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Facebook Fan Pages Will No Longer Have Fans

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HeatherO Inc.

Facebook Language Change

 

Just when you thought you were NOT confused on facebook...

 

Here comes ANOTHER change!

Facebook recently announced a 'confidential' change to the way people engage with fan pages. While many are still trying to figure out the difference between a group and a fan page, Facebook is now going to change the verbiage from "become a fan" to "like". Not to be confused with liking a post, although you can still do that too! You can like a post, but not the page, or like the page. Confused yet? So was I! But it's ok, we will get through it! Here's the 'what':

  • Fan pages will still be called fan pages.
  • You will no longer 'become a fan' though!
  • You will "like' the page
  • You can 'like' JUST the post (as you do now)
  • If you like the post, you just like it
  • If you like the page, you have subscribed to it (like becoming a fan)
  • Once you like the page, you will see that page's updates in your stream
  • (I have no idea whether you will be able to un-like it)

So for those who hated the whole 'fan thing', you've got your wish! No more fans. What will you call your fans?

Facebook suggests that you call them 'connections' or 'people who like us on facebook' (not quite as catchy as facebook fan is it?)

Why the Language Change? Well, according to facebook they are changing the language people are much more likely (twice in fact) to 'like' something as click on 'become a fan'. Since there is huge value for facebook to know what you like (and who, and what you do, etc), they want to make it easier to know what you like! Contrary to popular belief, facebook is a business! The data that we as users provide them is valuable! So they want to make it easier to collect that data. Another reason mentioned is that Facebook is adding the 'like' concept across the web as a whole and they want to maintain consistency. People are already in the 'like' habit, so they see this as an easier thing for people to understand. (See this article for more about that) (I personally question the incentive of generating more ad revenue...) So, what does all of this mean? Well, for business owners it means that:

  • you will need to change any marketing materials, etc that say "fan" (you won't want to appear out of date)
  • you may find that you have more 'fans' (or likers?) because they will be more inclined to click like than fan
  • you won't be as sure that they are true fans however (in my opinion)
  • you may increase your 'likers' by the nature of more people clicking that like button means more of their friends see that connection

We won't really know until it all begins.

For facebook users it means that you can 'like' a post on a page, or like the page without calling yourself 'a fan'. It also means that you will be 'signing up for' posts from pages when you "like" the page, so you will want to pay attention and be aware of that.

None of us 'likes' change!

As frustrating as it might be at times, I try to remember that Facebook is an incredibly powerful tool than gives us tremendous value in many ways! Both personally and professionally! And we don't pay a dime for it! (We pay only in the information that we provide it). Like everything else in life, when you get stuff for free, you have to take what is provided. "Like it" or not...

So, I will take a deep breath, think about all of the fun, joy and benefit that I value in facebook, and roll with it! Even though right now I dont' really know if

I'll LIKE it :)

What are your thoughts?

Show All Comments Sort:
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Many people have info on all their websites and marketing that say "become a Fan" so there is a lot of work for many when this changes.

Apr 02, 2010 03:47 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

I guess this means our current fans will still like us?  I have come to expect changes all the time with Facebook......

Apr 02, 2010 03:51 AM
Home Design
Alpharetta, GA
Home Design and Real Estate

Does anyone know an exact date when this will go down?  I can't find anything on the web yet.  Thanks for the update Heather!

Apr 02, 2010 03:51 AM
Josef Katz
Digital and Direct Response Marketing - Manhattan, NY
{Marketing Maestro}

I "like" this post. 

If users can like a post without liking a page it should generate more activity for the entity runing the page which over time will generate more traffic so I think this should be a good thing.  However as you said we will have to see what happens.

Thanks for the heads up on this change.

 

Apr 02, 2010 04:00 AM
Ingrid Laine
Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. - Virginia Beach, VA
Loan Officer

I think it makes more sense. I am not a fanatic about the plumber's facebook profile(for example) so it's strange to say I am. I would however say I like the profile or company.

-Ingrid

Apr 02, 2010 04:09 AM
Heather OnullSullivan Canney
HeatherO Inc. - Apex, NC

Yes, changes are to be expected always, aran't they!

And yes, this will be a pain for a lot of people. The info was released to marketing agencies "confidentially" for that very reason (well, actually to give them a heads up on campaigns coming down the pike). I cannot find a change date Jennifer.

Apr 02, 2010 04:09 AM
Pat & Steve Pribisko
Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West - Westlake, OH

I, personally, believe that Facebook never intended to have Business/Fan Pages & that Facebook is still evaluating what it wants to do with them.

Apr 02, 2010 04:31 AM
Ted Tyndall
Davidson Realty Inc. - Saint Augustine, FL
I will help You find the Home YOU want to Buy

Heather, good post. I had not heard of that. Still trying to learn how to integrate it all together.

Apr 02, 2010 04:33 AM
Ross Therrien
Prudential Verani Realty, Londonderry,New Hampshire - Londonderry, NH
Realtor, Broker Associate

Thanks for the heads up.  Liking is more 2010 than 2009 fan.LOL

Apr 02, 2010 06:14 AM
Claude Cross
Homes By Cross, Inc. - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Homes For Sale

I just had a Professional Fan Page made. I must be chasing my tail !

Apr 02, 2010 10:11 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Ok here's to a new change. We have to understand this could happen.

Apr 03, 2010 04:14 AM
Heather OnullSullivan Canney
HeatherO Inc. - Apex, NC

Josef: that is what facebook is counting on!

Ross: too funny! LOL!

The key is still providing content of VALUE to those that you hope to serve (no matter what you call them!:)

Claude: No worries! Facebook is and will continue to be VERY powerful! The page wont change, just what fans are called! It will continue to be a powerful tool! I have a RE client who has gotten 2 new builder clients from hers and we just started 6wks ago! One is a 150 unit development! Woohoo! Can't beat that :)

Apr 03, 2010 05:48 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Maybe people don't want to become a FAN of someone they don't know? But they don't mind liking it? Who knows, but thanks for keeping us posted on the inevitable evolution of FB and everything else for that matter!

Apr 03, 2010 07:14 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Heather - I heard about this change, and I do LIKE it, but it does make it a little harder to describe those people who like your page, as you mentioned.  I wonder what they will call them?

Apr 03, 2010 07:20 AM
Alex Chang
Roost - San Francisco, CA

Great summary.  Sadly, I think for the Real Estate community this is not the best outcome.  It's not a disaster, but I don't think it's ideal.  To me it's this simple - it's easier to ask someone to "Become a Fan of my page and get weekly market insights" than to "Like my page and...".    That said, the key is that you have to make your page engaging/topical and somewhere people want to spend time.  As opposed to a page that they Like or Fan simply as a favor.

Apr 12, 2010 12:09 PM
Chris Alston
Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA
Silicon Valley, California

Great stuff!  I appreciate this post, as it clarifies what we keep hearing about.

Apr 12, 2010 12:20 PM
Reuben Saltzman
Structure Tech Home Inspections - Minneapolis, MN
Delivering the Unbiased Truth.

Thanks for the summary Heather.  Now to make the changes on my web site.

Apr 23, 2010 11:22 PM