 It’s pretty easy set up a Facebook page, but there are some points I see people miss so let me walk you through them.
This first point is mainly for authors. Before you even begin you need to know what name you’re going to use. I suggest using your name unless you have yourself branded under your blog name or a pen name. Now let’s walk through the steps.
Choose your category. Look through the category list that Facebook provides and pick one that suits you. If you’re a writer you can choose writer, but if you have authored a book it’s a good idea to choose author. Churches if you have an online only ministry choose “Companies & Organizations” and then you’ll find the subcategory of “Church/Religious Organization.” If you have a brick and mortar building choose “Local Businesses” and for the subcategory you’ll see “Church/Religious Organization.”
Username. Setup your username. This will make the URL for your page read facebook.com/yourname rather than facebook.com/yourname/429276868632. The shortened version is easy for people to remember when you use it on your other marketing materials.
About section. Fill this out. Put your tagline here. Leave room to put in your website or blog address. Authors, during the launch of your book you may want to mention your book and put a link to where people can buy it.
Fill out the whole profile. Don’t leave anything blank. Authors fill out the Biography section and the Description area. In the Description area you can put a list of all your books with your latest book at the top with its blurb.
Profile picture and cover photo. Authors, professional is best, but a nice headshot taken by a friend can work. For your cover photo choose an image that is indicative of your work. Be sure to follow Facebook’s guidelines for cover photos. Churches put your logo as the profile picture. For the cover photo you can rotate images of the outside of the church, the inside, minister on the platform, choir, etc.
Tabs. The tabs that are just under your cover photo can be customized with an app by Woobox. There are tabs for your photos, videos, events, but you can add more personalized ones. Some things you might want to make a tab for: email list sign-up, newsletter, website, blog, other social media profiles, your latest book, etc. Brainstorm, there are a lot of things you can do with these little tabs.
Add one more administrator. Add a trusted friend, family member, or in the case of a church, a board member as an administrator for your page just in case you lose the ability to access the page.
Discover how people connect to Facebook pages. Your fans can message your page. You’ll see new messages via the message icon or you can look on the right side of the admin panel for messages from your fans. People can also post to your page if you have that feature enabled. You’ll see these posts in a box to the right under the tabs.
Here are a few helpful links to make this even easier:
Social Media Sizing Guide from Church Juice This guide has the sizes you’ll need for the images you use on your profile photo, your cover photo, and the tabs.
Author Taglines: The Whens, Whys and Hows from Smart Author Sites This will help a tagline if you don’t already have one.
Ideas for Creating a Church Tagline from Brian McDaniel
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find many
of the social media tips I shared with this great group of creatives!
You can also hear me on NWCU's Blog Talk Radio show: The Nexus Cafe
every Thursday at 6 p.m. EDT where I share Social Sprite's Tip of the Week.
If you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan photographer, musician, etc. and
interested in being on The Nexus Cafe contact me and I'll tell you more
about how you can get on the air.
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of the kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Wednesday – Tips for writers & Author of the Week
Thursday – Social Sprite's Tip of the Week on The Nexus Cafe and this blog
 Be the one who does it right. Even if you think you've got it down it's easy to slip back into old patterns or to simply forget. It's all a part of the learning process. So take a look at this week's articles just to make sure you're on the right track. Let's dive in!
6 Ways to Make It Easier For People to Find You on Social Networks
By Sue Cockburn on Social Media Today
What I have found when it comes to people using the Internet is that you have to make it easy for them. You have to go out of your way to make things obvious if you want people to know that you can be found online. Besides all of Sue’s great points I would also add, tell people. Mention that you’re on Facebook in conversation even if it’s on the business card you just handed over to someone.
Social Media Red Flags to Avoid
By Timothy Carter on Social Media Today
It’s only five points and they are all easily incorporated into your marketing. I bet you’re already avoiding some of them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Facebook Page
By Janet Fouts on Social Media Today
This article sums up some of what was said in the others. Have time for only one? Read this one.
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find
a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great
group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan
photographer, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of the kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Social Sprite's Top 3
 New things this week! Google+ communities and new Facebook privacy settings. We’ll also take a look back over 2012 via Google Doodles. Let’s dive in!
Here's What the New Facebook Privacy Settings Will Look LikeBy Alex Fitzpatrick on Mashable
New and improved these new settings will be rolled out betweennow and the end of the year. I especially like the alerts that will tell you if the content you choose to hide on your Timeline will show up elsewhere.
Google+: Communities and photos
On Google’s Official Blog
Maybe you were recently invited to a community on Google+ and wondered what is this all about. Well Google+ rolled out their community feature at the end of last week. I joined my first community a couple of days ago. It’s been a lot of fun. Authors, artists, churches this could be the place to start your own community around your brand or genre. Find a group to join and learn the ins and outs before you start your own. They've also rolled out a new photo app for Android.
The 10 Most Popular Google Doodles of 2012
On Mashable
A trip down memory lane…Google style. This one is just for fun. Enjoy your weekend!
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find
a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great
group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan
photographer, etc. please join us!Visit me during the week on your favorite network:Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday - Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 This week it’s all about Facebook and how to engage your fans. Much of the information here is based on the latest research. Check it out and discover what works for you. It’s important to do your own research. Let’s dive in and see what the experts came up with first.
5 Quick Tips for Engaging Facebook FansBy Kristy Barkan on Social Media Today
This is a great reminder of some of the basics. But always try them out for yourself and see what works best for you and your fans. Don’t do what the experts say if it doesn't work for you.
What Makes A Story Successful On Facebook?
By Justin Lafferty on AllFacebook
NPR did some great research to find out what kinds of stories were the most successful on Facebook. Check out the article and see what might work for you.
New Facebook Data Proves Social CTAs Lead to More Comments, Likes & Shares [INFOGRAPHIC]
By Dan Zarrella on HubSpot
Calls to action really work in the social media world accordingto Dan’s research. Posts that ask people to “like,” “comment,” or “share” get more action. Try it out for yourself and let me know the results.
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find
a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great
group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan
photographer, etc. please join us!Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday - Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 I’ve harvested four articles this week instead of three on:- Public domain resources
- Social media success stories from a music artist and authors (2 articles)
- What churches should post on Facebook based on an internal study by Facebook
It’s a review of posts I shared this past week. Since it’s a holiday week and many of you are busy I put all the posts here for perusal at your leisure. I believe these articles are particularly helpful so I didn’t want you to miss out.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
How to Use Public Domain Content to Boost Your Blog By Christopher Jan Benitez on Social Media Today
Christopher put together a great resource here. Check it out!
How Social Media Made Indie Hip-Hop Artist Macklemore #1 on iTunes
By Zoe Wilson on the Confluence Digital Blog
Zoe breaks down an artist’s strategy on various social media channels to show you how to use social media to make it big.
Is Social Media The Magic Bullet To Promote Your Self Published Book?
By Annie Pilon on Small Business Trends
Annie has compiled real life stories from authors who have succeeded in using social media to gain awareness for their work.
Facebook Page Engagement Insights for Churches
By Dave Hakes on Internet Toolbox for Churches
Dave breaks down a report from Facebook on what makes a good post and applies it to the needs of churches.
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find
a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great
group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan
photographer, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday - Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 We all want to be successful, to have our witty posts go viral, to have thousands become aware of our books and read our messages on Twitter. This week’s tips can help you with that. The authors of these posts make no promises, for nothing is absolute in social media, but with their suggestions you’ll make great head way. Let’s dive in and discover their secrets!
"Make That Go Viral, Please"
By Ali Goldfield on Social Media Today
Like Ali says, you can’t make anything go viral, but you can increase your chances of having something you post do so by following her suggestions. The most important things…keep it simple and relevant. And I love her fall back idea…use a cat.
How to Promote Products on Facebook
By Karen Lee on Dream Grow
I picked this post because it’s perfect for authors. Just replace the word product with book and you’ll soon be on your way to great book placement on Facebook.
How Big Should a Tweet Be?
By Morgan J. Arnold on Social Media Today
Interesting research…bigger is better on Twitter.
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find
a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great
group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, artisan
photographer, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday - Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 This week it’s about some fun as well as helpful statistics…like there are now more women than men on Twitter and 23% of Facebook users check their accounts at least five times a day. Let’s dive in and see what else we can learn!
Twitter: 5 New Insights Marketers Need Now [Research] By Heidi Cohen
There have been changes in who is using Twitter lately. Heidi tells you some important stats that can help you know if Twitter is where you need to be.
3 Ways to Fight Facebook’s Algorithm and Customize Your Feed
By Jay Baer on Convince & Convert
Facebook is still the most used social network in the U.S. If you only have time to be on one social network make it Facebook. Jay also provides a few simple tips to make sure you see what you want to see in your Facebook Newsfeed.
9 Social Media Fun Facts to Shock or Maybe Just Awe
By RM Downey on Social Media Today
Some fun and also helpful stats
Please visit New World Creative Union where you can find a storehouse of social media tips I shared with this great group of creatives! And if you're a poet, writer, artist, photographer, musician, etc. please join us!Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday - Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 This week it’s about using social media to become an author, keeping current on the ever changing world of social media and stats that will help you create a better strategy. Let’s dive in!
How to use Social Networking to Become a Published Author By Gursharn Kandola on Social Media Today
You’ve got to meet people where they are at…and social networks are where over a billion people spend their time these days. Discover two ways today’s authors can go it alone and succeed.
Keeping Current with Social Media
By Kathy Colaiacovo on Social4Business
You can do this by following my blog. I try to find the things that will be most helpful to creative and spiritual organizations, but much of it is general. But Kathy has some others that would be good to follow too!
Sensational Social Media Facts, Figures and Statistics – 6 Infographics
By Jeff Bullas
Jeff shares some great infographics on the major social networks. The data can help you know where to be and what to share on each one for maximum connecting. For instance, did you know that on Pinterest pins with prices get more “Likes” than pins without prices. If you’re selling art be sure to put prices on it. Please visit me over at New World Creative Union every week where I share a weekly tip with a great group of creatives. And if you're a poet, writer, artist, photographer, musician, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday – Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 If you only have time to read one article this week read Chris Brogan’s about telling bigger stories. Social media is all about stories. Whether you use images or words or both think bigger and make sure you’re not the star.
You can also learn lots about reaching your fans on Facebook and managing your brand online. So dive in and discover something to help you increase your success!
How Do I Get People to Care About What I’m Doing? – Tell Bigger Stories
By Chris Brogan
Chris has a simple formula that you can follow. Create a compelling tale so potential fans feel drawn to buy your book or art. Share stories that place potential congregants at the center. Soon they’ll want to drop by on Sunday to experience that feeling you created again. It’s all about story, as my husband always says. He’s a former journalist. Try it for yourself and see what happens!
4 Steps to Easily Increase the Reach of Your Facebook Page Posts
By Craig Smith on Social Media Today
You’ve heard it before, but I think you’ll find Craig’s post quite helpful. Engagement, type and timing of posts, all are important. It’s good to check in to see if you’ve been following your strategy at least once a month.
About Managing Your Brand Online
By Shaun Hinklein on Social Media Today
It’s about paying attention to everything you do. Don’t make it so you don’t have fun anymore. Being spontaneous and authentic are so important. Just listen to that little voice that says, “Should I?” If you have any doubts…don’t post it.
Please visit me over at New World Creative Union every week where I share a weekly tip with a great group of creatives. And if you're a poet, writer, artist, photographer, musician, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday – Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
 Stay out of trouble with this week’s selection. SEO, Facebook contests, Google+ and the new Twitter look. Authors, I suggest you pay special attention to the article on Facebook contests. But it’s all good stuff so let’s dive in!
5 Tips to Avoid SEO Penalties
By Travis Banks on Spice Up Your Blog
SEO is important, but overdoing it is not the way to go. This article also points out some other ways save yourself. A very important read.
6 Ways to Keep Your Facebook Contest on the Up and Up
(so it Doesn’t Get Shut Down)
By Jim Belosic on Amy Porterfield’s Blog
I know many of you authors like to have contests on your Facebook page. It’s important to stick to the rules and this article spells it all out for you.
Google+: Is Your Business Harnessing Its Power? 12 Actionable Tactics [Research]
By Heidi Cohen
This article gives you the basics to start making the most out of your Google+ business page. I highly recommend!
Bonus Link:Twitter Rolls Out Cover Photos: How to Add Yours Today
By Corey Eridon on HubSpot Blog
Please visit me over at New World Creative Union every week where I share a weekly tip with a great group of creatives. And if you're a poet, writer, artist, photographer, musician, etc. please join us!
Visit me during the week on your favorite network:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn for more helpful
social media and marketing tips!
Here’s my weekly schedule of what kinds of helpful posts I’ll be sharing:
Monday – General social media and marketing tips
Tuesday – Tips for artists
Wednesday – Tips for writers
Thursday – Tips for spiritual organizations and churches
Friday – Post my blog, hang out on Twitter and study social media so you don't have to.
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