If you blog, you have probably thought about this question at least once. I think it’s really a toss up. I do have a Facebook page for my blog (check it out and “like” it if you are so inclined!) but it can be a bear to manage. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of a Facebook page for your blog.
Pros
- Having a Facebook page is another way to connect with your readers. You may have some blog readers who don’t use Twitter or Pinterest or Google+ but whom love Facebook.
- A Facebook page can help drive traffic to your blog. There are numerous blogger communities on Facebook (I recommend starting with SITS Girls or a group local to your area) where you can learn from other bloggers and discover new potential blog readers.
- Chances are, you are spending a lot of time on Facebook anyway. Might as well spend some of that time growing your blog!
- Having a separate Facebook page means that you can spare your friends and family from all your blog posts 🙂
Cons
- Creating a Facebook page takes work. You have to set the page up (which isn’t that hard) and develop it (I have found that’s the hard part).
- It’s another thing to check and keep up with. I’m primarily a Twitter user, but have tried to adopt Facebook into my daily blogging rituals.
- Facebook continually changes the algorithms so that fewer and fewer of the people who “like” your page actually see it. Facebook is continually trying to convince page owners to pay for exposure and it’s frustrating.
Do you have a Facebook page for your blog? Why or why not?
I avoided having my blog join Facebook for quite awhile, and finally caved about two weeks ago after some encouragement from other bloggers. I ultimately decided to join for many of the pros you mentioned, particularly to distinguish my personal posts from my blog posts and to help drive up readership. Since I’ve started my blog page, I’ve noticed a slight increase in readership, and its definitely helped me to interact with readers who don’t use Twitter. However, I don’t always have the time to fully put into maintaining it (or Twitter for that matter), but that’s the nature of a busy schedule!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…I’m Over Winter
I avoided joining Facebook as a fan page for a long time. And honestly, I wish I hadn’t. It frustrates me that so few people see my posts when I share them on my fan page. But if I share it on my personal page I get a ton of likes, comments, and traffic. I don’t pay to promote on Facebook, I am sure it would help but it seems silly to me. I like your list 🙂 Visiting from SITS Comment Challenge!
Courtney @ What’s Up with the Wilhelms recently posted…Sorry, Not Sorry Blog Share & Link Up
I do have FB page for my blog but I don’t utilize it as I should (my blog automatically posts to it everyday but that’s about all). I’ve noticed less interaction on FB from other bloggers over the year too! I must get better at this!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…The Rest of Our Run Disney Costumes.
I’m so increasingly frustrated by the algorithms and the push to pay to boost your posts and page views. FB is annoying me so much in that regard. For those reasons I don’t use it as often as I could. It’s interesting to me what posts get the most activity and I just can’t figure it out. I get greater reaction from some of the groups I belong to.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…ToiletTree Bag Review + Giveaway Wednesday!!
Me too — it’s super annoying that so few people see anything posted from a page. So very frustrating!
I have a love/hate relationship with FB LOL #SITSBlogging
Dana recently posted…Tea Collection – Shop and Donate to Your School!
I do have a fan page but get way more clicks back to the blog when I share on my personal page as well. I find that my best views are when I post to Instagram first and then share from Instagram onto my fan page. I put urls into the message even though they don’t work on Instagram because when you forward the picture to Facebook and Twitter they become live and clickable. I don’t post on FB much just for the fact that certain posts just don’t get any visibility. #SITSblogging
Consie @ Atop Serenity Hill recently posted…Some favorite finds
As a new blogger, I am very happy that I made a Facebook page. It has been tough trying to get exposure but I was able to invite a lot of people from my friends list to like the page. This has definitely upped my traffic the most!
I’m really curious about groups on Facebook… Do running bloggers just share each others posts? How do they work?
Cassie @ Running Journey recently posted…Sweaty Bands | Review
It depends on the group. Most have rules about sharing posts – for example, there will be a central thread for blog posts and people are free to share there. You should definitely check some out!
I’ve used Facebook since starting my blog. The changing of the algorithms is very frustrating but I bypass it by tagging myself and others in my page posts. It helps with shares and views. A lot of my traffic comes from FB because I’m a newbie and still trying to build my email subbies. #SITSBlogging
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That is a great idea! I may have to try that!
I’m debating on whether or not to do this. I have deleted my personal page after not using it for over a year and it’s been very freeing. My blog itself is enough to keep up with in addition to all my real life responsibilities. BUT, on the other hand, if it would help drive traffic to my blog and help me interact more with readers, I might just do it. I don’t know …
I think if you are happy right now, then don’t do it. It can definitely help your blog but it’s also a lot of upkeep to make it worthwhile!
I do have a FB Fan Page for my blog because I just thought that was what we were supposed to do when we start blogging. It took a while to get off the ground but with friends, family and word of mouth it has definitely grown by leaps and bounds. It still isn’t where I want it to be though but I keep working at it. It is frustrating that not only do my fans see less posts by me, I see less posts by those pages I FAN! GRRRRR!
Diatta recently posted…Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
100% agree at how frustrating FB is! I’m growling with you, girl!!
I have a Facebook page for my blog and business, but I gotta tell you with all of the changes, I’ve spent less time there and more time on G+.
Dana recently posted…Business Profile: Created Coastal – Handcrafted Shell Art
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. I know it would help drive views and regular readers to my blog, but I’m worried about the extra time.
Overall I need to figure out my daily or weekly blog schedule and just ensure I could make this work too!
Cyanne (RunStretchGo) recently posted…Wellbeing Wednesday: Eating for your Heart
I have one but I don’t put in the work it would take to beat the algorithms. Some people will comment there instead of on the blog, so it’s worthwhile.
Coco (@Got2Run4Me) recently posted…New Stroke Risk Factors For Women
I personal love FB, even with all the changes. I think you’re reward comes from whatever you work and work FB the most. Plus I have a FB blog community that I run so it’s helps a lot #sitsblogging
Prototype Mama recently posted…That’s Fresh Friday #12 – It’s a link Up!
I don’t have a Facebook page–I did briefly but found it to be a little too much work, and I primarily use Twitter and Instagram for social media. Maybe one day when I have the free time to maintain it, but I think I’m doing fine without it 🙂
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I struggle with this all the time. I haven’t made the plunge to create any social media accounts specifically for my blog. I just share things to my personal accounts sometimes. I keep going back and forth on whether I want to take the plunge or not! Like some of the other readers, I can barely find the time to update my blog, so I don’t think I’ll venture onto other platforms until I find myself with some more free time. I do want to figure out what this whole google+ thing is about though! Stopping by from #sitsblogging
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When you figure out google+ can you let me know?! 🙂
Facebook boggles me….. I’m new to blogging and I’m not sure what social media areas to use. I enjoyed reading this 🙂 #SITSblogging love
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