On Wednesday, 6 January 2021, Facebook announced they were removing page likes.

It’s part of the ‘New Pages Experience’ Facebook is rolling out, which sees the Likes on your business page become followers.

In the past, we could like a particular Facebook page and then you will be prompted to follow or even unfollow it! Alternatively you could even follow and not like. The confusion and also lack of clarity around this didn’t really help Business page owners. So, it’s great to see Facebook simplifying this.

How does this affect your business page and fan base?

• If someone likes and follows your Page, they will continue to be a follower for the new Page and added to your total followers.
• If someone likes your Page, BIT does not follow it, they will NOT transfer to your new Page as a follower.
• If someone follows your Page, but does not like it, they WILL transfer to your new Page as a follower.
• Page likes will not be supported on your new Page, and the Page like count will no longer be accessible.

This is a significant change when you consider the whole Facebook phenomena was built on the blue thumbs up sign that we are all now familiar with. But it looks like Facebook have made the sensible choice and ultimately given into market forces, as most social media platforms now use the word ‘follower.’

The aim is to give a better user experience when it comes to managing your business pages and offer more functionality on your business page and it’s newsfeed. For too long now business pages have been broadcast tools… It looks like Facebook wants them to become an interactive part of the Facebook experience and this is definitely a good move and will encourage more businesses, brands and public figures to use and engage more using their business pages.

How will it work?

You will have the option to move to the new format… Before clicking yes, it is worth creating a couple of posts on your page just to give your audience a heads up about the change and also an opportunity for those who might not already follow you, to follow so they are automatically added to your follower count.

If you would like more information about how this could affect you, you can read More on the Facebook link below or alternatively you can call/message me to ask any questions.

You can can read more about this on Facebook: https://about.fb.com/news/2021/01/introducing-the-new-page-experience/