I see many small business owners try get their social media campaign started by creating a Facebook group. As noble as this is it is certainly the wrong move and will lead you into a Social Media desert. Facebook Pages are a much better option. Here's why.
Limited Numbers
Firstly, a group limits your numbers. You might have no business ambition and therefore it may not affect you, but we all want to be business rock stars deep down and limiting your numbers to 25,000, including you the administrator, is limiting your potential. If your business were to grow larger than that you would then need to create a page and move all 24,999 of your fan base to the new site and entice them to "Like" you again. Lets say only half decide to actually move. You've lost half your fan base in an instant.
Easier Communication
How do you go about letting your group members know about a special offer? You have to send them a message. Facebook limits the amount of group members you can message to 1,000. So when you have 1,001 members, your communication goes out the window. Compared to Facebook groups which allow you to have a status in the news feed of all your fans, Groups come across as having to lick an envelope and visit the post office. Sharing messages within a Page is easy, not as intrusive and far less annoying than getting random message notifications.
Personal Presence
Now you can also browse Facebook as your page. My band played at a venue in Durban with a well known musician. There were a few people who commented on HIS wall that they enjoyed our performance. At the time I could only comment as myself. How much better would it have been to have been able to send a message as the band. Instead of me saying, "Thanks on behalf of Stereo In Flight." the message would have read," Thank you very much. From, Stereo In Flight." Now think of your business being able to communicate with clients as their friend. Isn't that the point of social media?
Do It Right The First Time
There is a point to doing some research before jumping into the social media pool. Many people dive into it without a plan or objective. When it fails they blame social media. When in fact the old saying applies, "Failing to plan is planning to fail."
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