I like you, you like me, it's as worthless as can be

[Jim Poor]

Sing it to the tune of the Barney theme song!

The recent spat of "I'll like you if you like me on Facebook" threads has me thinking.

Don't get me wrong, I play along and I like to be liked and like in return (say that a few times fast), but from a business perspective it's almost totally worthless.

The folks we need "liking" us are clients and potential clients, not fellow photographers from across the country or around the world.

The only benefit I can really see (other than the ego boost from padding our stats) is inspiration, but that really only works if we visit the pages we "like" from time to time to see what our comrades in lens are up to.

Now, if there is some sort of secret FB ranking system al la Google and SEO, then more likes might have a benefit there, but . . .

Anywho, thought I'd throw it out there.

[RLucas]

It's purely inspirational for me. It's like having everyones blog feed on one convenient page.

[Niresangwa]

True, but it's always nice to have a little support no matter how ineffectual it is from a marketing stand point. Sometimes its not all about business - plus I enjoy seeing people's work show up in my feed.

[TheDarkReaver]

YouTube - Facebook in real life

[milosh]

The same thing is happening on Flickr. People add their photos to as many groups as they can and get hundreds of those silly image comments, like "This is the best of the best of the best of Flickr" or "Yes, this is true art without end..", etc. You have to keep your eyes open to find a decent meaningful comment.
And many folks will comment on your stuff only if you comment on theirs..

[Jim Bryant]

Good thought!

[Murtasma]

I'm not sold on creating a photography business page on Facebook, unless you have a huge network of real friends. I just don't see actually getting any real paying customers using Facebook.

When your looking for a landscaper, attorney, personal trainer ect are you searching Facebook or the Internet?

I wouldn't hire anyone using Facebook as a way to conduct business unless it's just something they offer outside of their real professional looking gallery, package deals and SSL enabled site.

Photography Facebook Pages remind me of a little child running a lemonade stand. Sure you may get few people to buy a cup but you will likely be run out of business once your ice melts.

[summerbl4ck]

I think FB is a good word of mouth tool. A friend of mine got married this summer and she pointed me to her photographer's FB page for some of the wedding photos. I've been following the photographer since and seeing her breadth of work is a good audition, if you're a potential customer.

That said, I think that particular photographer also made some mistakes. She posted the photos on FB before she sent the proofs to her client (my friend)--not good, in my opinion. And she posted pictures which unfortunately were ones that my friend didn't like at all. She's free to do that of course (and I'm sure others here would have opinions on the subject), but it definitely ticked off her client.

I'm also following another photographer on FB who reminds clients not to crop or alter in any way the photos she takes. Again, understandable, but it's a little odd to see a reminder of what you can't do with every new batch of photos she posts. It just makes all of her posts seem very negative.

[BuddhaPi]

ok I'll chime in.. I never thought of FB as a way to generate business...however I had the brilliant idea of playing one of those silly games ( which I don't partake in anymore), whilst playing the game I quickly recruited over 2500 "friends" and then the lightbulb went off. I created my business fan page, and update it regularly, both on the fan page and on my profile page, so everytime I do this all 2500 "friends" see my post. I've actually has inquiries from across the country and have gained some business as well...

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by Murtasma

I . . .SSL enabled site.

Ugh, SSL (though I do have one) is one of those worthless things that means nothing, but because the public has been so mislead, gives a sense of comfort.