#StaySocial : A Facebook Page vs. A Facebook Profile

I am often explaining the difference between a Facebook Page vs. a Facebook Profile to clients or potential clients. I am still surprised when I learn of a business still using a profile for their business.  Understanding the difference is extremely important. Businesses are only allowed to open pages NOT profile. A business which opens a profile page is in direct violation of Facebook guidelines. Facebook often shuts down profiles that are being used to promote a business.

 A Facebook Page:

• Visible to everyone

• Have a like button, there is no time delay while accepting a friend request

• Public so anyone can read and follow your posts

• You can install apps and tabs on your Page

• You can run ads for your Page

• You can run contests and promotions

• You have Facebook Page Insights which helps you see how your Page is performing

• You can add offers in which your fans can receive discounts to your business

• You can promote a post so that more people see it

• You can schedule your posts

  A Facebook Profile:  

Facebook profiles are for personal use, not for business. This is where you share pictures of your kids and connect with your family and friends. It’s okay to network with people using your personal profile, but you can’t conduct business. Remember that personal profiles represent individual people and must be held under your individual name.

This is from a section on Facebooks official policy (on difference between profile and pages):

Facebook profiles are meant to represent a single individual. Organizations of any type are not permitted to maintain an account under the name of their organization. We have created Facebook Pages to allow organizations to have a presence on Facebook. These Pages are distinct presences, separate from user profiles, and optimized for an organization’s needs to communicate, distribute information/content, engage their fans, and capture new audiences virally through their fan’s recommendations to their friends. Facebook Pages are designed to be a media rich, valuable presence for any artist, business or brand.

If you create a profile for your business, your account may be disabled for violating our Terms of Use. If you have questions about how to best leverage your Facebook Page, please check out ourInsider’s Guide or FAQ.

However I do recommend that you set up a second profile page that you use to market yourself as a business owner and direct people to your business page.

Business Page: