How important is it to have a Facebook fan page? As the popularity of Facebook goes up, so does the number of fan pages out there.
And why? Well, number one, it's free.
Who wouldn't like to have a free page to advertise their products or services?
A clever Internet marketer can make their fan page a place where followers can get first access to deals and news about what they offer.

Why Have A Fan Page?

It can be indexed by Google! Did you know that the non-profit organization "Give Kids the World" has their own Facebook fan page? I didn't either, until I Googled them and saw it right on the first page of results! It's also a great way to improve your SEO.

It gives Facebook users a portal to your website! A fan page will often be Facebook members' first impression of your business.
Put links to your websites in a couple highly visible and permanent places on your page. This can help send Facebook users to your main site.

It separates your "business" side from your "personal" side. Even if you opened a Facebook account for business reasons, many people who are looking for what you offer will be looking for a fan page.
You can keep your business side corralled to the fan page while saving your main account for your real friends

I created a fan page, now what?

Invite your friends. By "seeding" your fan page with your friends, you can make it look like you've already had some luck getting fans.
And if they like what they see, they might post links to your fan page on their own accounts.
Give fans a place to interact. Many of the most successful fan pages have a message board. They might even leave feedback for you, so be sure to check in regularly.
Offer "exclusive" deals, freebies and giveaways for your fans. They hit the "Like" button and want to feel like they're getting something out of it.
Post updates regularly. Many savvy Facebook users will routinely clean out their "Likes" that have become inactive or no longer relevant.
Make a good first impression. A snazzy Welcome page goes a long way here.