Facebook 101: Optimizing the About Section

So, you’ve claimed your Facebook page and have full administrative access. Now what?

It’s time to optimize your “about” section. The about section is important because this is where all the key information about your business goes. Placing the right keywords here brings you up where you want to be in graph search.  Additionally, Facebook Pages are indexed in Google, so you’ll want to have your perfect keywords in your About section to improve your chances of being found. Some things to pay special attention to:

A sample about section for a local dentist.

1. Category: Make sure you categorize yourself correctly. If you’re a dentist, you will most likely be picking “local business” and “health/medical/pharmacy”. 
2. Topics: Choose carefully. What is your Facebook page about? Facebook lets you have three topics; use all three. Facebook will auto-complete your answers when your start typing. this helps you know what the popular options out there are.
3. Sub-categories: These are also important. Facebook will let you have three sub-categories at most but only if you are an actual “place”, or have a physical location. Try to use all three they give you. Facebook will suggest some based on what you’ve given them.
4. Username: If your page already has 25 or more fans, go ahead and pick a username. This will appear after the facebook.com/_____ so it is important to keep it simple as possible. If your practice name is Bedminster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, maybe go with /BedminsterDental or /BedminsterDentistry.
5. Address: Make sure it’s the same address that is on your website and Google places for maximum clarity. It will be displayed on the map from what you enter here.
6. Hours: Always put your hours in. When people visit your page, Facebook displays when your open for business. If you’re closed, it will tell users when you re-open. This is a nice feature to have as it lets people know if you are available or when you will be.
7. Short description: Your company motto or mission statement is good for here since you only have about three lines. If you’re mission statement is short enough be sure to include the services you want to promote the most as well.
8. Website(s): Be sure to include your correct website address along with links to any other social profiles or blogs you have.

If your page is brand new, make sure you ask your colleagues to like it and share it with their friends. Also, make sure your check-ins are enabled and encourage those among your patients. They should be enabled if you set yourself up as a “place” correctly.

You’re almost eligible to wear this hat!

You’re well on your way to having a beautifully-designed Facebook business page. Stay tuned next week for Profile and Cover Photo Design.