Avoid the #1 Mistake! "Facebook Page" vs. "Facebook Profile"...

Avoid the #1 Mistake!  "Facebook Page" vs. "Facebook Profile"...

For years now, businesses have been using Facebook to successfully market to the Facebook community.  However, I can't tell you the number of businesses and non-profit organizations I've worked with where I've had to explain to them that they need to scrap their page because they set it up incorrectly.  In some cases, countless hours have been dedicated to these pages and they've been online long enough to accumulate hundreds of "Friends"... and therein lies the problem.  Your Facebook presence for your business or organization should NOT have "Friends".  If it does... then it's not a "Facebook Page" for your business" but rather a "Facebook Profile".

What's the difference you ask?  "Facebook Profiles" and "Facebook Pages" have different key features.  Most importantly, what you're able to do to promote your business or non-profit organization using a "Facebook Page" is not available with a "Facebook Profile".  This will absolutely limit your ability to promote your business or organization.    Here are a few key points to understand before you get started:

• Business pages allow other users to "Like" the page... however, those who "Like" your page will have limited access to your individual profile page. This is a good thing.
• Profile pages have a "Friends" list.  These are people you've accepted or have accepted you after friend requests and confirmations have been exchanged.
• Business pages have "Fans"... otherwise considered "Followers".  These are people who have chosen to click the "Like" button on your business page.  Anyone in the Facebook community can "Like" a "Facebook Page"... and in most cases, your business "Facebook Page" will contain "Fans" who will not be found in your "Friends" list on your "Facebook Profile" page.
• Business pages can have an unlimited number of fans.  Personal profile pages still appear to have a limit of 5000 "Friends".
• Business pages allow "Status" updates... just like your "Facebook Profile"... however, this information is shared only with your fans.
• Business pages allow: pictures, videos, discussion board, applications, wall posts, and other interactive elements.
• Business pages allow you to promote your page in a number of ways including "Suggesting to Friends", "Add Like Box", "Send an Update" and more.  Facebook profile pages do not have these capabilities.

Although it can prove to be a bit challenging, I strongly encourage you to treat your "online" world as you do your "offline" world... and keep your personal life and your business life separate.  By using a personal profile page for your business, you're opening yourself up to potential issues, embarrassment, and even loss of business.  You may have a friend in your list who posts something questionable, off-color, or embarrassing.  While you and your "real" friends may see the humor or the irony... there will be other "friends" in your list who you've confirmed for business purposes... and they may be offended.

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