Facebook - Page Types

Facebook has several different page types, which all have similar abilities. However these page types have some subtle differences which tailor themselves to suit different scenarios. Below is a summary of the different page types available and the key abilities/differences they have:

Profile Page

Purpose: Representative page for an Individual: This is the main page type which the Facebook website was built around and remains as its primary purpose. The Profile page allows a user to set up a profile about themselves, detailing contact numbers, addresses, likes, dislikes favourite things to do as well as a vast amount of other information about themselves. Each profile page has several key features and abilities:
The Wall - One of the most popular features of the Facebook experience. Allows the user and their friends to post messages, links, videos etc to each other, which are visible to all who visit the profile page (depending on the permission level set). Comments can then be made on the posts and the ability to like them. The like function shows a users interest in the post and publishes this on their own wall and news feed.
Friends - With a profile page you have the ability to become friends with people who also have a profile page set up. Once you are friends with someone you can then access more information on their profile (depending on permissions). You will also see their posts/activity appear on your news feed.
Photos - Create albums and display photos within them. Once photos are uploaded you can the then tag the people who appear within them. This will then send a notification to the person who as been tagged in them (as long as they are a friend on facebook)
Videos - Videos can also be uploaded and tags added in the same way as for photos.
Messaging - As well as the public method of communication via the wall, Facebook offers the ability to privately message other individuals on Facebook. You do not necessarily need to be a friend to message someone else on Facebook. It acts as an internal email system for the users.
Notes to Consider - Profile pages are not meant for use by businesses. Although it is possible to create a profile for a business, it is not an easy process.  Certain business related words will be disallowed/filtered in the name fields and therefore make it difficult for companies with these flagged keywords in their title to register the name they want. For example, websites was one such word and therefore our Profile Page has been set up as Helix Web Sites! Certain email address are also filtered, such as any email address beginning with info@. An alternate will need to be used. 
 

Groups

Purpose: Community forum page for a topic/subject/event/group: Once you have a Facebook profile, you can then access and become a member of groups. The purpose of a group page is to provide a community forum for the members of the group. A mission statement/group information can be added. The main focus of this page is the wall feature. This acts as the main point of communication between members of the group. Videos, links and photos can also be posted on to wall depending on permissions set by the group creator and administrators. Messages can also be sent out to all members of a group via Facebooks internal messaging system.

Members - Allows individuals to join the group and access the groups wall, videos etc.
Messaging
Wall
Photos, Videos and Links
Notes to Consider - As mentioned before you cannot create of become a member of a group without already having a Profile Page. Searchable and available to all facebook users.

Events

Very similar in function to the groups page, however where as the group can be about multiple subjects which fall under the groups topic, the events page concentrates on a single event. The visibility of the event is dependent on whether you have received an invite to it. Details of the event can be entered, such as time, date, location etc. Another key function of the Events page is the ability to RSVP.
RSVP - This allows you to specify whether you are planning to attend the event, maybe going to attend or unable to attend.
Messaging
Wall
Photos, Videos and Links
Notes to Consider - You cannot create an event without already having a Profile Page. To RSVP an event or view it you must be invited by the creator where as a group, anyone can search for and apply to become a member.
 

Facebook Pages

A Facebook page is the only page type where you are not required to have a Profile already set up. This page is perfect for and made easy for businesses to set up. Although it is still not possible to set up using info@ email addresses, fields for business names are provided and unfiltered.
Wall
Photos, Videos and Links

Notes to Consider - You can create a page without already having a Profile Page. A page can not however have friends, the like ability is the only acknowledgement to a connection with the page you can make other than posting on their wall.

To visit the Facebook home page click here 

We hope this information is useful and if you would like any further help please do not hesitate to contact us.

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