Facebook tips
Are you starting up a Facebook page? Or just need some help making sure you're doing it the right way? Check out these tips and tricks for managing your Facebook page.
Get started with these tips:
- Make sure your page URL is easy to remember. You can change it by clicking "About" and "edit" next to "Username."
- Post a beautiful cover photo. The dimensions for cover photos are 828x315 and should include some reference to WVU, whether it be a building or logo. We recommend that you find a photo that includes some life.
- Post an informative profile photo. The dimensions for profile photos are 180x180 and should include a reference to WVU, whether it be the "Flying WV" logo or "WVU." We recommend that you also include information to differentiate your page from the main WVU Facebook page (So don't just have a profile photo that's a "Flying WV" logo.)
- Fill out the "About" section. Simple enough ... right? But it should be filled with interesting insights - not just the basics.
- Check your settings and other page information. You may want to set up certain moderation functions or profanity filters, among others.
- Manage your page roles closely. You should give administrator access to at least one other person, but don't feel like everyone needs access to your page.
- Once your page is set up, let us know here.
Once you've created your page:
- Remember, Facebook's demographic is skewed toward the older demographics, particularly alumni and parents.
- Take advantage of the scheduling function (found in "Publishing Tools"). If you're managing a social media account but don't have a lot of time to do so, you can take a few minutes per week and schedule posts for the whole week using this tool.
- Write the perfect post. We have some tips to do so here.
- You don't necessarily have to post to Facebook every day, but we do recommend that you post at least a handful of times per week. Develop a solid content calendar to keep this from becoming a chore.
- Do not ... we repeat ... do not link your Facebook and Twitter accounts. We ask that you treat every social media platform differently.
- Tag other accounts to spread information ... even the main WVU Facebook page. This will help increase exposure of your post.
- Engage in your posts. If you ask a question in your post, make sure to like and reply to comments, as well. If someone asks a question in the comment question, be active and respond, as well. You want to build a community with your audience, not just become a speakerphone.
- If you allow others to post on your wall, look at what they're posting; there may be posts from time to time that are worth sharing.
- If you're managing Facebook via your phone, there is an app called "Facebook Pages Manager" that allows you to separate your personal Facebook page from your college/department/unit page.
- In general, search through the settings and if you have questions, please contact us at social@mail.wvu.edu.
Once you've posted:
- Take a look at the start of each month to see how you did through "Insights." Specifically look for posts that did well and others that didn't do so well. You may begin to see trends for posts your audience likes and doesn't like, and that will allow you to tweak your content month-to-month.
- If you have the social media budget, think about promoting your page or posts to improve reach. For more information, check out this story by Social Media Examiner. If you are looking to develop advertising campaigns on social media and would like advice, contact Tony Dobies at Anthony.Dobies@mail.wvu.edu.
More Facebook resources: