How to Fix It if Your Main Street, Chamber, Tourism Group, or Business Uses a Facebook Profile Instead of a Page
As a person, you have a Facebook Profile but your organization or business should be using a Page.
Unfortunately, many local organizations are using a Profile by mistake - whether it was created before pages existed or created by mistake this is a bit problem and it's time to address the issue.
Related: Check out our Marketing Minutes Video Comparing Profiles to Pages
Using a Profile "For Business" Is Against Facebook's Terms of Service
Facebook's Terms of Service prohibit using personal profiles primarily for business purposes. Violating these rules can lead to penalties, including:
Suspension of the account.
Loss of followers and access to features.
Switching to a page ensures compliance and allows you to leverage Facebook's powerful business tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating Your Business or Organization to use Facebook Pages
Sadly, Facebook recently ended the ability to automatically convert your Facebook Profile into a Facebook Page but it's still worth doing.
Create a Proper Facebook Page
Go to Create a Page and follow the steps to set up a business page.
Add complete details, including your name, description, contact info, and profile/cover photos.
Manually Transfer Content
Repost key photos, videos, and posts from your profile to your new page.
Highlight important events, updates, or stories.
Announce the Change
Write a blog post explaining why you’re switching to a page and its benefits.
Share this post via email to your audience, encouraging them to follow your page and subscribe to your newsletter.
Update Your Website and Locable Profile
Replace any profile links with links to your new page.
Update your social media icons on your website and Locable’s directory to ensure consistency.
Notify Your Audience on Facebook
Post a final update on the profile, directing followers to your new page.
Include a link to the page and a clear call to action to like and follow it.
Encourage Email Subscriptions
Use this transition to emphasize email sign-ups, explaining that it’s the best way to stay updated without being affected by social media algorithms.
Share your newsletter sign-up link on your page and in posts.
Promote Your Page
Run a small ad campaign to reach current followers and expand your audience.
Highlight the benefits of following your page, such as exclusive updates, event info, and offers.
By following these steps, your organization or business can transition smoothly from a personal profile to a business page.
Not only will you ensure compliance with Facebook’s policies, but you’ll also unlock important tools to grow your presence and engage more effectively with your audience... as well as better understand the limitations of reaching people on Facebook :/
