Although it’s debatable between the benefits of a Personal Page versus Like Page for business, I strongly feel that the former still holds great value as we build relationships with clients in an intimate way. For example, Facebook Personal Pages allow you to see clients’ updates whereas a Like Page can only push information outwardly.
In any event, let’s talk about the Ten Commandments of Facebook Personal Pages.
1. Thou shalt not invite everyone on their Friends list to an event.
I live in the United States, but I get invites to parties — get this — from across the Atlantic Ocean. Does this screenshot qualify his or her efforts? Localize.
Instead, create an event and post it on your Timeline. If it piques interest, people will join.
2. Thou shalt not tag for the sake of viewership.
Don’t upload a photo and tag everyone for the purpose of having them see it or shown on their respective Timelines, especially if they’re not even in the photo.
3. Thou shalt not promote oneself 24/7.
If you can’t produce beneficial content, then share content relevant to your business goal. Go ahead and throw in some funny pictures like cheezburger cat.
4. Thou shalt not complain 24/7.
Splendid. For the 3rd week in a row, you have insomnia. Repeating it won’t make it go away.
I know that life sometimes stinks. We will console you. Ultimately, focus on feel good factors.
5. Thou shalt not invite everyone to Like your Page.
If you have a Page, good.
Create some worthwhile content and tag yourself, so that it’ll enter people’s newsfeeds. If viewers are curious enough, they’ll explore. Forcing invitation of your Page to everyone is annoying.
Here’s another idea: host a giveaway.
6. Thou shalt not invite all Friends to play a game.
Negative.
7. Thou shalt not request all Friends to use an application.
Another negative.
8. Thou shalt not mass email everyone on his or her Friends list.
We hate spam. Even Spam Musubi isn’t that appealing … Why do it on Facebook?
9. Thou shalt not invite people to Groups without their knowing.
The perfect way to wake up in the morning is to realize that you’re unknowingly part of an active Facebook Group, so it plugs up your real notifications.
10. Thou shalt not update every hour.
Thanks for letting everyone know that you’re at the supermarket via FourSquare. And then at home. Followed by a visit to a burger joint. Next, a pit stop at Starbucks. And so forth …
Bottom line? Be considerate.
Facebook is always evolving, so this list will inevitably evolve. Just don’t do things you don’t think is cool.
I’m not complaining. I’m saving whomever face. I still quietly and diligently unfollow Groups I was forced into. I still quietly and diligently untag myself from photos that have no relationship to me. I still quietly and diligently …
Alas, not everyone is like me. The aforementioned actions could really upset others — like a permanent ban.
Saving people from trouble,
Lawrence Chan
P.S. I’m having an Häagen Dazs social at WPPI. Come join me Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 – 6:00 PM!
P.P.S. If any of these have happened to you, share.
P.P.P.S. Did I miss anything?
P.P.P.P.S. A nice note from Mark Oristano for my pricing and packaging e-book.
SUCH a good article! I am so sick of people I know complaining…I don’t want to buy anything from them!
Awesome list! It includes numerous pet peeves of mine that I quietly keep to myself :D
Great list! I’m going to share this :)
I also love when you a message send to everyone in which people are required to reply. Then you get “reply alls” until you can get to a computer and can exit the conversation!
I know, right! :x
Well said Lawrence! I couldn’t agree more and have to say the game invites and negative status updates are the ones I find the most annoying.
So here is what I think you missed, although maybe it only annoys me…
“Status updates spoiling the outcome of a show.” We live in the age of PVR’s so most people aren’t watching TV live anymore. I don’t need you to tell me who got the boot on Survivor or just died on Dexter. I will watch the show if I care. Or at least wait a few hours to post something. Maybe I am the only courteous one.
I also get annoyed when people update every single play that just happened at a sporting event. This would fall under your #10 “Thou shall not update every hour,” but these are usually every 5 minutes AND again if I am PVR-ing it I don’t want to see that on my FB wall. I usually just block those people.
I would be interested to hear peoples opinion on one other thing.
When “Like Pages” used to be called ‘Fan Pages’ FB users had to like the page first to interact with it. It was simple to make sure those taking part in a contest would become part of your audience. This is not the case anymore. Users can take part in a contest, comment on a wall or read all the good posts without ‘liking’ the page. This seems to be more challenging and I am wondering if people like this change or what they do to work around it.
Cheers,
Chuck
I do know that the change between Like versus Fan is based on the degree of one’s association. It’s easier to like something than to be a fan of it.
Way to keep it real Lawrence. What’s funny is that the ones that break your Commandments will not read your blog post, which allows for their perpetual commandment breaking.
Haha. Good times for their Friends.
Great post. Always a little tip or gem to implement.
I’m a personal profile user and although it requires more time I agree that seeing clients personal updates allows a much better level of ongoing interaction.
Thanks for this
Everyone should read this! Good post, as always, friend!
Hi Anna! Every time I think of going to Hawaii, I think of you. Can’t wait to see you again!
Thanks for the post! A few questions regarding facebook etiquette for business owners…
1) what is your opinion on friending all of your clients or prospecctive clients? Is this ok? Or can it seem pushy?
2) what about profile photos? If you’re friends with clients and/or business acquaintences on facebook, what would you consider the “rules” for a personal page profile picture?
Good questions.
1. I would suggest only befriending clients (not prospectives). Give them an excuse of easier tagging for their peers.
2. Profile photos should always be you; not your clients. This helps with promoting transparency.
http://tofurious.com/marketing-tips/7-ways-to-have-an-awesome-about-page/
I would add the suggestion to use each social media for its own purpose…if you’re going to write 10 updates in an hour while watching a sporting event..you know there’s Twitter that works great for that! And Pinterest…I am considering hiding some FB friends who keep on posting photos of their dinner plate on Facebook (through Pinterest)…I love to hear from them about other stuff but the food snapshots…they really turns my stomach!