Creating a Facebook Fan Page (or Group page) can be a valuable tool for any business – small, medium or large – to not only connect with potential customers, but also to attract, communicate directly with, build relationship and introduce your product or service to prospects. One way to attract new Fans is to invite Friends of your Friend Page to “like” your Fan Page. Another is to ask Friends to suggest your Fan Page to their Friends. Well, if you`re anything like me – you get hundreds of these invitations each week. But even if you only get a few invites each week – we simply don’t have time to spend researching who it is that is asking us to “like” their page. As Fan Page administrators it’s also in our best interest to have people who WANT to be there and are interested in and will participate in the conversation.
It all starts with how you set up and brand your Fan Page. The two most obvious branding opportunities are your “thumbnail photo” and “page name.”
Here’s how most people brand their Fan Pages – they use their photo or logo and name the page their personal name or business name. Well that’s great if you are a famous person like Tony Robbins or business like Starbucks. But what if you aren’t well known or your business name doesn’t say what you do?
And I should like your Page … because?
Sorry Roger – I don’t have time to do the research. Ignore. NEXT!
Nice logo – but, please throw me a crumb. What’s your product? Ignore. NEXT!
Just not getting it and can’t read the tag line. Ignore. NEXT!
Keep it Super Simple
Your goal is to make it as SIMPLE as possible for people to quickly identify with what you have to offer and “like” your page. You ONLY get a couple of seconds to grab attention, so make it count.
Simple Way #1
Write your name and then a definition of what you have to offer. Example: Charlene Brisson (my name), Marketing and Communication Specialist (what I have to offer). Be careful, because once you’ve created your Fan Page name, you can’t change it – so get it right before you start getting too many fans. I had to redo mine three times. If you’re a business and your business name doesn’t spell out what you do – add it to the business name. Here’s a good example of a woman who tells people who she is in her Fan Page name. I can decide immediately if I’m interested in what she can provide me with.
You just can't mistake what Judith is offering with the description after her name.
Simple Way #2
Choose the descriptive identifier that will help people decide if you are worth following. If you selected the wrong description when you created your page, oh well – that just means that your name and photo will have to make up for it. I haven’t found a way to change it after the fact.
To create a page or group scroll to the VERY BOTTOM of your FB Friend Page and click on Advertising - click on Pages on the left menu and then +Create a Page on the top right.
Simple Way #3
Use a photo that represents the image you want to portray or a bold graphic that is readable and has impact. You can update and change your photo anytime, so if you don’t get it right the first time, try, try again. I LOVE this example from Jennifer Cloake and you can’t miss what Stephen has to offer.
The Good, The Bad and the Unreadable
Here are some Business Fan Page Invites with GOOD graphics.
Not zoo animals - but if I was looking for a photographer for my pets - I would be attracted here.
The tag line can’t be read on the graphic – but the graphic and large text of “entrepreneurial moms” says it all to the right prospects.
There's no question what this page has to offer foodie prospects.
Nice strong graphic that stands completely alone, even without reading the name.
Here are some Business Fan Page invites with BAD graphics – but GOOD names.
Most seniors simply can't read small text! Because the graphic is horizontal, it reduces VERY SMALL into a thumbnail. Redesigning into a vertical logo will allow for larger text and easier readability.
The photo is very difficult to decipher an image from. Would suggest a much more simple graphic that is clearly identifiable when reduced to a thumbnail.
Another difficult to read graphic when reduced down to a thumbnail. I'd take out the bottom strip and increase the top section to enhance the size of Virtual Author Assistant. The name is GREAT as it really zero's in on their niche!
And it all starts with …
Managing your FB fan and friend pages all starts with knowing who your IDEAL customer is – Step One of the 3-Step Marketing Model. Unless you know exactly who your market is, it will be impossible for you to position yourself on FB (or any social media) in a way that will attract the right people that are interested in what you have to offer.
All the best in your marketing success …
Charlene Brisson, 3-Step Marketing Pro
3-Step Marketing Pro Website