Creating a Facebook Fan Page That Rocks

If you haven’t noticed, Facebook Pages (also referred to as “fan” pages) are beginning to rival websites as the go-to destination for people looking to connect with brands. Most people check Facebook everyday — they don’t look at individual websites nearly as often. Not sure if you need to have a Facebook Page for your brand? Check this out: Facebook fan pages have created more than 5.3 billion fans. This translates into additional traffic to your website and more people buying into your brand.

What Makes People ‘Like’ Your Brand?

With millions of pages out there to follow, people need a reason to listen to what you have to say. Getting your Fan Page to stand out may mean the difference between generating more ‘Like’s and having people move on without becoming a fan. The bottom line is that customizing your Facebook Fan Page has now become as important as customizing your website.

This is where the landing or “welcome” tab comes in. (Note: Facebook still refers to it as a tab even though it no longer looks like one.) A landing tab is your default tab displayed to non-fans when they visit for the first time. Instead of landing on the ‘Wall’, which looks pretty much the same for everyone, a potential new fan will see a customized tab that serves as an advertisement for your Page.

Your landing tab should make it clear what your brand is all about.

Five Ways to Be Successful on Facebook:

1. Charm Potential Fans With Your Words

Share your philosophy, your mission statement, a summary about your product or blog, or maybe even share testimonials. Use anything that will make people want to find out more and click like.

2. Be Succinct & To The Point

Try not to say too much. This is not the place to write the great American novel. Your landing tab is an ad for your Facebook Page. You want to draw people in, not overwhelm them. Remember, as with any web page, keep important information above the fold.

Target uses mostly photos and minimal text. {Click the image to visit on Facebook}

3. Ensure Your Design & Writing Style Are Consistent With Your Brand

When designing your Facebook page, use the background pattern or color that you use on your blog and Twitter page as well. Also ensure that your fonts and color choices are consistent. How you express your brand on Facebook should directly reflect your site and other marketing materials.

Jen at When Pigs Fly keeps her writing & design consistent with her blog. {Click the image to visit on Facebook.}

4. Provide A Call To Action

The most important call to action on any Facebook Page is to get readers to ‘Like’ your Page. Invite your readers to do this by using a graphic that looks like the Facebook ‘Like’ button or an arrow pointing to the actual ‘Like’ button you want them to click on.

Ann Taylor uses an arrow that points directly to the ‘Like’ button. {Click the image to visit on Facebook}

5. Offer Incentive

Showcase specific products with special pricing or perhaps offer coupon codes or valuable information that can only be accessed by becoming a fan. An incentive is a great way to convert passive onlookers into interested fans. And don’t hide your incentive in small text at the bottom of the Facebook page — make it stand out as one of the main headlines on your tab by using a larger font or text color change.

Nike Running offers an incentive for people to ‘Like’ their Page. {Click the image to visit on Facebook}

BONUS SUGGESTION:

Use your Profile Picture

Facebook refers to the image on the left side of your Page as a Profile Picture, but you could think of it more like a blog sidebar. Make use of the real-estate available on your Profile Picture to not only show off your logo, but also your tagline or a brief welcome message. You could also include your web address. Maximum dimensions are 180 pixels wide by a whopping 540 pixels high. Why not use the maximum amount?

These Facebook Pages use their Profile Picture like a sidebar.

Want to Learn More About How to Master Facebook?

Then you definitely do not want to miss these posts…

• Facebook Fan Page: What You Need to Know
• Facebook Fan Page Update: A Quick Guide
• Three Ways to Facebook Your Blog
• Five Items All Blogs Need

• About the Author
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About Renee

AKA - Bold Mom. Graphic and Web Designer, Wife and Momtrepreneur. Eats, sleeps and breathes design. Loves helping bloggers look their best! Studio Bold | Bold Mom | Twitter | Facebook

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