Mastering Facebook for SMBs: Creating and Growing Your Business Page

Welcome to the world of Facebook, tailor-made for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours. If you're itching to unlock the full potential of this platform and give your business the boost it deserves, you've come to the right place.

More than 200 million businesses use Facebook to reach customers [1]. Yes, you heard it right – a colossal number of businesses are already leveraging this platform. It's a testament to Facebook's immense potential for businesses like yours to connect with customers and extend their reach.

In this blog, we will guide you through the ins and outs of Facebook for small and medium-sized businesses. We'll walk you through creating a Facebook business page and let you in on the secrets of growing your audience and boosting engagement. To wrap it up, we'll share some handy tips to increase your page's visibility and engage your followers.

Sound good? Great! Let's get started.

How to set up a Facebook page for your business

Before we get into our fantastic tips and tricks, you’ll need to create your business page. So here's a step-by-step guide on how to do just that:

• Step 1: Log in to your Facebook profile: Before you can create a business page, make sure you're logged in to your personal Facebook profile. You'll need this to be the page's admin.
• Step 2: Go to the "Create a Page" section: Once you're logged in, head over to the Pages section. You can find this on the left side of your Facebook home screen. Click on "Create new Page."
• Step 3: Name and category: Now, you'll be prompted to choose a name for your page. This should be your business name. Select the appropriate category that best describes your business. 
• Step 4: Add your page's bio: It's time to tell the world what your business is all about. Add a brief bio that sums it up. Then click "Create."
• Step 5: Add contact, location, and hours: Provide additional information, like your contact details, physical location, and operating hours. This is especially handy if you have a physical storefront. Click "Next" when you're ready.
• Step 6: Add profile and cover photos: Here's where you can make your page look snazzy. Add a profile picture, usually your business logo, and a cover photo representing your brand. You can also edit the action button, like "Contact Us" or "Learn More." Click "Next."
• Step 7: Invite friends: Want to spread the word right away? You can invite your Facebook friends to connect with your new page. Click "Next" after you've done this.
• Step 8: Finish up: Congratulations! You've created your Facebook business page. Click "Done," and you're all set to start sharing your business with the world.

That's it! You've officially entered the world of Facebook for business. Now, it's time to fill it with engaging content and watch your online presence grow.

Tips for growing your page audience and engagement

Alright, let's get into the good stuff – how to grow your Facebook page audience and get people excited about your business. Here are some actionable tips you can use:

Tip 1: Quality trumps quantity:

It's not about how often you post but the quality of what you share. Focus on delivering content that truly resonates with your audience. A few outstanding posts beat a flood of mediocre ones any day. How do you do this, you ask? 

First, get to know your audience like your best friend. What keeps them up at night? What makes them tick? If you're in the restaurant business, think 

Next, think content with a purpose. Solve their problems or ignite their passion. Say you're the maestro of a cooking blog, dishing out "Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings" – it's like breakfast in bed for their taste buds.

Stories are also key. Stories help your audience bond and invest emotionally in you and your business. So be sure to share your brand's story – the heart and soul behind your products. Make your audience feel like they're part of the journey.

Tip 2: Timing is key

You've nailed the art of crafting top-notch content. Now, let's talk timing. It's like telling a great joke – timing is everything. 

SocialPilot found that the best times to post on Facebook are like secret windows of opportunity – between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the golden hours of morning when your audience is sipping their coffee, between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., right after lunch when they're craving some mental snacks, and finally, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the prime time for cozying up with their screens [2].

Now, what about the best days to unleash your content? Wednesday and Thursday, folks. Right in the middle of the week when they're past Monday blues and not quite into the weekend daydreaming.

So, remember, it's not just what you say, but when you say it, that makes all the difference.

Tip 3: Visuals rule 

You've got the perfect timing. Next, let's talk about the dazzle factor – visuals. 

So, here's the deal. Social Media Strategist Jeff Bullas, the guru of all things social, let us in on a little secret. Facebook posts with photos, those visual gems, receive a staggering 37% more engagement. 

But wait, there's more. Videos, oh, they're the showstoppers! They don't just get views. They steal the spotlight. In fact, social video generates a mind-blowing 1200% more shares than text and image content combined. And here's the clincher. Viewers remember stuff when they watch it in a video – a whopping 95% of it. That's a huge leap from the measly 10% they recall when reading it in plain old text [3].

So, the lesson here is crystal clear – when it comes to captivating your audience, make it visual. It's like sprinkling some enchantment on your content and watching it work its magic, creating engagement like never before.

Tip 4: Insights unveil secrets

Facebook Page Insights is your tool to understand your audience and content better. You can access it on desktop or mobile in the professional dashboard under the Insights tab.

Here's what you'll find in Insights:

• Page overview/performance: This section gives you a snapshot of your page's performance. It includes data on Post Reach (how many people saw your content), engagement (reactions, comments, shares, and clicks on your posts), Net followers (new followers minus unfollows), and video views lasting 3 seconds and 1 minute.
• Reels post insights: If you're into Reels, you'll get info on Post Reach, Plays, Average Minutes, Minutes Viewed, Likes, Comments, and Shares for your Reels.
• Post insights: For regular posts, you'll see data on Post Reach, Impressions (how many times your content was on the screen), Engagement, Reactions, Comments, and Shares.
• Follower insights: This part dives into your audience's details. But you need at least 100 followers who aren't your friends to access this. You'll learn about Net Followers, Followers vs. Non-Followers by post type, age and gender distribution, top countries, and top cities where your audience is (which also helps you understand how valuable your social media popularity is!).

These Insights help you understand your audience and how your content is doing. It's like having a map to navigate your social media strategy. So, explore Insights to make better decisions and boost your social media game.

Tip 6: Boost with ads

Ready to start your Facebook advertising? Don’t worry! It's not as daunting as it may seem. In fact, Facebook provides a user-friendly platform to help you create effective ads. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Create brand new ads: It all begins with creating brand new ads tailored to your campaign. These ads should be visually appealing, engaging, and aligned with your message. You can include images or videos, write compelling ad copy, and review how your ads appear on various devices to ensure they look great everywhere.

• Select campaign parameters: Before launching your ad, you need to set campaign parameters. This includes defining your advertising objective, which should align with your business goals. Are you looking to drive website traffic, increase brand awareness, or boost sales? Choose the objective that fits your specific needs.

• Choose your audience: Facebook's ad platform allows you to define your target audience with precision. You can make your audience as broad or well-defined as you like. Adjust your target audience based on location, demographics, interests, and online behavior. The goal is to ensure your ads reach the right people most likely to engage with your content.

• Set up and manage ad budgets: Budgeting is a crucial aspect of your ad campaign. You can set an overall budget for your campaigns and decide whether it applies to each day or to the entire campaign's lifetime. This gives you full control over your advertising expenses.
• Run ads across multiple apps: Facebook offers the flexibility to extend your ads across its family of apps and services. By allowing automatic placements, you can maximize the reach of your ads. This means your content can appear not only on the Facebook platform but also on Instagram, Messenger, and the Audience Network, depending on where it's most effective.

Starbucks sure knows how to nail a Facebook ad that speaks directly to their crowd. Take a look at this one – they're flaunting a lineup of their beloved low-calorie drinks, obviously catering to all the health-conscious folks out there.

Tip 7: Spark excitement 

Ever noticed how people's eyes light up at the prospect of winning a prize? That's the magic of contests and giveaways, and they can work wonders for your Facebook page.

When you host a contest, you're essentially telling your audience, "Hey, we've got something exciting for you." It piques their curiosity and keeps them coming back for more. 

To make it work like a charm:

• Prize-worthy: Your contest's success hinges on the prize you offer. It should be so tempting that your audience can't resist participating. Make sure it's not only appealing but also relevant to your audience. The better the prize, the more excitement it generates.
• Play by the rules: Before you start posting about contests, set clear rules and a timeline. Most importantly, ensure your contests comply with Facebook's guidelines and the laws of your region. Regulations can vary, so double-check to avoid any legal hiccups.

Tip 8: Partner up 

Ever heard the phrase "It's not what you know, but who you know"? In the world of social media, this rings especially true. Collaborating with influencers in your industry and embracing user-generated content (UGC) can be a game-changer for your Facebook Business Page.

Influencers have a dedicated following that trusts their recommendations. When you partner with them, you're opening the door to a vast and relevant audience that's ready to listen.

But that's not all—user-generated content adds another layer of authenticity and engagement. Here's how to harness the power of both:

• Find the right fit: Look for influencers in your niche whose audience aligns with your target demographic. The key is to find someone whose followers are likely to be interested in your products or services.
• Engage in authenticity: Influencer partnerships work best when they're genuine. Encourage the influencer to authentically share their experience with your brand. This builds trust with their audience and, in turn, with your brand.
• Boost your credibility: When a respected influencer vouches for your brand, it instantly boosts your credibility. Their endorsement can be the trust signal that potential customers need.
• Embrace user-generated content: In addition to influencers, encourage your followers to create and share content related to your brand. UGC not only enhances engagement but also builds trust and authenticity around your business.

Need some inspiration? check out how L.L. Bean masters the art of awesome travel and outdoor photos through UGC. It's proof that reposting your customer’s authentic content can be the secret sauce to elevate your Facebook presence.

Time to hit the 'Like' button on success!

And there you have it – a treasure trove of tips and tricks to master the art of Facebook for small and medium-sized businesses. We've shown you how to create a Facebook business page, shared secrets on growing your audience, and spilled the beans on boosting engagement. It's been quite the journey, hasn't it?

Now, it's your turn to shine on the Facebook stage. Start by creating your business page, and then apply these tips to watch your online presence grow. Remember, it's not about the number of posts but the quality of your content. Engage with your audience, showcase your brand's personality, and let your creativity run wild.

Whether sharing your best blog content, posting eye-catching images and videos, or considering Facebook ads, you can make your mark on the world's favorite social platform. With the right strategy, you can build a loyal following and keep them returning for more.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to hit the 'Like' button on success and let your business thrive on Facebook. Your audience is out there, just a few clicks away from becoming your biggest fans.