I just returned from Social Media Strategies Summit – London, the final stop in GSMI’s 2011 Social Media Strategies Summit tour. Those in attendance heard from speakers from Facebook, YouTube, AOL, The Social Networking Academy and much more. Jo Barnes, the Founder and Creator of The Social Networking Academy ran an interactive workshop educating attendees on the best ways to utilize and optimize their Facebook presence. During her workshop Barnes provided 10 Facebook Page features every organization should know. Her list was spot on and today my top ten will discuss each of these 10 must know Facebook Page features
1- Branding
Branding is key when it comes to traditional and social media marketing. Facebook knows this and as a result provides ample opportunities for organizations of all shapes and sizes to brand themselves. But, just because there are branding opportunities does not mean every Facebook user takes them. One of the most important reasons organizations should be using Facebook Pages over personal profiles, groups and communities is that Pages allows for the most branding opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities and if you think you’re missing one do some research by checking out other Facebook Pages to see how they are branding themselves.
Branding Tips: Facebook allows images to be 580 pixels so take all 580 of those tiny dots that form your Facebook Page image. In addition your avitar should be 540px x 180 px
2- Photo Bar
Another fairly new feature Facebook Pages offer are the five photos across the top of the page. Brands should be using these photos to display information about products, services, offers etc…In addition you can be creative and use call outs like Barnes has for her Social Networking Academy Page. If you’re doing this just be sure to provide the information promised.
3- Tabs
Tabs were a popular subject at Social Media Strategies Summit – London. Barnes, Facebook, Wildfire and many other speakers stressed the importance of using tabs and doing so correctly. It is important to keep in mind that each tab is really an application. You need to get applications to create Page tabs and when doing so be creative. Use your tabs to collect names and email address, run competitions and make the Page fun so people share your page and continue to come back.
4- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Did you know pages are indexed by Google? This means organizations who utilize their Facebook correctly can get Google ranking fast for their Facebook Page. In order to get ranked it’s key to create relevant and engaging content on a consistent basis. Organizations who are not using Facebook Pages and not working hard to craft the right right relationship will undoubtedly miss out on this SEO opportunity.
5- Insights
Only Pages provide organizations will their insights tool. Facebook’s insights is really analytics all about an organization’s page including how many people are coming, who is active, what they are consuming, how you are reaching them etc…. For those looking for return on investment (ROI) the ability to track Facebook Page insights is key!
6- Advertising
There is no advertising with a personal profile. Facebook Pages are the only way to advertise on Facebook. Facebook advertising is a great way to test the market, your tabs, grow visibility, brand etc… And now there’s sponsored stories, a more personalized advert that goes out to those who liked your page. Sponsored stories are an excellent way to get people back to your page and to engage them. Remember, when Facebook users engage with your page your posts go into their newsfeed and they engage more!
7- Plugins
Plugins are things like the Like button, Share, Comments …. Plugins allow organizations to take FaceBook features out of Facebook and bring them onto your website, making your website more engaging and relevant. This feature is only available via Facebook Pages.
8- Open Graph
We’ve all heard a lot about Facebooks Open Graph. This feature is simply coding FaceBook created and if you take open graph code and put it on your website, take your like button and put it on your website for example, it creates an “admin” Fan Page. Using this “admin” Fan Page you can go into the back end and target those people who liked a specific product, page etc…
9- Unlimited Fans
Most should know by now that personal profiles only allow for 5,000 friends. If your organization wishes to engage with more than 5,000 Facebook users a Page is necessary. With a Facebook Page organizations can engage with an unlimited number of fans.
10- Clearly Business
Last but not least the use of a Facebook Page provides a clear message to users – this is a business. Authenticity, transparency and trust are essential when it comes to social media marketing. Facebook users enjoy connecting and engaging with brands but they must know who they are dealing with. By using a Facebook Page you convey the clear message that this is a business.
Barnes has some fantastic free templates to help organizations build the right Facebook Page. Check these free templates out and get a free membership to the Social Networking Academy.
GSMI is excited to announce our first Social Media Strategies Summit of 2012 will be in Las Vegas. Check out our full speaker line-up, agenda at a glance and who should attend to find out why Social Media Strategies Summit is the must attend event of 2012. Consider attending Social Media Strategies Summit in Las Vegas February 7-9, 2012 where over 50 presenters will be facilitating workshops and sessions over three days. This event is a 6 track summit: 1) B2B 2) B2B 3) Nonprofit/Government 4) Regulated Industries 5) Small – Medium Size Business 6) Entertainment with 12 interactive workshops. Register today for early bird pricing. If you’re interested in attending Social Media Strategies Summit – Las Vegas take advantage of group discounts and our early bird discounts today!
