The No-Fear Fan Page

Facebook security continues to be a big talker in the news, so it’s no wonder some anchors and reporters are a bit leery about creating a Fan Page. But most stations are requiring it these days. And for good reason; Facebook has become the #1 fastest growing referral source for media websites.  Viewers will flock to a Fan Page where they can connect with a station’s popular on-air talent. And while 21^st century journalists have become accustomed to protecting their privacy…creating a Fan Page doesn’t have to put that in jeopardy. Here’s how to create the No-Fear Fan Page…

Tip 1: Don’t Attach Your Personal Profile

It’s important to understand that a Facebook Fan Page is entirely different from a Facebook Profile. If you don’t have a Personal Profile, you don’t have to create one in order to create a Fan Page. If you do have a Personal Profile, you don’t have to link it to your Fan Page. Instead, simply go to Facebook’s homepage, and click “Create a Page”. It’s located under the green “Sign Up” button.

You will then be asked what type of page you’re creating. Click “Artist, Band or Public Figure”.

Next, you’ll need to select “Public Figure” in the dropdown menu and give your Fan Page a name. Most stations prefer their on-air talent name the page beginning with the station’s call letters. (ie: WABC Jane Doe)

Facebook will make one last attempt to get you to create a Facebook account during the final step of the registration. If you want to keep your personal account detached from your Fan Page (or if you don’t have a personal account) simply click “I do not have a Facebook account.” You will still have to enter an email address, password, and birth date. But this will NOT be displayed on the Fan Page. It’s just Facebook’s way of making sure you’re a real human being over the age of 13. The email address and password will be your way of accessing and updating the page.

Tip 2: It’s All Optional

Once you’ve confirmed your account, Facebook will display a “Get Started” welcome page which is designed to help you set up your Fan Page. However, NONE of this information is required. It’s all optional. So, fill out only what you feel comfortable with. I suggest you add an image. But you may choose to ignore items 2-5.

Tip 3: Keep Basic Info Basic  

Once you have an image, you’ll want to enter some basic info. To do this, click “Edit Page” at the top right. This will bring up a menu of items which you can personalize. One of them is “Basic Information”. There are more than a dozen fields for you to enter. But again, they’re all optional. So only fill out what you feel comfortable with.

Here’s an example of how I filled this out for my fake Fan Page: “WNEWZ John Anchor”.

You’ll notice, it’s only displaying what I typed in…and it’s not giving any information I don’t want it to. It doesn’t know my address, my phone number, my spouse’s name, how many kids I have or where I went to school.

Tip 4: Turn Off Email Notifications

This has nothing to do with security.  But unless you want an email every time someone posts something on your page… I suggest you click “Your Settings” and turn off Email Notifications by un-clicking the box.

Tip 5: Keep it Professional

You’re in control of what you post on your Fan Page. Some talent chooses to post exclusively about their job. Others choose to post some basic personal tidbits like a photo of their dog or a favorite family recipe around the holidays. But again, it’s your choice.

It’s best to avoid posting information about when you’re leaving town or any personal family details. Let common sense and personal preference be your guide.