StingrayBy Stingray

What is a Facebook Fan Page?
A Facebook Fan Page is a free resource where a business, brand or cause can maintain a central portal of information, allowing them to easily connect with users, or “fans.” Users “Become Fans” of companies, products, campaigns, Web sites, people, TV shows, sports teams, etc. to both interact with and tout their “fandom” of said entity. With the addition of Fan Pages, some feel Facebook is turning into the two-way communication-enabled phone book of the future.

From a marketing perspective, this online destination allows companies to promote discussion, drive traffic and ultimately spread awareness about a given brand or campaign. Verizon, Mayo Clinic, Northeast Minneapolis Punch Pizza Restaurant, The New York Times, The History Channel, BlackJack II by Samsung, Barack Obama, Sea World and Oreo Cookies are just a few examples of the wide range and breadth of Facebook Fan Pages.

What can you put on a Facebook Fan Page?
There are many ways you can tailor a Fan Page specifically for your purpose. Some of the basic features are:

  • Basic information about the company, mission or brand, such as:
    • Link to Web site
    • Company Overview
    • Mission
    • Products
  • Events: sponsor events with their own page (photos, wall, video, etc)
  • Video
  • Discussion Boards
  • Incorporate RSS feeds from other Web assets
  • A “Wall” where users may post comments
  • Widgets, applications, quizzes, games and other interactive assets to engage consumers


Benefits to having a Facebook Fan Page:

  1. Facebook Fan Pages are public. As opposed to most of Facebook, which is password protected and users must be members of Facebook in order to view a page, anyone can view a Facebook Fan Page whether they are a member or not.
  2. Companies can send updates to fans whenever they want-keeping users interested in news, new initiatives, updates to a Web site or anything else relevant to the target audience.
  3. Companies have full control over what appears on their Fan Page, allowing them to control initial messaging. Discussion can (and should be) moderated, allowing appropriate feedback for possible misinformation.
  4. Facebook Fan Pages can be viral. When someone becomes a “fan” of your page, it is posted in the Facebook News Feed (unless a user has disabled this setting), encouraging the user’s friends to click through to the Fan Page and check it out-further spreading awareness and potential adoption.
  5. Creating a Fan Page is a free and simple way to inform and participate with target audiences who are already using Facebook.

Strategic Approach:
Building a Facebook Fan Page is simply the first step to a larger initiative. In order for a company’s Fan Page to effectively spread messaging and engage consumers, companies must engage in discussion with the community, make updates regularly and offer value. In addition, it’s important to remember anyone can create a Fan Page for anything – including for your company/brand/client – so it’s best to proactively create the Fan Page destination.

Are you a Fan of something?