Finding the publishing tools on Facebook while using a desktop or laptop computer can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to look. The publishing tools allow you to create and schedule posts, upload photos and videos, and more. Here’s a quick guide to locating the publishing tools on Facebook for PC:
Check the Top Blue Bar
The main publishing tools on Facebook for PC can be found in the top blue bar at the top of your screen. On the far right side of this blue bar you’ll see a few icons, including a globe icon for notifications and a question mark for help. To the left of those, you’ll see a text box that says “What’s on your mind?” This is the primary status update box where you can type text, add photos/videos, tag friends, choose audiences, and publish posts.
Use the Shortcuts on the Left Sidebar
The left sidebar on Facebook also contains some key publishing shortcuts:
- Photos/Videos – Click here to directly upload photos or videos.
- Life Event – Create special posts for milestones like engagements, births, new jobs, etc.
- Feeling/Activity – Select a feeling or activity to attach to your post.
Access Publishing Tools from a Page You Manage
If you manage a Facebook Page, there is a whole suite of publishing tools available:
- Page Composer – This is like the status update box, but for your Page.
- Media Manager – Upload photos/videos specifically for your Page.
- Create Ad – Run ads to promote your Page’s content.
- Insights – View analytics on your Page’s performance.
Use Facebook Creator Studio
Creator Studio allows you to manage all of your Facebook Pages and post scheduling from one dashboard. To access it, click the arrow in the top right corner and select “Creator Studio.” This opens up advanced publishing options like:
- Multi-Channel Publishing – Post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. at the same time.
- Post Scheduling – Schedule posts to publish at specific dates/times in the future.
- Content Calendars – Organize and plan your content strategy.
- Performance Insights – Get detailed stats on your posts and strategy.
Install the Facebook Business Suite Extension
If you manage social media for a business, the Facebook Business Suite Chrome extension can add shortcuts right to your browser. Features include:
- Quick Post Composer – Write posts without opening Facebook.
- Notifications – See Pages alerts without switching tabs.
- Insights – View top posts and other analytics.
Use Facebook Ads Manager
Facebook’s ad creation platform allows you to make posts that are promoted as ads to reach more potential customers. Features include:
- Audience Targeting – Target your ads to specific demographics and interests.
- Placements – Choose where your ads appear (Facebook, Instagram, etc).
- Budget and Scheduling – Set daily/lifetime budgets and schedules for your ads.
- Performance Tracking – See detailed metrics on impressions, clicks, conversions, etc.
Go Live Using Facebook Live Producer
The Facebook Live Producer desktop streaming app allows you to broadcast live videos to your followers. You can add titles, overlays, switch between cameras, and more. It includes features like:
- Multi-Camera Streaming – Switch between different cameras and devices.
- Titles and Graphics – Add titles, animations, overlays and captions.
- Interactivity – See comments and add polls and Q&As.
- Screen Sharing – Broadcast your computer screen.
Create Instant Articles with Publishing Tools
If you operate a news Page, the Instant Articles publishing format allows you to create rich, immersive articles optimized for mobile. Features include:
- Interactive Elements – Add components like maps, carousels, and timelines.
- Analytics – Track views, engagement, consumption, and more.
- Monetization – Insert ads or enable subscriptions.
- App Integration – Drive installs of your native iOS/Android apps.
Manage Jobs Postings
Facebook’s job listing tools allow Pages to promote open job positions. You can leverage features like:
- Targeted Reach – Promote job ads to interested job seekers.
- Application Management – Collect and manage applications.
- Screening Questions – Have candidates answer screening questions.
- Posting from Pages – Post jobs directly from your Facebook Page.
Create Lead Ads
Lead ads let you generate potential sales leads via ads by capturing contact info like phone numbers, emails, and more from interested prospects:
- Custom Lead Forms – Tailor the lead info you collect.
- Pre-filled Information – Auto-populate forms to increase conversion.
- Lead Management – Track leads with analytics and export tools.
- Automatic Follow-Up – Send customized follow-up messages.
Manage Community Groups
Facebook Groups allow communities of people to come together around common interests. As a group admin, available publishing and management tools include:
- Member Moderation – Accept/decline members and remove those who violate rules.
- Content Moderation – Approve/delete posts and comments.
- Insights – Track growth, activity and engagement.
- Monetization – Charge membership fees or create shop tabs.
Use Messaging Tools
Facebook Messaging tools allow businesses to provide customer support and engage with prospects via messaging:
- Shared Inboxes – Manage conversations from the whole team.
- Quick Replies – Save and reuse common responses.
- FAQs – Provide answers to frequently asked questions.
- Chatbots – Automate conversations when possible.
Conclusion
Facebook offers an incredibly diverse array of publishing tools and options. The key is knowing where to look – start with the status composer box, Creator Studio, Pages tool, and ad interfaces. Chatbots, live video, lead ads, groups and more provide businesses powerful ways to reach customers. Use this guide to locate whichever publishing tools match your goals on Facebook!