How often do you get a hair cut? Or, if that doesn’t apply to you, how often do you change the oil in your car?
If you want to look sharp and well-groomed, you may get your hair cut every 5 or 6 weeks like I do (I have short, fine, straight hair that looks sloppy if I don’t get it cut every month). If you want your car to run smoothly you probably get the oil changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (depending on who you listen to).
Well, it’s the same with your social profiles. I recommend you do a review or “social profile audit” every 3 months or so to make sure your business is represented exactly as it is right now. You could call it a social tune-up if you wish.
Today, you’re going to review, update, and optimize your Facebook Page profile. If you haven’t updated your Facebook Page in the last 3 months or so, it’s time to take a hard look at it and make sure all key information is up to date. You want to make sure your Page reflects your current business and direction for the coming year.
NOTE: If you don’t have a Facebook Page set up, you can do a similar review on your Facebook profile. If you have a business or you’re an author, I recommend you set up a Facebook page ASAP. Here’s a thorough guide from the folks at Buffer.
This audit is focused on information that doesn’t change very often. It’s not about the status updates you’re posting every day or the ads you’re running. It’s about the info people see and seek when they land on your page and want to find out more about you.
Do a 'social profile audit' on your Facebook Page profile every 3 months.Let’s get started.
First, you need to know that Facebook recently changed how Pages are displayed to your followers. You now have the ability to arrange how the content is displayed on your page by changing templates under Settings > Edit Page. The templates you can choose from depends on the Business Category you’ve chosen for your business. For example, for my page, Adventures in Visibility, I’ve chosen Consulting Agency and the template for Professional Services.
Depending on what you choose, you may or may not see the same options for optimizing your page, as I’m talking about here.
Tell Your Story in the About Section
Click on About (#1 in the left sidebar under your profile image)
- Review each field on the Page Info (#2) [hover over the right side to each field to see the Edit link #3]
- Is every field completed with the relevant information? You have a lot of room to tell your story.
- Is the information up-to-date? Has anything changed in the last few months?
- Do you have a call to action and link in the descriptions? You can include links to your lead magnets in the short and long descriptions and general information
- Do you have contact info?
- Is there a link to your website?
Optimize Your Visual Branding
There are two important images you want to give thought and care to:
- Your profile image. Is it a recent headshot or business logo? If the headshot is ancient (more than a couple of years old), I strongly urge you to get professional headshots done and update your profile image on all your networks.
- The cover image. If it’s been more than a few months, create a new cover image (I use the templates on Canva). Remember to add a call to action on the image and link it to the Call to Action button. Consider rotating cover images every couple of months or when you’re promoting a new program or lead magnet.
For examples of cover images with calls to action look at The Blog Squad, BizEase Support Solutions, and Wellness Warrior.
Remember, every Facebook page will be different. When you edit the About section, you may not see exactly what I’ve described.
If you have questions about optimizing your Facebook page, please post them in the comments below. Be as SPECIFIC as possible and include a link to your Facebook page so I can take a look at it. If you prefer, we can also work on it one-on-one privately.
Devin Schumacher
Hi Denise, haven’t checked my profile due to wild calendar schedule and everything but much appreciated! I will revisit it again for maintenance.
Thuy
I was reading your article then I had a smile when I saw my cover as I did not expect to see it.
Thank you for all your visibility tips! I see the difference it makes since I started adding more CTA to my posts on social media.
Denise Wakeman
I meant to let you know, Thuy! Glad to hear you’re getting results with your CTAs.
Denise Wakeman
BTW, I realize I forgot to add a link to your Page. Done now. 🙂
Thuy
No problem at all for the link. I was already happy to see that what I did was useful, and you motivate me to keep improving my CTAs 🙂