Facebook Tutorials: An Introduction to Facebook for Beginners

We’ve had an influx of new users completely new to social media. This makes sense. Social Media use is continuing to grow, especially in the older demographic, and as more employers, customers and potential partners use social media to make decisions, these users are hoping to use our system to leverage social media for career advancement. This series was inspired to help all you new comers. Before you use our system to find jobs, close deals and control first impressions, you need to set up your profiles first.

1) Keep it Clean

You don’t need to be a saint on Facebook, but you don’t want to embarrass yourself either. A general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t be comfortable with a stranger, employer or family member finding it, keep it off. This includes

* Photos of illegal activity: Underage drinking, drugs, etc
* Provocative or inappropriate photos and status updates
* Status updates bad-mouthing previous employers or employees
* Discriminatory remarks related to race, gender, religion, etc
* Status updates with poor grammar or communication skills

2. Set privacy settings

If you want to become more visible in your industry and have your profile rank high in Google searches:

* Set your profile to be publicly viewable in search engines
* Turn tagging off for photos to prevent friends from tagging you in pictures you may regret
* Be mindful of all items you post – they will be visible to world

If you only want to use Facebook to communicate with close friends, choose privacy settings that give a select group of people access to your private life. For example, you can lock it down for everyone except your family or your college friends.

3. Upload your profile picture

If you want people to remember you, a picture is worth a thousand words. You don’t have to be in a suit, but upload a picture that relates to your brand. Keep it clean, smile and look into the camera.

4. Fill out your profile details

Interests, activities and employment are all important aspects of your personal brand. Paint a fuller picture of yourself by showing your human side. Update your profile every few weeks to keep it compelling and current. Avoid controversial issues like political and religious views.

5. Claim your public profile URL

Claim your public profile URL (www.facebook.com/yourname). To promote your profile, put the URL in your email signature, resume, business card and website.

6. Import your contacts

Once a month, import your contacts from your email and instant messenger accounts. This will grow your Facebook network as you meet new people through other channels.

7. Join relevant groups

Search for relevant groups (professional, social and alumni) by keyword. Connect with active members in your industry, join discussions to make yourself known and provide thoughtful insights on topics relevant to your career.

8. Start your own page

Create a Facebook group to bring people together around your brand. Group pages become an outpost for your content, ideas, questions and discussions, and have the opportunity to go viral because they appear on other people’s profiles.

9. Status Updates

Use status updates to post tips, ask questions, and engage your connections in ways that reinforce your personal brand. Use Ping.fm to easily update your status on Facebook and other social networks at once from one place.

10. RSS display blog posts on your wall

If you have a blog, pipe your blog posts into your Facebook profile by adding an RSS app. It will make your profile appear active with a stream of relevant content as you publish posts on your blog.

11. Join or start an event in your area

Create an event to position yourself as a leader and an expert in your field. Open your event to meet new people that share your interests and can support your career.

For more beginner information on Facebook, don’t forget to check out these links: A Beginner’s Guide to Facebook, Social Networking: A Beginner’s Guide to Facebook, Facebook Security: 5 Essential Ways to Boost Your Facebook Security, Facebook Tutorials.