Facebook: Business Pages Vs. Personal Profiles

Have you discovered the benefits of using Facebook for your business? In a nutshell, they are numerous and growing every day! Using Facebook to promote your business only makes sense given the explosion of social media, however, if not used correctly, you may not only be toying with Facebook’s terms of use policy, but you’ll also be missing out on the full power of this mega marketing tool.

Many of us assume since we have a personal profile (group) page that we can easily manage to throw our businesses up the same way and we’ll be bragging about our number of “fans” or “likes” in no time. The fact is though that Facebook policy dictates that your business be constructed on a different platform known as a “page”, whereas your personal account is known as a “profile”.

Business pages are relatively new to the every changing structure of Facebook, however, the good news is that by using the “page” platform you are opening the door to wonderful and productive features exclusively used for promoting your business which can definitely be used to your advantage.

Pages Versus Profiles

Facebook Profile:

• Strictly for people (not a business or product) to interact with friends and family.
• Any individual can create a profile, just not a commercial business or product.
• A business that opens a profile page is in direct violation of the Facebook Terms of Service and will be disabled.
• Other users become FRIENDS of a Facebook Profile.
• A Facebook Profile can upload pictures, videos, status updates, and can invite people to become friends.

Facebook Pages:

• Designed for businesses, brands, companies, products, and celebrities.
• Other users become FANS of a Facebook Page.
• Can upload pictures, videos, status updates, host a discussion board, display wall posts, and other features.
• Can track metrics like fans, page views, interactions, gender, age, location, language, and more.
• Can not invite other members to become a fan.

Why The Need To Separate The Two?

One of the main reasons Facebook has decided to keep companies separate from personal accounts is to keep spam under control. If a business was able to create a profile using a personal platform, it could then invite anyone to become a “fan” of their page and users would be bombarded with companies eager to ask for your business. So, basically, in order to avoid unwanted solicitation, Facebook created the separate page for business.

But, that’s ok! In turn, Facebook provides businesses with tools and options specifically geared towards your business that allows you to grow a following and promote your products or services all while staying within the rules. By following Facebooks business and personal guidelines, you set yourself up to succeed the right way.

Interior Design Pro Facebook Page

Now that you know the difference between a Facebook page and a Facebook profile, you may want to go ahead and set up your own Facebook Welcome Page – or join us next time where we’ll show the basic steps needed to create a page or profile, as well learning helpful tips that will save you time, money and effort – all while promoting and growing your business the Facebook way.

For more information on this subject, as well as gaining insight into all areas of designing, please visit us online at Interior Design Pro, where we continue to bring you the latest in Interior Design Ideas and Photos and offer you an invaluable resource with our Interior Designer Directory.