It won’t be anything like the land rush of the first Facebook URL frenzy but starting Sunday Night June 28th at 9:00 PM the gates are open for all.
Facebook was pretty smart in the way they released custom URLs. You see, most anyone can create a “Fan Page” for virtually any product, group or person. These Fan Pages usually have little or no fans. All it would take is for one quick kid with a finger on his mouse to steal away something like http://www.facebook.com/MountainDew
So Facebook slowed the release of Custom Page Names to those pages with 1,000 or more fans and to those created prior to May 31, 2009, That allowed all those real companies to get in and secure their Facebook Page Name.
You and I didn’t have to worry about that, but we certainly do now. If you have a Facebook Business Page you’ll want to be in on the new land rush.
Why?
First of all, every business should have a Business page on Facebook. I’ll take that a step further and suggest every page should also be customized to best fit the business.
Here’s 4 reasons why your business needs a Facebook Business Page.
- Pages allow a business to "Publish to the Stream" (this shows up on your fans homepage)
- Pages allow a business to engage fans with Rich Media (video, pictures, events)
- Pages let a business analyze how fans are interacting with the Insights Dashboard (Facebook has deep analytics)
- Pages let a business increase SEO (pages show up in higher Google keyword searches)
So you sell Yugos in Yuba City ? There’s nothing stopping the Yugo dealer in Yreka from setting up http://www.facebook.com/YubaCityYugo and stealing your thunder. (Does a Yugo really have thunder?)
Chiropractic in Crockett? http://www.facebook.com/CrockettChiropractic would rock!
Dentist in Dublin? Only one person is going to get http://www.facebook.com/SMILE
Real Estate your game? First one to score http://www.facebook.com/RedwoodCityRealEstate wins!
Catching on?
That also brings me to the next important item. 
There’s nothing compelling about a standard Facebook Business Page. Why drive clients and customers to a standard page? Nothing at all.
Your Business Page MUST have compelling content that engages your visitors or they’ll leave just as fast as it took the page to load.
What can a Facebook Business Page do? It might be easier to say what can’t they do? Here’s 7 Facebook Business Pages that work.
Remember, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Facebook Vanity URLs are Available Now. Get Yours. (biztipsblog.com)
- Follow me to Facebook (AreWeConnected.com)
- Facebook Pages and Groups (AreWeConnected.com)
- Like Facebook? (AreWeConnected.com)
This post brought to you courtesy of Mike Mueller.
Feel free to ReBlog or ReTweet as you like as long as you credit the source (him).
Did you know? He's for hire! He builds Blogs, Graphic Images and Widgets and Facebook Pages and besides… He knows lots of really cool stuff.
| Hire Mike (925) 456-4567
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Did you know?
It is really interesting to now see ads on TV with their Facebook page noted for their product. We are in a different world.........
Great information. . I love facebook and I see the potential for my own business
Thanks for the tip, I better get on over to FB :)
Since I linked up my blog to facebook (December) I have had a sphere escrow directly related to facebook. To me it makes absolute sense!
So you will set it for me for 75.00 importing my altos reports and other things?
If so yes...
Missy - absolutely! Just like Ken's Page?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maryland-Suburban-Homes/92431026870?v=app_4949752878
(his actual URL will change tonight to http://www.facebook.com/mdsuburban or something akin to it)
The one andonly issue with FB is that it doesn't like iframes. What does that mean to you? Your signup form that Altos works provides is iframed in. You'll see that we made Ken's a link to his Altos page on his blog instead.
Ok then go for it, can you snag AnnArborRealEstate for me ?
I know I can't use the Realtor in it.
My blog is AnnArborRealEstateTalk. my photo blog is photos.AnnArborRealEstateTalk.com
it is on my web site, Brad and Mike gave me a page missycaulk.com
Let me know what I need to do to help you, if you need my passwords etc...
Do I send a check on can I pay online?
Mike - I hadn't heard about this. Just one more example of why I like having you as a friend!
I clicked from your page.
I would add that Facebook and Google are in a war, and Facebook has walled off much of it's linkage to Google. Facebook is it's own strategy, and your comments about compelling content is so right.
Now that I have my FB id, Mike, looks like I have some serious work to do!
This looks interesting, I guess I will log on at 9:00pm and see if I can snag an address. Thanks for the update!
Wow Mike ! Lot's to absorb here. Thank you for the heads-up.
So much to learn though;sometimes overwelming.
Appreciate you information.
Mike, I got mine a couple weeks ago. Thanks and have a great day.
I got mine a few days ago. I was thrilled to get facebook.com/lakesinclairrealestate I thought about my name, because it's not available as a url, but who would be searching for ME? While I want folks to find me, I don't think they're looking for me.
Mike, the custom URLs on Facebook definitely give that network another tool to help with the business focus.
Hi Mike,
I have a question for you. I created a fan page for our company back in March or April:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Garden-Ridge-TX/REMAX-Access/61775630964
I have been attempting to get 1,000 fans so I could get our own URL. By business pages are you saying the fan page? & tonight I can get the URL WITHOUT having the 1,000 fans so far? Thanks for the info! I hadn't heard about this.
Nevermind, I got you now. REad more on your links & it makes sense to me now. I need to be available tonight to nab mine! Just like I did my name. THanks!
Is that 9 p.m. Eastern time, or Pacific time?
Great info, thanks for sharing! I have connected with so many past clients and gained a few new ones on Facebook.
Joyce Logan, Realtor
Real Living HER
Great info, thanks for sharing! I have connected with so many past clients and gained a few new ones on Facebook.
Joyce Logan, Realtor
Real Living HER
Mike..this is great news, and I will be getting my address tonight.
Good information. I had no idea there was going to be a rush.
Thanks for the reminder. I had heard about this and then forgotten.
Sounds like a good idea. I have secured my facebook URL, but as a relative rookie, have not gotten the hang of driving traffic to it, nor have I explored the idea of business (fan) pages. Thanks.
Hi Mike, great information as always, and of course a BIG thank you for including the Horsealicious page you built for me on your list!
Mike - I have been all over your pages and I want one. How can I check to see if the name I want is taken - or will you just nab it at 9pm tonight?
I'm get the same thing as Missy when I go to PayPal -
You have requested an outdated version of PayPal. This error often results from the use of bookmarks.
I am also totally confused. HELP!
One more media fire that you need to tend. Thanks for watching that development and keeping all of us informed. Still so many discounting why all the hubbub about Facebook and it boils down to because it is so huge, so popular, you need to be utilizing it to rub shoulders and be among the many to be noticed, utilized, remembered.
Always learning something from Activerain. I have been working on my FB page but didn't quite get it. Now I have something to work on for it.
Sorry - went out for bit (it's a Sunday thing) Let me see if I can clear up some of the questions.
OK, a Fan Page is a Business Page and is NOT a personal URL. I'll arugue that you do not want a personal account trying to work as a Business Page. See: http://areweconnected.com/2009/05/friend-or-client/ That's fodder for another day.
If you want a custom Facebook Business Page I'll build one for you for $75. Go to http://areweconnected.com/facebook/ and click on the PayPal Link at the bottom.
I cannot capture a Business Page URL for you if I am not already a Admin for that page.
Custom names open up at 9 Pacific - Midnight Eastern - first come first serve.
If you do not already have a page...
If you already have a page...
After the dust of the land rush settles we can get to making your Business Page like you want and I'll share with you how to best engage your local facebook users and best make your FB page work for you!
BTW: you can text me or leave me a message at my new Google Voice Number (925) 456-4567
Great catch! I got my custom URL today. Texted my teens about it , thinking cool Mom one upped them. Not so lucky. "We know, did it a few weeks ago." humph!
I am just learning these social networks. I like AR the best at this point.
Ginger
Mike. Great information.. I got my URL for my name on the first land rush,
Mike, There is sooooo much stuff to keep track of these days. Once I get rich and famous I'll need to hire a full time media expert to keep everything fresh. It's too much for us mere mortals. I just want to sell houses.
I'm so confused. Are you saying if we have a personal Facebook page we should keep that and get a separate business page, or convert the one we have now? Obviously I want to do this but am not sure how.
Thanks for the heads up on this! I will make sure I am standing by when the big release comes into play tonight!!!
Jeani
Mike, good post! You finally convinced me to start that new FaceBook page. Looking forward to your next post about what to put ON that page!!
Mike - Rock on ! Very valueable and insightful info. Do you think each Realtor needs a fan page as well ? Definitely one for the office though.
Mike - I had to stop back by to see what time this was opening up tonight. I will grab mine for the show!
Great information thanks for getting it out to us.
Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth nh
Mike, unfortunately there's too much social media and not enough time! I have facebook, but I don't "feed it". Guess I should, huh?
OK, last time I was on vacation (for the personal pages). This time I am ready...
Good information Mike. I have a love hate relation with facebook but it cannot be denied.
Thank you so much. My Facebook URL is now www.facebook.com/BlackRockRealEstate I can't believe it was that easy to set up! You rock!!!
Newest information coming from FB is that they went from a zero fan requirement to 25 and now they stand at 100. They'll probably open that up in a couple of weeks.
BTW: Gail - that is not a business page - it's your personal page. We can still be friends though. : )
Here's a HINT: if under your picture (top left) it says edit page - then it's a PAGE.
If under your picture it says view photos of me - it's just your profile.
Mike: Thanks for always being on top of it and giving us the heads up... counting down...
Mike - Uh, oh! So now I can't use that name for my business page????
Gail - YUP! Sorry about that. And like someone said "Make sure you chose wisely, a custom URL is like a Tattoo."
Rene - What's your Fan Pages? I'll be a Fan! (links in my comment stream are always ok)
For some reason I can not get to FB pages. I would like to get LewisburgWVrealestate or GreenbrierValleyrealestate...I'll try tomorrow. or call you...
Mike.. I guess I must have missed something.... think I will be contacting you about the fb pages..
Sooo frustrating!
I keep forgetting to create my second Facebook page. I don't want to mix my playing with business. Each interferes with the other. But I need to get my name on the URL, the way I want it.
I also just discovered that they are now requiring 100 fans. I only had 2, since I hadn't advertised my page yet. Any ideas of how to get fans quickly? I did post on my facebook, asking friends to become fans at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Whittier-CA/Whittier-Real-Estate/42754461241
Any other ideas on how to quickly get 100 fans?
How about everyone here becoming fans of each others pages?
Bad URL Bob! Should be
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whittier-CA/Whittier-Real-Estate/42754461241
There's a great stream happening on twitter right now. Everyone tweeting and RT'ing
Thanks for the correction, Mike.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whittier-CA/Whittier-Real-Estate/42754461241
Thanks Mike, great advice! Anybody interested in Green Building can help us get to 100 fans by joining our facebook page. Great info here about new trends in the homebuilding, new construction and remodel fields that will affect your business.
Steve
Well, I can be the "poster child" for what not to do. I logged to Facebook to create a business page and filled out the form, but as soon as I put in my e-mail address and password, it redirected me to my personal page. It was then that a pop-up box came up to change my URL, so I did. I guess I should have signed in as a new user with a different e-mail and password.
I have a personal facebook page with a custom url. I decided a while back to grow my business through relationships and having a personal page has been great for that.
Well, I managed to get my business page up with a slightly different URL. Now I shall have to get my 100 fans via Twitter. I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid. ;)
Gail - "I guess I should have signed in as a new user with a different e-mail and password." No!
On email, one person, many pages (if desired). FB rules. What is your Biz Page address?
Integrity Mortgage - using a personal account for business? You have # 1 and 2 covered but you miss out on 3 and 4:
and then there is always #5: http://areweconnected.com/2009/05/friend-or-client/
Just saying...
Nice post. I started with kids that played baseball for me and it blossomed with clients sending my info to friends. Not for kids anymore.
Thanks for the good information. ActiveRain members should use the feed that will automatically posts links to their ActiveRain posts on Twitter and Facebook.
I really appreciate the information. I do have my FB id and am still trying to figure out how I can use it to my best advantage. Always something new to learn.
Very good information. I customized my personal page, but I guess I really need to get to work on a business page.
thanks Mike, I have facebook, but what is the url to sign up for the custom url ? thanks so much!!
ok, I clicked on the paypal and that didn't work, as it happens I want 2 pages, one for my real estate and the other for my hubby's property preservation. I need help. (ok no jokes ;-))
Wendy - Having issues with the payPal button.
email me at Mike912Mueller@gmail.com please.
I have been going to create a fan page for weeks, and I almost did it yesterday. Good thing I waited - this is the information I needed!
OK. Easiest way to start a Facebook Business Page: Fill out this simple form.
My to-do list keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Ok help ....I am a member here and read but rarely post. Haven't even put up much info for myself on active rain. This time I am and although not a fan of facebook (thought it was for kids) I will do as you suggested. So, question is...I won't be able to do a business page without a 100 "friends" ? or to put it plainly...I'm lost....I admit it..
Barbara - No. You can have a page with 0 fans - you just need to have 100 to secure a vanity url - thats all.
thank you I didn't understand how it all worked. I get lost on facebook need a GPS to move around there. It is a great way to quickly see what is going on with friends and family. Thank you I will work on one for my business.
yeah, I got my url awhile back, just my catchy phrase name, sandyisyouragent as usual!!! I wasn't sure if I should go for something with my keywords or not
Sandy - NOPE! That's a link to your personal page!
http://www.facebook.com/sandyisyouragent
See comment #46 above
thanks for the head's up - I will try and nail down a good URL
I got mine with only 2 fans http://companies.to/realtorlistingwebsites/
would it be facebook.com if i had 100 fans?
Mike,
Thanks for the great info. I really have to pursue this. I'll look carefully at all the links you have posted.
Brian
Thanks for the kick in the butt. I have a FB page for our business...but I just used the normal route. My next question to you was going to be...is there a different way to create a business page? I also created a "group" or fan club for our business. I see above that you have a link to fill out a form for the business facebook. I guess I will see if it's any different than what I developed. Any help would be appreciated.
Daniel - not exactly. That's an outside company (NOT Facebook) there is NO SEO value in that.
Claire - What's your FB Page URL?
Great information Dan,
Glad you could share this with us all. I am not that familar with facebook, however, it is something to investigate, I think>
Deb
Sensational!! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks for advice and $75 is not bad to set up a page, will you adjust it in the future
Mueller - I just noticed in the comment section here that you had a 133 messages in your inbox? Wowsers, man. To say this post is worthy of a bookmark is a shortcut to thinking. This really is fantastic, Mike. While I originally signed up for facebook long ago, I never utilized it until several months back. I've been looking for new and more efficient ways to enhance its viability not only in connecting with folks, but to be able to attract more business. I'm going to return and actually study this post and its content in the morning. Thanks my friend. I trust all is well.
Still trying to get to the 100 threshold... not there yet, but getting closer... Soon, perhaps? And then I am having thoughts about another page...
Tatyana - I would rather set up the page, make some of it automatic (feeds from your blog posts, flickr, twitter) and then turn it over to you. the only thing that's left is for you to start to reach out and engage others.
Sardi - Sharp eyes buy nah, those 133 are unimportant invites to groups, pokes, and thrown sheep. I get an email of everything that is important (comments on my stream, friend requests) so I can respond quickly to only that which matters. How's everything on your end?
I am so far behind the curve I think I am catching up with myself. Thanks for the info.
Mikey!
Great post-- tons of response shows how many of us are hungry for your knowledge and your service. Me for one!
Thanks!
T
Confused about Facebook Pages?
We'll be talking about them on the radio show this morning. Call in or ask questions in the chat area!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jckc/2009/06/30/Social-Media-Tips-Tricks-and-Tools-for-SEO-and-More
I couldn't agree more! I am working on a facebook page for Chicagoland Commercial Real Estate. The page is in its infanthood. Find it by searching in facebook "Chicagoland Commercial Real Estate". Become a fan and share your thoughts on content to add.
uhhhh oh - I need help! started to fill out the facebook page form -- got stuck knowing what to fill in for their name of business -- my name, the brokerage I work for? or a new name?Then I thought okay i'll have Mike do it for me -- and got to your form, and wasn't sure about tabs one and two, and names for them - so didn't even get to the paypal paying part!Think I'll email you direct if that is okay.
Mike. I am still learning the ways to use Facebook for RE.
All this is so overwelming and it is always last minute stuff. Sign here , pay here now. I need serious help.
Charles - With the internet, help is just a click away! LOL
Seriously, http://AreWeConnected.com/facebook