The Problem with "Like Exchanges" By Tracey Warren

Found this great article today... what do you think about the subject?

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Social Media Concierge

The Problem with "Like Exchanges"

When I first started my business, I too was lured by the power of the like...

How many people like my page today?
How come my friends won't like my page?
How come my number isn't going up faster?

So, I joined some like exchanges...you may have seen them on Facebook and LinkedIn especially. The idea is that you post your Facebook page and everyone there should come to your page and click "like." And, you should do the same.

What a brilliant idea! Or NOT!

The problem with these exchanges are numerous.

It's not about the number of "likes". If you are just looking for numbers, I guess a purpose is served, but if what you are really looking for is potential connections/referral partners and customers - you won't find them in the "like exchange".
It messes up the look of your business page wall. One of the benefits of liking back and forth is that each posts on theh others walls. It looks like spam and it doesn't allow you to keep control of your brand.
The success of a facebook business page relies heavily on engagement. People who participate in like exchanges are just there for the like - and may never communicate with you or your page again.

It is worth the time to let your fan number grow organically. When you take the time - add value, communicate with your fans, and engage - the results will be worth the effort.

Tags: FaceBook likes

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Permalink Reply by Suzy's Timeless Treasures on February 25, 2012 at 12:57am

Excellent article, all very valid points. It is very difficult for a small online shop like mine to generate enough 'likes' on FB to make any difference. I had to start by asking my friends and family just to generate some number and some of them obliged. Now they have all probably blocked my posts, since everything I post to my shops pages shows up in my news feed. Other vintage dealers have also helped me out. A few others I don't know and who have never purchased from my shop have found and liked my shop page.

With every sale, I include a personal note and my FB shop links and not a single customer has 'liked' my page, not even repeat buyers! I send out a monthly email to past customers that always includes a link to my FB pages and have offered incentives such as 'Like my shop page on FB and receive free shipping on your next purchase' . . . and nothing.

Another shop owner mentioned they had reached 300 likes by taking out a FB ad that cost (I am trying to remember) maybe $150? I can't afford that right now and it doesn't seem worth it anyway, the shop owner felt the same way as it didn't seem to generate any additional sales.

So I guess I just need to be patient as the article says and 'let my fan number grow organically.' In the meantime, FB has become an invaluable link to other vintage dealers (just like TVV is!) that share their experiences and knowledge. That's way more important to me right now than generating 'likes'.