Nothing is worse than gaining fans on Facebook and establishing your presence only to get the boot from the popular social networking site. The single worst mistake a company can make is not abiding by Facebook’s terms of service. Sadly, far too many businesses simply accept the terms without reading them and within a few months, their page is shut down.
Violation 1 – Personal Over Page
Facebook has two types of pages. The first is the personal account and the second is a business or cause page. The first is for individuals only. The second is for building a community. If a business creates a personal account page in order to interact with fans, Facebook will shut the account down. Businesses of any size must use a page to build their community and post updates about products, contests and company news.
Violation 2 – Contests
Facebook is extremely picky about how contests are run on the site. Follow their simple rules and you’re fine. Otherwise, your page could be shut down. First, Facebook must be absolved of any involvement in the contest or promotion. Should something not go as planned, Facebook cannot be blamed in any way.
Second, only apps on Facebook can be used to administer contests. Third party apps or sending users to a different site are not allowed. This ensures those who want to enter stay on a site they trust.
Finally, the “Like” button can never be used as a method for entering a contest. A business can ask people to like a page before they are allowed to enter, but it cannot be the entry itself.
If these terms are not followed, the page will be reported quickly.
Violation 3 – Tagging
Tagging is something best left to individuals. While businesses can use the feature, they must have the permission of everyone they tag. Many businesses make the mistake of tagging a fan or individual in order to get their attention and gain more fans. However, this is a quick way to lose fans and have a page shut down.
Respect your fans’ privacy and leave the tagging to their friends, not the pages they like.