In this day and age, it has never been easier to have an online presence for your business. Facebook remains one of the most popular tools : easy to use, ability to reach a wide audience whether local or international, reaches customers from a wide age group, helps to network, share videos and photos, create an online shop…. The list goes on!

However, I still see many businesses who use a Facebook Profile instead of a Facebook Page for their business.

Why does it matter?

By doing so, they are missing out on so many opportunities for their business, and losing out on customers.

I know that personally, I will very rarely, if ever, accept a friend request from a business profile. Indeed, I don’t want just anyone seeing the videos and photos I share on my personal account with my family and close friends. However I will happily like and follow businesses I want to stay in touch with.

There are also many benefits from having a Business Page rather than a Profile for your business.

What’s the difference between a Facebook Profile and a Facebook Page?

Facebook Profile

Most of us will have a Facebook Profile, as you will need a Profile to sign up to Facebook.

Profiles are usually used as a personal account.

You can connect with family and friends, share photos and videos etc.

You can keep your Profile private.

You can set your profile to review any friend requests before accepting them.

Most importantly for the purpose of this article : your personal Facebook profile should be separate to your business.

Some people choose to have a separate profile for this business. However this is against Facebook’s Terms so your account may be closed down.

Facebook Page

If you’re trying to create an account to promote a business, product, organization or idea, Facebook encourages you to create a Facebook Page.

Facebook explains the use of a Page as : “You can like or follow a Page to get updates from business, organizations and public figures. Anyone with a Facebook account can create a Page or help manage one, as long as they have a role on the Page.”

Having a page takes away the issue of getting friend requests from people who want to find out more about your business.

It immediately makes your business appear more professional.

You can get reviews from customers, which is really important.

You can link it with your other social media accounts, your website, email etc.

You have access to Facebook Insights.

You can create groups in relation to your business, and build a community purely around your business and what you offer.

Pages are just as easy to use as your profile, and they can make a huge difference to your business.

How Do I Set Up a Page?

First step : you will need a Facebook Profile. All you need to set this up is an email. Simply go to https://www.facebook.com/, and follow the instructions.

Once you have a Facebook Profile, setting up a Page is easy as pie!

1. From your main Facebook dashboard, click on the + sign to bring up the “Create” menu.

2. Select “Page”.

3. Follow the instructions by filling in each field.

Tailor it to your business

You can select the right template and services for your business. Ensure you select a template allowing your customers to leave you reviews.

Have fun with it

You can use Canva to create images that really showcase your business, and allow your Facebook Profile to truly reflect your business and of course, you.

Show yourself

Make sure you show up on your page. Show your face, respond to comments, ask questions in your posts, interact with other pages. This will help customers connect with the human side of your business, and help you create a community around your business.

Invite Your Friends

The best way to start promoting your page is via your inner circle : invite all your Facebook friends to like your page, and ask them to share your page for you on their profiles too.

Familiarise Yourself with Your Page

Have alook through all the options and fill in as many (relevant) fields as possible. Ensure to link in your website and other social media accounts related to your business.