These days, the use of Internet-capable mobile phones is rapidly growing. While still in the beginning stages, 16% of all U.S mobile users browse the Internet with their phone. (Nielson Mobile) That is nearly 40 million people, just in the U.S. alone.

Why would it be important for a small, local business to have a mobile friendly website?

The fact is, most of the searches conducted by mobile phone users are for something in their area. Directions, prices, times of their local coffee shops, boutiques or auto-repair shops, are all things customers want to know on the go. Making a mobile website before your competitors means the general public has easier access to what they need and want, which means you’ll get more business.

But why isn’t your state-of-the-art, custom-made website already mobile friendly?

Mobile websites are very different than what you’ve already got. Imagine trying to view a website built for a 21” high-resolution computer monitor on a 3” low-resolution phone screen? The mobile user ends up having to scroll and scroll through sidebars that aren’t on the side any more and through fantastic images that just don’t fit right on such a tiny screen. Mobile websites require much simpler content and fewer pictures in order for people to access them with ease. The message needs to be much more focused and to the point.

Go ahead; check out your site on a mobile phone. If you can’t find the information you are looking for within 5 seconds, you may need to consider developing a mobile-friendly website.

by Ashley Anderson

Step 1: Login to Facebook

(If you do not already have a facebook account, you’ll need to create one in order to make a facebook page.)

Step 2: Create a Facebook page

There are several ways to get to the “Create a Page” screen.

OPTION 1: At the bottom of your screen, you will see a small icon with an “f” on it. Clicking on this will bring you to your “Business Dashboard” where you can access your existing pages, ads manager and help.

When in the Business Dashboard, you can click the Pages link at the top and click the + Create Page button in the top right corner to create a new Facebook page.

OPTION 2: Typing the direct link http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php into your browser.

You’ll eventually see this page:

It’s important for you to determine which category you plan to focus on.

For Pixel Tech Designs, I chose “Brand, Product, or Organization” and then “Professional Service” in the drop down menu.

When finished selecting your category and filling out the rest of the form, click the “Create Page” button.

Step 3: Customizing your Facebook page

Congratulations, you now have a branded Facebook page.

Now it is time to customize it.

From this page you are able to upload photos, edit your business information, create events, and monitor your wall.

By clicking the Edit Information link, you are able to edit the basic and detailed information about your business.

Step 4: Publish your Facebook page

When finished editing your information, uploading photos and customizing your settings, you are now ready to Publish your page for all of Facebook to see.

After you Publish your Facebook page, you can still go back and edit your page details. So, dont worry if you make a mistake.

Pixel Tech Designs’s finished, published Facebook page ready for fans: