How to set up a Facebook business page in 5 minutes

During a social media session at the Schwab Impact Conference, online guru Michael Kitces told an audience of advisers and financial industry executives that Facebook hasn't worked as a way to promote business. But perhaps the reason is that most advisers just aren't using it correctly and making excuses not to use it. Here's how to learn how to set up a page that gives you a fighting chance at getting the most out of Facebook.

During a social media session on Tuesday at the Schwab Impact Conference, online guru Michael Kitces told an audience of advisers and financial industry executives that Facebook hasn’t worked as a way to promote business.

Kitces: Facebook doesn’t work well with financial services. Expertise and intangibles, not pretty pictures. #SchwabIMPACT

— BeyondAlpha (@beyondalpha) November 12, 2013

But perhaps the reason is that most advisers just aren’t using it correctly — or making excuses not to use it.

Here’s how to learn how to set up a page that gives you a fighting chance at getting the most out of Facebook.

Take just take five minutes with me right now and I will walk you through it step-by-step. Ready? Let’s do it.

Start with these three steps:

1. Go to Create a Page on Facebook.com. (If you are already logged into Facebook, log out and follow the link so that you will be on the home page of the Facebook site. It’s simpler that way.)

2. Choose your category: I recommend Local Business and then Bank/Financial Services.

3. Type in your business name, address and other information and agree to Facebook’s terms of service. Don’t forget your phone number and your website URL.

Once you have done these three things, push the “Get Started” button.

You will be taken to a form that asks if you already have a Facebook account. If you have a private account, enter the name and password for that account, and you will be able to manage your business page from that account. If you don’t, choose the other option and you will be guided through the account set-up process.

You are halfway there. Now, just three more steps:

4. Upload a profile photo and also a cover photo. This gives you an opportunity to put a personal portrait and also, if you wish, a picture of your office location, or the city where you do business, or any picture that you think represents you well.

5. Add a short description of your services. Be specific and use some good key words that target your demographic. (For example, retirement income, college tuition planning, estate management.)

6. Choose a unique Facebook web address with a customized URL to make it easier for people to find your page. (Example: www.facebook.com/MaendelWealthManagement)

You did it! Now, you get to be first person to like or share your Facebook page. Remember, as soon as someone “likes” your page on Facebook, they automatically are subscribed to receive all of your updates.

Here’s a tip: When you set up your page, upload a few photos and videos to fill out your site. These will be at the top of your profile and set the tone for your page. Perhaps include some pictures of your area, your personal interests or members of your staff. Let people know who you are, and create an environment right from the start that will bring them back for more.

Now that you have your own Facebook business page, have some fun with it! If you have any more questions about how to build your page and building your following, Facebook offers some great tips as well.

We define inbound marketing as disseminating valuable content through a variety of channels that attracts prospects and inspires them to reach out to you. Judge all of the content that you consider against this definition. Are you filling your page with interesting, entertaining and compelling content? Will visitors enjoy themselves enough to come back for more? As they share content from your profile, others will find you as a result and your business will grow.

Craig Faulkner is chief executive of FMG Suite, offering a complete inbound marketing solution for financial professionals, from websites to e-mail newsletters to a customized mobile app. For more ways to make the most of your marketing efforts, check out his free online video course, The Art of Digital Marketing. You can also follow him @fmgsuite on Twitter.