If you’re ready to start using Facebook to advertise your business, but aren’t sure where to begin, we have some ideas and tips for you. Learning about Facebook advertising can lead to an increased following, an improved social presence, and eventually generate more sales. These are all things you need to get your brand recognized, grow your business, and increase revenue.

First, let’s start with some important rules of thumb that will help you as you initiate your business and put it out on social media outlets.

Keep your business launch simple. Setting up a business page is not difficult, as Facebook Business has made it as easy as possible to launch your business. Once you have launched your site, be sure to name your page, provide a blurb about your business, add a profile and cover photo,  and view how your product will look. At the top of your business page, you can add a call-to-action that will direct visitors to your page to something, like visit your website or call your store. You want your page and product posts to feel intuitive so that users don’t struggle to navigate. Having a site that users do not find user-friendly can be a major deterrent to your business’s growth.

Keep your alternative business pages consistent. People are attracted to what’s most familiar, so gaining more following means thinking about what will attract your customers and help them remember who you are, what your business looks like, and what you sell. Design a memorable brand and logo, and use that on all business pages you launch. While almost any photo can be used as your profile or cover photo on Facebook, adhering to the recommended sizes for the photos prevents your profile and cover photos from being altered or distorted. Facebook may be the impetus for your business launch, but you will eventually want to market on other social media platforms or develop a professional business website to which you direct consumers. Choose site themes with some variation of the same color or style and create a design that is representative of the color and style that aligns with the vision of the brand. This way, your consumers can identify you quickly and easily.

Use one or more types of Facebook ads. Facebook offers a robust range of advertising options for your business. Clicks to Website ads, for example, allow you to link specific pages on your website in the news feed for both desktop and mobile users, while Website Conversion ads allow you to director visitors to your site to specific pages with the goal of turning those visitors into sales, leads, subscribers, or consumers. Page Likes ads allow you to target audiences that will be most likely to convert into business and encourage them to become fans of your business page, while Page Post Engagement advertisements permit you to increase the number of likes, shares, and comments on your business Facebook page posts. You may also want to consider the premium ad placement offers that guarantee that your ad will be featured at the top of the feed or sidebar for targeted users. You may want to look at ad types for specific objectives before committing to one.

Maintain a connection and use content marketing. Be sure that your business Facebook page provides information regarding how to reach you. Many ecommerce businesses have a “contact us” form, allowing customers to ask questions, request information, or make suggestions to which you respond individually. Using even one of Facebook’s four amazing live features is another way to set your store and apart from the competition by giving users easy and timely access. When consumers can see you, it adds a sense of trust and security and increases your level of credibility with your customers, increasing the potential for consumer loyalty and repeat sales.

Also, remember that posting interesting and appropriate content will help generate enthusiasm for your site, and, in turn, your product. Consumers who come to read or post on your Facebook business page are more likely to purchase. You may want to add a blog, play interactive games, host a product review forum, or encourage an ongoing discussion. Generating more online traffic also means increasing visibility and building interest, so posting links to product information or related articles can grow your consumer following.

Facebook has a range of advertising and post boost options, so check out the many ways this social media platform can be a wise first choice in business launching and growth. What are your suggestions for using Facebook for your business? Comment here.