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.
