Back to the Basics: When to Use a Facebook Local Business Page vs. Company Page
Facebook doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s important that you’re carving out a space for your company on the social network. However, there are quite a few choices you have when it comes to creating a business page (6 choices to be exact), and it can get a little bit confusing. These choices include:
- Local Business or Places
- Company, Organization, or Institution
- Brand or Product
- Artist, Band, or Public Figure
- Entertainment
- Cause or Community
The choices are pretty straightforward and it’s clear to most which option they should choose, but the option “company” and “local business” can make you scratch your head in confusion. Can’t you have a company that is also a local business? In fact, how can a company not also be a local business or place?
Although your company might fall into both of these categories, each offers slightly different features. It’s important you think about your goals and what you want to achieve through Facebook in order to determine which Facebook business page is right for you. It might sound simple, but I’ve seen quite a few businesses still getting this wrong, so it’s time to go back to the basics.
Facebook Local Business Page vs. Company Page
To get started, you can visit the Facebook business pages. You’re then prompted to choose one of the six categories and then follow the directions to create your page, but as discussed above, you first you have to know which type of page you want to create. The differences are explained below:
- Facebook Local Business Page
Who Should Use It: This is perfect for those who own a store or a shop that they want people to actually physically go and visit.
How to Use It: The only real information you can enter if you choose this option is your “about” section. There will be a button next to “like” where visitors can leave a review, and check-in is also available. If you choose this option, you will be prompted to choose a category for your business and fill in all basic information such as address and phone number.
Options You Have: You can fill in the “detailed info” section of the page with your website, address, city/town, zip code, opening hours, description, price range, and even parking. This option will also display the number of check-ins next to your “like” fan count. You can go back and make changes at any time.
- Facebook Company Page (called Company, Organization, or Institute)
Who Should Use It: This is great if you have more than one location, so you’re working with different addresses, or if you are more of an online-based company as opposed to trying to get people to come into your store. Franchise companies do well with this type of Facebook page.
How to Use It: You will only have the option to add check-ins to your page after you’ve completed your page (it’s not automatic like with local pages). You do, however, have more options for your info tab including when the company was founded, your address, city, and zip code. This all goes under the “basic info” section. You then have a detailed info section that shows your website, mission, description, products, and awards.
Options You Have: Once again, with this option you also choose from a list of categories and then simply type in your company name (as opposed to your address, phone number, etc. described above). Agree to the Facebook Page Terms and click “get started.”
The Takeaway
Choosing the right type of page will help you be successful when it comes to Facebook, but you can always make a switch if you change your mind or if your business develops into something different (usually people move from local business pages to company pages).
Have you created a business page on Facebook? Let us know about your experience and what pages have worked for you in the comments below.
The choices are pretty straightforward and it’s clear to most which option they should choose, but the option “company” and “local business” can make you scratch your head in confusion. Can’t you have a company that is also a local business? In fact, how can a company not also be a local business or place?
Although your company might fall into both of these categories, each offers slightly different features. It’s important you think about your goals and what you want to achieve through Facebook in order to determine which Facebook business page is right for you. It might sound simple, but I’ve seen quite a few businesses still getting this wrong, so it’s time to go back to the basics.
