These days anyone can create a Facebook fan page.  I’ve actually seen Facebook fan pages for peoples’ pets (and, yes, they have a surprising amount of fans).  If you’re a business, then creating a Facebook fan page is a great way to stay current in today’s techno-centric market.  However, as a business, it’s also important to stay true to your brand and to create a fan page that is representative of the kind of quality you want your business to stand for, all while earning and keeping your fans.  How do you go about making your business’s fan page stand out from the crowd?  Here are five tips for creating an engaging Facebook business fan page:

Landing page.  Customize a landing page specifically for people who have not yet signed on as a fan.  Use this page to tell visitors something about your business, to invite them to your Facebook fan page, and to incite them to want to learn more about you.  Avoid using your wall as your landing page, as it will appear unfocused, and really doesn’t give new visitors any pertinent information about why they would want to become your fan.

Profile pic.  Facebook is the largest photo sharing site on the world wide web.  That means your profile pic is a very important part of your business’s fan page.  Use an oversized pic of your logo, your mascot, or some other image that strongly ties to your business’s brand in order to invoke a feeling of trust and credibility for those who are new to your brand.

Being personable.  Create a facebook photo album specifically for fan photos, and be sure to tag fans in your own photos, when applicable.  This is a great way to forge strong ties with your fans, and is especially important if you are a small, home town kind of business.

Contests.  Get all of your fans involved and engaged by hosting contests via your Facebook fan page.  For example, challenge fans to create a catchy slogan, or promise a prize to the fan who posts the most creative comment on a business photo.

Acknowledging fans.  As soon as you get new fans, thank them!  Post a message of thanks on their walls (which is also a way of advertising your business to their friends), and give out a free coupon or special offer.

Facebook can be a very useful and profitable platform for advertising your business.  Make the most of what Facebook has to offer by using these tips to create the most engaging fan page possible.

About the Author: Tyree Lebarge is a full-time designer with a  passion for social marketing and networking. He also enjoys utilizing online fax services and other tools to make his business easier to run.