In the past few weeks, we have had several requests for the best way to build and improve a Facebook fan page and just to show we're listening...we didn't just come up with the best way, we came up with TEN! So, without future ado...here are the 10 ways to maximize your Facebook fan page.
1. Use Your Business Name
Name your fan page the same name as your business to avoid confusion and once you have at least 25 fans, secure a custom URL. To do so, login to Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/username and sign up for your username.
2. Upload Your Logo
Use your business logo as your profile image so people will identify and recognize your brand.
3. List Your Contact Information
Make sure to reference your website and contact information (email address, Twitter name, etc.) on your fan page so prospective customers can easily find and connect with you.
4. Fill Out Your Profile
Make sure to fill out your profile (info) tab with details about your company. If you need some tips to spice your profile up, visit the Top 10 Tips for Writing a Killer About Me Page.
5. Post Frequently
Try to post something on your wall at least once daily. This attracts new fans and keeps your current fans engaged.
6. Link Your Fan Page
Make sure to link to your Facebook fan page from multiple avenues such as your website, blog, signature line, email signature, etc. You can do so by adding links or a fan box to guide people to your Facebook fan page.
7. Utilize Facebook Applications
One standard application is Static FBML, which allows you to add basic HTML to Facebook in order to customize your page by adding extra tabs, pictures and info on the sidebar of your wall or you can also use Static FBML to customize your own landing page. Also, if you have an Etsy or ArtFire store, integrate their apps into your fan page to expose people to your products right on Facebook!
8. Announce and Promote
Use Facebook to announce an event or promote a special deal to followers and drive interaction and traffic to your store. For example, “mention my Facebook special and you will get 15% off any item in my store during the month of March.”
9. Integrate Your Blog Content
Import your blog content to your Facebook page (see Meylah’s), which is powered by Social RSS.
10. Create Discussions
Use your discussion board to encourage interaction with your fans. This is such a great way to connect directly to your fans and also gather feedback that can help you grow your business in the right direction.
If you have any ideas or best practices for improving your Facebook fan page, we'd love to hear them! In addition, here is a wonderful related article on How To Better Engage Facebook Fan Page "Fans" from one of our favorite blogs, the Social Media Examiner.