Tips for Creating Your Business' Facebook Page

If you're just getting started with your social media marketing campaign on Facebook, here are some tips for setting up your Facebook Page.

1. Customize Your Page URL

Customizing your Facebook Page URL is essential for SEO in both Google and Facebook. If your URL is a jumble of numbers, your brand won't surface when someone searches for it. Your brand also doesn't seem as legitimate without a customized URL — you take your company seriously, and your URL should always reflect that. Here are some quick steps to changing your Facebook Page URL, which can only be done once your Page has 25 or more fans.
1. Go into your "Page Settings," click on "Edit Page" and then select "Update Public Info."


2. Click on "Basic Information" in the left column, and below "Username," click on "Change Username."

3. Enter your desired vanity URL. Then click on "Check Availability" to make sure it hasn't already been taken.

4. If it is available, a box like this will appear — click on "Confirm" to finalize your URL change. Congrats!

2. Choose a Thumbnail and Cover Image That Reflects Your Brand

Consumers are constantly being inundated with stimuli, so it's crucial that your brand stands out from the masses. Choosing the thumbnail and cover images for your brand's Facebook Page is extremely important, as you want them both to quickly convey your product or service, with a bit of personality. If you create something homemade, whether it's soap or chocolate, show the product in your thumbnail image, and set your cover photo with an image that shows where you make the product — or even who makes it, which will put a face to the brand. Dimensions of the photo are 851 px by 315 px.
You want people to instantly recognize your brand and know what you offer — without having to search for it.

3. Ask People to "Like" Your Page in Marketing Materials

This is a really simple way to gain some traction for your Facebook Page. Using the Borsari Food Company as an example, they should include a business card or pamphlet that has its Facebook URL along with every product they send out. All of your marketing materials — whether they are fliers or business cards — should have links to your social media platforms, as well as the URL for your company website. This provides customers with an opportunity to learn more about your business and encourages them to engage with you and your community online.

Mashable composite, image via iStockphoto, Bluberries