If you want your business to have a professional presence on Facebook, you should create a Facebook business page. This will also allow you to use certain features to promote your products and services. Here is a guide to setting up your business account.
How to create a Facebook business page
Time needed: 15 minutes.
In order to create a Facebook business page, you first need to have a “normal” (private) Facebook account. You can use either yours or register a new account, using a professional email address. Starting from that account, you must follow these steps to create a business page:
Log into Facebook
Log into Facebook in a browser on your computer.
Go to the “add” dropdown menu
In the top right corner of your desktop, you see your account’s name and four icons. Click the first icon (a plus sign).
Create a page
In the dropdown menu, click “Page”.
Add a page name
Facebook will now show you a completely new page. On the left side of the screen, add a page name.
Add categories for your page
Also on the left side: under “Category” you can add up to three categories that best describe your business. Just type the first letters and Facebook will show you a list of possible categories.
Write a description
The description is optional. If you write one, there’s a limit of 255 characters.
Confirm your settings
After you’ve written the required information (page name and category), the button “Create Page” at the bottom of the page becomes blue. Click that button.
Upload a profile picture and cover photo
Only after clicking “Create page” you will be able to upload a profile picture and a cover photo.
Save your changes
Click “Save”.
Edit your business information
Your business page is now online. You can edit or add more information, for example contact information, the hours when you are available etc.
Optional: Add a custom username and invite friends
You also have the possibility to add a custom username and to invite friends to like your new business page.
Why you should use a business page instead of a personal account
If you have a small business and won’t employ a social media manager/expert, you might be tempted to use a simple Facebook account for your company. Here are some advantages of using a business page:
You get access to the Facebook Insights and you’ll know how your posts are performing, how many people were reached etc.
Using the “Ad Centre”, you’ll be able to promote your Facebook and Instagram posts.
You get access to the “Publishing Tools” and can use them to schedule posts, for example.
You can add buttons to your page, for example for ordering food, bookings, gift cards and so on.
There are different types of posts that you can use, for example for events, offers, jobs.
The inbox of a business page has a ticketing system – this way, you can process your Facebook and Instagram direct messages a lot easier.
