Social media is beneficial to link to publications that are of interest to you, such as Farm Futures. However, it also can serve to expose your farm business.

Whether you offer a product or services, social media can allow you to connect directly with existing and new customers, is affordable (free), and can help you direct users back to your website.

Here are some steps to help you set up a Facebook page for your smart office:

1. Go to www.facebook.com, and sign in or, if you do not have an account, select the "Sign Up" button.

2. On the left-hand side of the status page, you will see a section called "PAGES." Select "Create Page."

Make a place for social media in your farm's smart office

3. Then select the type of page (e.g. Company, Organization or Institute) you intend to create, and enter the information requested (e.g. Farming/Agriculture) and select "Get Started."

4. Provide a brief description of your business, add your website address and create a custom Facebook web address. Be clear and concise.

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5. Upload a Profile Picture. You will need to make sure your image is square.

6. You will then have the opportunity to create an ad. Advertisements on Facebook are affordable and you can target your ad to a specific audience—such as users who like hog farming and live in Clive, Iowa.

7. Top off your page with a nice cover photo.

Voila, you have a Facebook Business Page! How will you use it? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Upload photos of your operation.
• Invite friends or customers to follow you, and keep them up-to-date on products, services or happenings at your business.
• Provide links to your website.
• Link your business page to a Twitter account.
• Share some of your favorite blogs from FarmFutures.com.

How do you use social media for your smart office? Tell me about it in the comments below, on Twitter @nerdsquawk or via email at [email protected].

The opinions of Jessica Michael are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or the Penton Farm Progress Group.