Do you ever feel like that’s how some marketers approach social media?

It feels almost like a threat – Like my page – or else! What a strange way to welcome new visitors to your inner-circle….

For the purposes of this discussion, I am talking about Facebook marketing in general. We’re discussing Facebook Pages and not Facebook PPC. And I’m not going to talk about getting “Fans” or “Followers” just for the sake of numbers. I believe the value is not in the number of Followers you have. Instead, value is found in the quality and quantity of interactions. But that’s an entirely different topic altogether.

Today we’re talking Facebook Fan Pages – and why they’re essential for online marketers. You may be wondering: Do I need a Facebook Page?

Facebook fan pages are essential.

I know many of you cringe when you hear “Facebook Advertising” and you instantly doubt how you could possibly make any money through Facebook. I think it’s very important to realize one major point:

It doesn’t matter what YOU think of Facebook.

Your customers are already there.

So, get over it. Your customers are visiting Facebook every day. They are being confronted with other people’s Facebook Pages and they are buying products promoted by other marketers. If you’re not there, you’re losing out. It’s that simple.

Facebook Fan Pages are mini-websites targeted for your readers.

Think of a Facebook page like any other web page. Its almost like a giant web ad. Landing pages should each serve one purpose – and one purpose only.

If you go to the average Facebook Fan Page, you will see it’s not ideal for internet marketing purposes. There are links all over the page. It’s scattered and messy.

Focus on one purpose and one purpose only.

If you can create a custom “Welcome” page for your new visitors, you instantly limit the number of distractions. There is only one option – “Like”. A custom Facebook landing page can make it clear to new visitors that you have something of value to offer them.

“Like” me – or else!

When a new Fan arrives at a fan page wall, there’s a chance that the discussion on the wall is about something they’re not interested in.

If this is the Fan’s first exposure to your fan page, it may be enough for them to decide not to become a fan and wander away. Eek!

Grab their attention before they click that “back” button!

However, if a custom landing tab highlights something for each of your different user segments, then users will realize what you and your fan page have to offer them. That way they won’t be discouraged if what they’re looking for isn’t the most recent topic of discussion on the wall, and they’re much more likely to become a fan.

Once they become a fan, they’ll begin getting your updates, you can interact with them, and they can interact with one another. You’re one step closer to building a targeted community of enthusiastic fans in your niche!

How do I customize my Facebook Page?

Now, I can’t answer this question for you. As most of you know, I am technically challenged. Leigh of Advanced Fan Page Solutions worked her magic on the PpcMom Facebook Page. I love what she’s done with it. There is NO way I could do that myself. HTML and CSS are not my strong point.

I know there are many of you who know how to do this. Do you have any tips, hints, wisdom you can share with us?