Facebook is confusing says this Facebook trainer.
While helping a client with their Facebook (a.k.a. Meta Platforms, Inc.) Business Page, it dawned on me how many different apps and logos, Facebook for Business has.
As I began explaining to them what each app was for, I started thinking of all the other companies that have multiple apps and logos. Google came to mind as all of their various apps have different logos – Gmail, Google Chrome, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, YouTube, Google Business, Playstore, Google Maps, Google Lens, Google AdSense, Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Search Console. (I’m sure I’ve missed some, but that’s not my point. LOL!)
Don’t get me wrong. I understand this helps customers recognize each product and with Google it totally makes sense. However, this thing Facebook for Business has going on does nothing but confuse their users. How do I know? Because when I’m training small business owners they express their confusion with it all.
Facebook having separate logos for Instagram, Whatsapp, Messenger, and the other standalone apps is understandable, but why in the world do they need five apps and five different logos on the Facebook Business platform alone (more if you count Facebook Groups, Ads Manager, and others)? It takes longer to get things done on the platform and makes things so unnecessarily confusing for its consumers – and if you advertise or have team members, forget it. Be prepared to spend all day figuring it all out.
[Meta]– a symbol of infinity. It includes the concept of endless possibilities, endless space, endless universes – an inverted figure eight. ~ Logos World
As I finished explaining to my client that:
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Facebook’s new name is Meta which they could identify by the pretzel (“figure 8”) looking logo;
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Facebook Business Suite (now Meta Business Suite) by the circular logo. Facebook says Meta Business Suite is a free tool that centralizes Facebook, Instagram, and messaging tools in one place so you can save time, create connections with more people, and get better business results.
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Facebook Business Manager by the briefcase logo. According to Facebook Business Manager is a Facebook tool that helps you organize and manage your business. If you’re an advertiser on Facebook who shares access to multiple Pages and ad accounts with other people, they recommend you transition to Business Manager.
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Facebook Business Page by the flag logo. Facebook describes Facebook Business Pages as letting you grow your business on and off Facebook. Pages come with a suite of free business tools that help you achieve your business goals.
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Personal Profile Facebook logo by the familiar ‘f’ in a square and sometimes just the word Facebook. Facebook says a Personal Profile is a place on Facebook where you can share information about yourself, such as your interests, photos, videos, current city, and hometown.
My client said “my head is spinning” and to tell you the truth mine was too! 😜
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Here’s a BONUS, Facebook Messenger. Facebook Messenger is a FREE mobile messaging app used for instant messaging, sharing photos, videos, audio recordings, and group chats. (Source: Webwise)
Facebook has made its business platform so complicated, that it’s a wonder the average business owner even knows how to somewhat navigate it. It seems in an effort to make it better, it’s spinning out of control.
Because of the complexity of the Facebook Business Manager and Facebook (Meta) Business Suite making it more difficult for small business owners to manage their pages without soliciting outside help, my recommendation to this client and to you is, don’t put all of your eggs in the Facebook basket. Start gravitating towards email marketing where you own your list and the other social media platforms that your target audience frequents.
Honestly, I’m not sure where Facebook is headed, but save yourself and your business. It probably speaks volumes that Meta means “Dead” in the Hebrew language. 🤷🏾
If you need help with your Facebook Business pages, be sure to schedule a training session with me. Let’s work together to sort it all out.
Facebook Business Page Resources:
Author: Romona Foster
Romona Foster is the Social Media Trainer and Consultant at Social Media How To’s with Romona. Romona teaches small businesses and nonprofits how to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Google My Business — and the best practices of Email Marketing, Online Marketing, Affiliate Marketing, and Personal Branding. She is a featured contributor with Business2Community and is a Constant Contact Community blogger.