How to Create an Author Facebook Page

Creating a Facebook Page is a big step, because it says you’re ready to get more readers and engage with them. Every author has a different experience with each form of social media. The important thing is that we try them out and see what works best for us.

FYI #1: You don't need to be published to have a Facebook page. When I first created mine, the category was under "writer" because I'd only published flash fiction on ezines. After I published Hurricane Crimes, I changed the category to "author." You don't even need readers to create one. I didn't have any readers. Even if you have little sales, create a Facebook page. Your blog and social media sites can help you get sales. I say can because these places alone won't bring you sales.

How to Create a Facebook Page:

You will need to go to www.Facebook.com and click “Create a Page” for a celebrity, band or business at the bottom of the screen. (You will need a personal Facebook profile to do this, so you can be a moderator of your page.) Follow the prompts they ask you, and make sure you select “People” as your category and either Writer or Author. If possible, use your name/pen name for your Address. It would look like this: www.facebook.com/ChrysFey If your name is taken, try adding “Author” before or after your name like: facebook.com/YourNameAuthor

FYI #2: Facebook pages are FREE!

When you have your page, add a picture of yourself. See: Author Photo Tips

Then start filling in your information such as your bio, personal information, and personal interests. It’s always nice to include something for each of these because it lets your readers get to know you more. For my bio, I didn’t paste in the bio that you can find on my blog or website. Instead, I shared the story about how I started writing, the struggles I encounter, the origin of my pen name, and how I became an author. For the personal interests, I mentioned my hobbies and things I like.

TIP #1: Facebook pages have a new "Call-to-Action" button. Look for it where your cover photo goes. Insert a link with select an action such as "Shop" and follow the steps. It's really easy. I used the URL to my Amazon Author Page.

After you add all of your information and a cover photo, you can invite your friends and family. Just a little heads up: I quickly learned that people you think will support you don’t. So don’t be disappointed if not all your friends/family like your page.

How to get FB Likes:

1.    Invite your family and friends.

2.    Tell the bloggers/writers/authors you know personally, but make sure to like their page in return. Sending them a personal message is the best way to do this, not with a comment on their blog or a bulk email.

3.    Add your Facebook address to the signature of your emails.

4.    Add your Facebook address to all of you social media sites/groups.

5.    Add a Facebook Like Button to your blog or website. Go HERE.

TIP #2: But please don’t expect hundreds of likes right away. Just like with blog followers, it takes time. And after awhile, you'll notice some people will unlike your page. That's okay. Just tell yourself they aren't your target audience.

Now that you have a few likes, it’s time to consider what you’ll be posting on your page. Grab a notebook and jot down some ideas. You can even stalk a few bloggers/authors you admire to see that they post.

Many writers don’t know what to share or how personal to get on social media. Here’s a list of ideas for you. You could easily plan ahead with these and schedule posts a week in advance.

Facebook Post Ideas:

·         Anything writing/reading related

·         Take advantage of the hastags: #MondayMuse #ManCrushMonday #TranformationTuesday #WomanCrushWednesday #ThrowbackThursday #FlashbackFriday

·         Fun facts about your published works that readers wouldn’t know.

·         Updates about your writing, editing, and publishing.

·         Pictures of your desk, office/work space, and bookcase.

·         Talk about new books you’ve purchased/read.

·         Writing tips

·         Writing quotes

·         Share things other authors post.

·         Announce sales, giveaways, and contests.

·         Cute pictures of your pets.

·         Share your new blog posts.

·         Music videos for songs you write to.

·         Teasers from your books.

·         Scenery pictures from your vacations.

·         Jokes

Here is a timeline of my Facebook page’s major accomplishments to give you an idea of how long it took me to get to where I am today:

Created Page June 10th 2012

30 Likes December 1^st 2012

First Random Like December 17^th 2012

50 Likes February 19^th 2013

100 likes September 4^th 2013

150 likes December 26^th 2013

200 likes March 7th 2014

FYI #3: Facebook is limiting how many people see your promotional posts that are all "buy, buy, buy." As long as you're creative with your posts about sales and book releases and avoid the word "buy," people should see it. It's true though that not as many followers are seeing posts from pages anymore and that's because those people don't actively engage in that page's posts, so that page's posts eventually drop off their news feed. You can combat this by being as engaging and interesting as you can.

SHARE your Facebook tips.

QUESTION: What do you like to post on Facebook? What do you like seeing other authors/writers post?