With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world. For businesses and organizations looking to establish an online presence, create brand awareness, and connect with customers or members, having a Facebook page can provide huge benefits.
You have two options when setting up a presence on Facebook – creating either a Facebook Business Page or a Facebook Community Page. But what is the difference between the two and which one is right for you?
Facebook Business Pages
Facebook Business Pages are profile pages specifically for businesses, brands, celebrities, bands, or public figures to broadcast information publicly and connect with their customers. Some key features of Facebook Business Pages include:
- Allow you to publish posts, photos, videos just like a personal profile
- Let you run ads and boost posts to reach more people
- Provide insights into your page’s followers and engagement
- Allow people to like your page and follow your updates
- Let you add tabs like Shop, Contact, Events and more
Facebook Business Pages are best suited for commercial businesses and public organizations who want to promote themselves, sell products/services, build their brand and engage with customers or clients.
Facebook Community Pages
Facebook Community Pages are for non-commercial communities like clubs, sports teams, charities, religious groups, social movements or hobby groups to have a presence on Facebook. Key features include:
- Allow members to post updates, photos, events and more
- Provide a forum for discussion through posts and comments
- Let you customize the page to highlight your mission, members, events
- Users can follow your page to get updates in their News Feed
- Analytics to understand your audience and engagement
Community Pages are best for non-profit organizations, clubs, teams, or special interest groups focused on building connections and facilitating discussions rather than selling products or services.
Key Differences
While Business and Community Pages have some overlap, there are some key differences:
| Facebook Business Page | Facebook Community Page |
|---|---|
| For businesses and brands | For non-commercial communities and groups |
| Sell products or services | Facilitate discussion and share updates |
| Focus on promotions, advertising, conversions | Focus on engagement, connections, advocacy |
| Convert visitors into customers | Foster a sense of community |
Should I create a Business Page or Community Page?
When deciding whether to create a Business Page or Community Page, consider these factors:
What is your primary purpose?
If you are a business looking to drive sales, advertise, and convert visitors into customers, a Business Page is the way to go. If you are a non-profit, hobby group, club, team etc. focused on building connections and community, a Community Page makes more sense.
Do you sell products or services?
Business Pages allow you to add ecommerce features like Shop tabs to sell products right on Facebook. You can also promote special deals and offers. Community Pages are for non-commercial purposes.
Who is your target audience?
Business Pages let you target ads to reach your ideal customers. Community Pages allow you to engage people passionate about a cause, activity or topic.
What type of content will you post?
Business Pages typically focus promos, special offers, new products, branding content. Community Pages spotlight community updates, events, milestones, and topics of shared interest.
What are your goals?
Business Pages aim to reach sales objectives like leads generated, conversions, website traffic etc. Community Pages aspire to connect people, share information, organize events and deepen engagement among members.
Best Practices for Facebook Pages
Once you have decided on a Business or Community Page, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a clear, descriptive page name
- Upload a profile and cover photo that represent your brand or community
- Provide complete information in the About section
- Respond to all comments and messages from followers
- Post new content regularly to maintain audience interest
- Monitor analytics to gain insights about your followers and engagement
- Promote your page and posts to expand your audience
- Use ads and boosted posts if appropriate to reach more users
- Engage with similar pages and influencers in your industry or community
- Make your page stand out by using videos, images, polls, events and more
In Conclusion
Facebook Business Pages and Community Pages both allow organizations to establish an online presence and engage with their target audience. Business Pages are designed for commercial promotion, brand building and generating sales. Community Pages aim to bring together groups, clubs and non-profits to facilitate connections and discussion.
Consider your organization’s goals, audience and content strategy when choosing between a Business or Community Page. Maintain your page regularly by posting engaging content, responding to followers, analyzing data and finding new fans. With strategic management, a customized Facebook page can become a valuable hub for engaging your community.