. What is the best thing about this site? Everything is only $5! Search around through the various graphic designer posts, and you should be able to locate someone who will make a Facebook cover for you. You may not get a masterpiece, but it will most likely be better than what you could have come up with!
The second site requires a larger budget around $100 to $300 per image, and is called 99 Designs. I have had a lot of success with this site, and it is well worth the price. With 99 designs, you supply the criteria for graphic designers to follow, and are presented with a variety of designs to choose from created by different designers. The designer you choose gets a majority of the money you spend, and you can submit requests for alterations that you would like to see until you have a final product.
Remember to put your brand first, and allow the designers to do their work. They are professional designers for a reason, after all.
Post Like A Professional
While your Facebook Fan Page may look great, cover photos alone won’t generate much engagement. You have to physically post to your Fan Page or use tools like custom tabs to create an engaging Fan Page.
Posts encourage visitors to interact on your Fan Page, and also help increase your Facebook EdgeRank – the odds your post shows up in someone’s News Feed.
Posts come in a variety of formats, and are able to display different types of media from photos to video. The professional Facebook marketers use all of these types of posts to give everyone an opportunity to connect with their Fan Page. People have different tastes, and some may prefer video to pictures. By using all of the methods available, no one is left out.
Professionals also use the tools that Facebook has provided them. Types of posts like Facebook Questions and Facebook Offers. Both of these tools, when used properly, can generate a loyal fan base and dramatically increase the sales for your business. Be sure to take advantage of these tools! It may be the boost that your business has been waiting for.
Thinking Like A Professional
Now that the groundwork is set to becoming a professional Facebook Marketer, it is time to adopt the mindset of a professional.
Be patient. Success is not going to come overnight. Yes, some people have been extremely fortunate to tap into the virality of social media, but do not build your business with that expectation.
Keep and open mind. Be willing to try different strategies. Some successful strategies may work for some niches, but may have to be slightly altered for others. Do not be afraid to try new things, and always keep your brand first.
What professional tips and tricks do you have to add to this post? Help your other marketers, and let us know in the comments below!
