Since its introduction to the marketplace in 2004, Facebook has experienced substantial growth with personal timelines and business pages. There are over 1 billion personal timelines and over 42 million business pages (with more than 10 “likes”).
As a small business owner or entrepreneur you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure your personal privacy; however, it is equally important to ensure your profile displays the information you choose!
Here are 5 tips to ensure your Facebook timeline is professional:
1. Work & Education Section
This is an entrepreneur’s opportunity to shine! Located in the About section of the personal timeline, users have the opportunity to include a link to their business’ Facebook Page, as well as a brief section of text describing their business’ products and services. Including a link to your website as well as a method of contact (email/phone) is also recommended. This section of information should be public, so that friends and non-friends can read more about your business. Click the globe, which indicates the information can be publically viewed.
2. Contact Info: IM Screen Names
Allow users the opportunity to connect with you on alternative mediums. Is your business using Twitter? Include your Twitter username under the IM Screen Name section. This also can be used for BBM, Google Talk and many others! Again, click the globe, which indicates the information can be publically viewed.
3. Website
The goal of many businesses is to drive traffic to their website. Highlight your company website on your personal Facebook timeline. In the website section, simply type in your website and click “Save.” Again, click the globe, which indicates the information can be publically viewed.
4. Likes
Yes, we know that you “Like” lots of movies, music bands, restaurants, and celebrities – but do you really want your clients to know that too? Probably not. While they will still be accessible to you, choose to hide your Facebook “Likes.” Click on your Likes, and then click “Edit.” Click the lock for all the categories, including “Other Pages You Like”, which indicates the information is accessible only to you.
5. Photos
While you may want friends the ability to access your photos, you may not want clients and strangers access to your photo albums. Navigate to your photos section, and view the privacy for each album. (Note: This is a good opportunity to delete any old and unwanted albums!) Next to the number of photos will be an icon that indicates the privacy setting. Select “Friends” or “Custom” (if you have lists) for each album. Confirm that no albums have the globe, which indicate they are public!
Do you have any great tips you would like to share? Leave a comment below!