When managed well, Facebook's community of 500 million (and counting!) global users is an ideal place for brands to get the message out. But before you start developing dazzling social campaigns, start by taking a small foundational step in the right direction.

If you're using Facebook to promote a brand, be sure to create a dedicated Brand Page (not to be confused with an individual profile). Brand Pages let companies promote wares while giving multiple admins access. A skinny on the perks, kindly listed by The Social Path:

• Vast reach. Brand updates are broadcast on the newsfeeds of fans—which can hit unlimited numbers. (A personal profile is limited to 5,000 "friends.")
• Admin privacy. Fans can't see page administrators, ensuring no distraction from brand engagement.
• Customization. You can create custom tabs for applications, coupons or special offers.
• Analytics. You can measure fan growth, engagement and traffic.

When wading into Facebook's volatile social space, give yourself the solid foundation of a well-managed Brand Page equipped with the tools you'll need for more complex social marketing down the line. It doesn't sound like a grand gesture, but it's an integral step in ensuring the success of your engagement strategy.

Ready? Go: Create a Brand Page here. And for brand managers who are hesitant to launch a Facebook page of their own just so they can become Brand Page administrators, no worries: You have the option of opening a business account, which requests only the information necessary to enable you to run Pages and ads.

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