Facebook Should Be Inclusive, Not Exclusionary

When unwelcome postings begin to appear on your business' Facebook page, what's your first reaction? For many, it's to remove the unwanted postings.

But remember that Facebook is all about gathering fans, not alienating people.

Sure, there are clear instances where you should quickly remove postings. Pornography is one. Or when a person posts info and/or pictures that are clearly outside the intent of your FB page and/or offensive. Don't ever let your business be linked to a page that could be seen as offensive by the majority of people — and you'll know that sort of thing when you see it.

But think before you delete. Stop and consider a link that you might not be crazy about, that maybe brags on a competing business in a competing town, or offers a deal that you can't match for a product just like you are selling. Judge each of those types of postings on a case-by-case basis and use common sense. Could that link bring you more business or more fans?

What about criticism of your business? If it's legitimate, respond. If it isn't, say why. But don't hit the delete button. You never want fans to see your site as one that sanitizes. Or that only carries praise for you. That's not authentic, and soon your regular fans will realize that.

And they will go away.

Facebook is where like-minded people can gather. If managed well, it can have your customers doing the selling for you, heaping praise on your products, and supporting your sales goals.

If your FB page is exclusionary, word will get around. Like any “in-crowd” that becomes disillusioned, your fan base will start to head for more authentic pastures where social networking discussions feel more genuine.