How to create a Facebook fan page

Follow these easy step-by-step directions to get started on Facebook.

  1. To set up a Facebook fan page for your Stritch department or program, first secure the approval of your department chair or program manager. Unlike your personal Facebook page, on this page you will be speaking for the university. Include a statement on the page that states you reserve the right to remove any inappropriate content.
  2. To create a fan page, you’ll need to have a Facebook account. You can set up this account with your personal Stritch email account (fan pages keep your personal account information private) or you can set up the account with a department email (such as mydepartment@stritch.edu). Go to www.facebook.com and fill out the form on the homepage to set up a new account.
  3. Once you’ve set up your Facebook account, go to www.facebook.com and log in with your user name and password.
  4. Then go to www.facebook.com/pages/create.php
  5. You may want to use the category “Local > Education” or you may prefer to use “Brand, Product or Organization > Nonprofit.”
  6. For “Name of Page,” choose something that will clearly identify your organization. All Official Stritch Fan Pages must start with "Stritch" for the friendly URL. Note: you can only change your friendly URL once, so choose wisely.
  7. Then click on the “Create Page” button.
  8. Now you’re ready to start adding items to your fan page. Here are some ideas to help you build your Fan Page:
    • Avoid sending too many updates to your fans.
    • Highlight new Facebook features when and if they are added. Talk specifically about how to use new features and ask others to share their experiences with new features.
    • Mention when your website is updated, whether it’s new photos, an upcoming event, etc.
    • Add links to drive traffic to your department or organization’s website.
    • Favorite other Facebook pages that have topics similar to your Facebook page.
    • Monitor comments on your Facebook wall daily and respond to those that warrant it. Encourage two-way communication. Delete those comments that include personal attacks, vulgarity or racial / other slurs. However, do not delete comments simply because they are critical – rather, respond on the wall or directly to the individual with additional information.
    • Ask staff and co-workers to “Share” or “Post” to your Facebook page. Ensure their comments follow the guidelines for professional university communications.
    • Include a link to your Facebook page in your email signature.
    • Include your social media information in promotional materials.