How to Correctly Create an Author Page on Facebook
Many authors have an account on Facebook that holds their author name and boasts their books. But, many authors have actually created their author page incorrectly.
The problem is that they’ve created a new Facebook account under their author name, but an author page needs to be a Facebook business Page, not a Facebook account. Using a Facebook Page instead of a normal account provides you with so many benefits and will help you exponentially.
Before I explain how to create a proper author page on Facebook, I want to explain why you need a Facebook Page instead of a second Facebook account.
When you create a second Facebook account, people have to search you out and add you as a friend. A Page will actually be suggested by Facebook to those users who have shown similar interests. Then, they will be able to follow your Page if they are interested in following you.
When you create a new account instead of a Page, you don’t have the selling tools available to a Page. With these tools you can run ads, promote posts, and have your page suggested to users following similar pages. You will be able to put your posts and your books out there to find readers, rather than waiting for readers to find you.
Using an account instead of a Page can seem unprofessional. You want your websites and social media accounts to look professional, and because of this, you should be sure you are using a Facebook Page instead of a normal account.
Pages are meant to be shared and public, but accounts tend to be more private because they are supposed to represent people as a way to communicate with family and friends. Pages, on the other hand, are made to be open to the public and help you reach your intended audience.
If you use a pen name and you’re worried about someone finding your personal Facebook account and identity, don’t be. I’ve talked to several romance authors about creating a Facebook Page correctly, rather than making a new Facebook account. One of the biggest worries for those who write under pen names is that their real identity will be revealed through this process. While you control your Page through your main account, your identity isn’t shared in any way on your Page. They are kept separate to the public, so you don’t have to worry about your real name getting out there.
I hope this helps you understand why it is so important to make sure you are using a Facebook Page to represent you as an author on Facebook rather than an account. There is so much more you can do, and it will help you tremendously.
Now I want to share with you the steps to create a Facebook page that will allow you to do all the wonderful things you need to be able to promote your books and yourself.
Creating a Facebook Page on Your Desktop
Go to your regular Facebook account. The one you use all the time for yourself.
Click the + surrounded by a gray circle on the right side of the page. If you hover over this circle, it will say, “Create.”
A list of options will appear. Click the option that says, “Page,” and has a little flag next to it.
You will now have to put in your page information.
For your Page name, use your author name.
For your Category, type in and choose "Author."
You can also type in a Description. This is a great place to put a short summary about who you are and what books you write, so there is a description if someone comes across your page.
After you do this, you will hit the button at the bottom that says, “Create Page.”
Next, you will upload a profile photo for your Page. You could use a headshot or your author logo if you use this for anonymity.
You should also upload a cover photo. You can use a picture of your books, a banner with your newest release, or a scene that relates to romance.
Fill out your “About” section and add links to your author website (or the page where readers can buy your book if you don’t yet have a website).
Now you have a Facebook Page that will act as a business page, allowing you access to tools that a normal account doesn’t allow.
Creating a Facebook Page on Your Phone (in the Facebook App)
Go to your regular Facebook account. The one you use all the time for yourself.
Go to the right side of your screen and tap the option with three lines.
When the new page comes up with different options, click the rectangle that says, “Pages,” and has a little orange flag on it.
Next, hit the button that says, “+ Create.”
Click the blue “Get Started” button at the bottom of the new page.
You will enter your Page Name. Use your author name for this. Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page.
You will enter a Category that best describes your page. Type in and choose “Author.” Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page.
You can add a website now, and if you have an author website or a page where readers can buy your books, you should list it now.
Next, you need to add a Profile picture. You should use a headshot or your author logo for this.
Then, you can add a cover photo. You can use a picture of your books, a banner with your newest release, or a scene that relates to romance.
After this, you should hit the blue “Done” button at the bottom of the page.
Once your Page is created, you should be sure to fill out the “About” information for your Page.
Now you have a Facebook Page that will act as a business page, allowing you access to tools that a normal account doesn’t allow.
Creating a Page really is the way to get the most out of what Facebook has to offer for you. So take the time to set your Page up correctly, and use it to your full advantage.
