Create a Facebook Page – Step by Step

Do you have a Facebook page to showcase your handmade items?  Why not?!

Facebook is an exciting (and free!) online tool to help you market your handmade crafts. EtsyMarketing.org reader Elizabeth, from Etsy shop Suite Life, was kind enough to send over a tip walking us through Facebook. There’s no excuse – get a Facebook page!

Elizabeth has seen Etsy success by starting a Facebook page for her shop.  “Facebook is something simple to use that can truly increase sales and brand recognition of your Etsy shop,” Elizabeth said. “Within a few days of adding the etsy app to my personal page I sold 3 items. Within 2 days of adding a business/fan page for my shop, I had more than 50 fans!”

Elizabeth has put together a step-by-step tutorial on how to add the Etsy application to your page and how to create a business/fan page on Facebook.  In this post, we will discuss how to create your very own Facebook page for your shop!

Nervous?  Don’t be!  As Elizabeth says, “Don’t get discouraged! If you can set up an Etsy shop, you can set up a facebook page!”  On a business page you can get fans of your work, send update blasts  for promotions, and correspond directly with past and potential customers.

Below are Elizabeth’s steps to creating a business/fan page for your Etsy shop:

1. In the top right corner of the www.Facebook.com home page type “Facebook Pages” into the search box.
2. Click on “Facebook Pages/ Public Profiles.”
3. Under the “Get Started” section, click on “Create Your Page Now.”
4. Find you category.  Elizabeth says most Etsy shops fall under “Local Business: Store”
5. Next, pick your name. Make sure you spell it correctly as it cannot be changed!
6. Here’s the fun part – create your Facebook page!  You can add your website, photos, info, etc.  Include anything you think will make your page look interesting and inviting!
7. Make sure to click on “Publish Your Page” when your done.
8. Go back to the Facebook home page. Don’t be nervous that you can’t find your page!  Look to the right side of the home page and you’ll see something called “Page Manager.” Click on it!  “Page Manager” will not only give you analytics from your page, but will allow you to go to your page, edit, etc.

Thanks Elizabeth!

Elizabeth also shared some of her Facebook success tips:

• “Reach out to your friends to get fans! The best form of advertising is word-of-mouth,” Elizabeth says.  To get fans of your page, look to the bottom left of the page to a tab that reads “share+”.  This tab will allow you to share your new page with up to 20 people at a time.  Send your friends a quick email via Facebook asking them to become fans.
• “Upload photos and keep your status updated,” suggests Elizabeth.  By updating your status you’re staying connected with your fans.
• “Once you have a good amount of fans,” Elizabeth says, “thank them by sending them a Facebook special on your site.”  Elizabeth suggests writing something like this:  “Thanks for becoming a fan of XX! Shipping is free to all XX Facebook fans this weekend! Happy Shopping!”
• “Don’t forget to add your Etsy app to your newly created Etsy shop page,” says Elizabeth.  Elizabeth outlined how to add the Facebook Etsy Application in a previous post.

Thank you for your tips Elizabeth.  Be sure to check out Elizabeth’s Etsy shop Suite Life and become a fan of her shop on Facebook!

How have you utilized Facebook to increase handmade craft sales?  What has worked for your shop?  Do you have a tip or two to add to Elizabeth’s list?

Join HandmadeMarketing.org by telling us about your social networking ideas. If our editors like your tips, we will feature your information in a future article and cite you as the source.