Facebook is a great platform that can have many uses for the same person. Millions of individuals have personal Facebook pages that exist on the same platform as countless business pages. The separate pages can coexist in harmony or they can exist as entirely separate entities. Some even walk the fine line of using one Facebook page for both purposes. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of all practices so that you can decide what would work best for you.
The Personal Page
We have all heard the debates about social media and privacy. In all actuality most of us are comfortable sharing some of our information with a third party such as Facebook in exchange for use of the platform. But what about privacy from your customers? If you choose to maintain a personal Facebook page, that is exactly what you can get. Your personal and professional lives are probably very different. What is appropriate for your friends from college might not be appropriate for your favorite client. Distancing the two pages is the best way to separate these aspects of your life. If you are looking to separate the pages remember to:
Keep the privacy settings on your personal pages set fairly strict. Business associates might still find your personal page, so if you are looking for separation then keep your personal page private. This just good common sense; make people connect with you as friends before they can see all the information on your page.
Ground yourself in reality. Social media gives the world a look into your life. Don’t post pictures that you do not want seen or make it a habit to make overly personal comments. Facebook is a way to keep in touch; it doesn’t have to be your personal soapbox. If all of your friends on your personal page don’t think exactly like you, then putting out messages about how your personal views are the best can create problems.
Beware of using your personal Facebook page to promote your business. Although the occasional “plug” might be okay, your friends and family will probably tire of your personal marketing messages. Besides, are they really the right audience for your marketing efforts?
The Business Page
Keeping a separate business page is a great way to keep in touch with customers and even pick up a few more. If your business page is separate then you can tailor it to match your business, regardless of your personal life and interests. To properly brand your business, you likely speak in a voice that is somewhat different than your own voice. There is nothing wrong with this; people and brands are different things. A separate business page lets you share specials, promotions, new products or services and information about your industry with your customers. Many of them might love your business but not realistically be interested in your personal views. Remember, it’s not personal–it’s just business. Keep in mind:
You will need to be responsive to any interaction on your business page. While ignoring a comment on your personal page might not matter, you can insult customers by ignoring their input on a business page. Always respond regardless of the tone of the comment. It can be a great way to strengthen a bond with a customer and show others that you are customer-centric.
The business page is about business. Use it to link yourself to your customers and other like-minded organizations. Social media is about sharing; failing to share means you are not correctly using the platform, so make some virtual friends in your industry if it seems feasible.
The Combination Page
This is a delicate thing to pull off. You must remember that sometimes customer service means thinking about what is best for the customer and not for yourself. This can be tough, and if you are not careful you may make the wrong kinds of comments. In general this method isn’t recommended for anyone. This method is a common approach for small business owners who have made their companies their lives. That passion translates well for social media: you know your customers by name and they know you the same way. Just remember that an old friend might post a comment about a spring break ten years ago that your current clients see when they are visiting your page.