Let’s talk about your Facebook page. Let me first ease your mind. If you have an existing tab that uses the FBML app whether you’re aware of it or not your page is fine.
FBML is Facebook’s form of HTML. The application made it easy for the non-programmer to add code to their Facebook page. However, as of Friday, March 11th the non-programmer will no longer be able to add this application to a page.
As to whether the pre-installed FBML apps will go away, it’s unclear but definitely a possibility. Hopefully one that will be far off. If and when this does happen, your Facebook page will need to be updated by your webguy or webgirl. This isn’t something you want to do on your own unless you’re like me and get paid to look at code and solve technical mysteries all day. If you’re just dying to learn this code click here and put in the subject “Interested in learning code for Facebook pages.” (I’m adding this for fun, but if you’re interested, let me know.)
Let’s say you don’t have a Facebook page for your business. Take a look at a few reasons to consider getting one:
- It’s expected! While this may not make sense right now, observe how many websites and blogs you visit that have Facebook pages referenced. When there’s a site that doesn’t what do you think?
- You can customize it. A Facebook page allows you to create page links, formally tabs, for content such as your opt-in for your free offer. This gives you an opportunity to capture visitor information building your email list.
- Gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself before logging on to Facebook. Let’s think way outside the box and say someone came by your website who did not have a Facebook account. (Yes, people like that exist. My mother for example isn’t interested in Facebook, unless there’s an interesting pic or I’m trying to get her to remember someone.) When they click the button linking to you on Facebook and it’s your page, you can be right there front and center with a greeting, sharing something about yourself and encouraging them to hit the like button.
- You don’t have to keep up with friend requests. Before I go on, keep in mind you will need a personal profile to have a Facebook page. You can have unlimited likes for Facebook pages where as your personal profile is limited to 5000, which isn’t a bad problem to have. In fact, you’ll want your personal profile to have a pretty good amount of friends before leaping to a page. I hear 1000 is a good number. I’m still working up to it at 861 friends, so decide what works best for you.
If TV and news shows have Facebook pages then surely your business should have one too. Even retail stores and restaurants are pushing you to their Facebook page. At one time, AMC theaters was giving away popcorn coupons to those who like their page. For those who like the page for The Wendy Williams Show you’re entered into a drawing to win whatever the audience gifts were given that day.
Not having a Facebook page is like not having an email address. There was a time when having one was special, but now its the norm. Doctor’s offices are even asking for your email address. It’s time to get social!
