Last week, I received four automated email invitations asking me to Like someone’s Page on Facebook. These invitations came straight into my email inbox, and I deleted all of them immediately.
The 200 invitations I got before that? They all got deleted, too.
Want to know how many Pages I have “Liked” because someone sent out an email blast from Facebook, asking me to Like it?
Zero.
That’s right. I never Like a Facebook Page when someone invites me to do so via an email blast.
It’s not that I don’t use Facebook. I’m on Facebook every day – sometimes multiple times a day.
And it’s not that I don’t Like Pages on Facebook, either. Right now, I follow tons of businesses, authors, bands and public figures and I love getting their updates in my Facebook feed.
So if I’m not Liking Pages when I get invited via email, how and why do I start following them?
Usually, I either:
- Discover a Page on someone’s blog or website, because I’m already reading their content and want to connect with them via social media
- Start following a Page because someone else has shared that Page’s content within Facebook. I follow the update or link within Facebook, get to the Page, and Like it.
I follow businesses and individuals on Facebook because I appreciate the content, information and offers on those Pages – not because someone blasted out a huge invitation to thousands of their personal friends and I happened to receive it in the middle of my work day.
So those constant emails I get from people who want more Likes, who send out emails begging for Facebook attention? They get ignored.
In the last few months, I have been invited to Like Pages for sandwich shops, restaurants and bars that are thousands of miles from where I live. I’ve been invited to Like Pages for businesses and causes that are completely irrelevant to my interests. People who are hosting live, in-person events (in other countries!) have asked me to Like their event Pages when there is no possible way I can attend.
These invitations annoy me. Really annoy me.
Want me to be brutally honest?
I’m actually less likely to Like someone’s Page – even if I find it organically and I’m interested in the Page’s content — if they have invited me to Like the Page via automated Facebook email blast.
Is that mean? Maybe. But it’s the truth. And if I feel that way, I can guarantee there are a whole lot of other people who feel exactly the same way.
Facebook makes it stupidly easy to annoy the crap out of your friends and family
When you own or manage a Facebook Page, you get the option to “invite” people to Like your Page.
When you’re on your Page on Facebook, you can just click on the three dots next to the “Share” button to get a dropdown menu that looks like this:
When you click on “Invite Friends”, Facebook lets you select from a list of all your personal Facebook profile friends – the people who are connected to you as an individual – and send them an email invitation asking them to Like your Page.
It looks easy, right? It looks like it would totally work, right? And it’s SO SIMPLE.
But I’m asking you to resist the urge to do this.
You will annoy your friends, you will look desperate, and the number of new Likes you get will be negligible at best.
What You Should Do Instead of Inviting Friends to Like Your Page
If you want to gather some new Likes without bugging your Facebook friends, here are some other options for getting them:
- Put an update on your (personal) Facebook profile that says, “I’m putting business updates and other content about [YOUR TOPIC] on my Facebook Page. If you’d like to follow me there, click here to connect with me,” and include a link to your Page.
- Add a link to your Facebook page to the bottom of your blog posts or email broadcasts.
- Buy Facebook ads (there are specific ad types that help you attract Likes for your Page).
Where to Go From Here
What if you’ve already invited all your Facebook contacts to Like your Page? That’s okay. It’s not the end of the world, and I promise you’re not going to social media marketing hell for doing it.
Just know that going forward, there are faster and more effective ways to grow your Facebook presence. There are ways of getting more Likes by using smart (organic) online marketing tactics, or by paying for Facebook advertising.
Just promise me that from this point on, you’ll keep your mitts off that “Invite Friends” button.
43 thoughts on “Please, Please Don’t Ask Me to Like Your Facebook Page.”
I wish there were still don’t like buttons as I would definitely click on it for this one. It’s very angry. Be glad you don’t live in Charleston or are at the dentist or whatever would surely be more unpleasant for you than getting requests to like a Facebook page. Petty.
Hi, Elizabeth. I’m really sorry if it came across as angry or petty. That wasn’t my intent, nor did I mean to alienate anyone who has used this technique. And yes, there are definitely bigger issues in the world. But my blog is about marketing — not racism in the United States or gun control — and my community counts on me to give them the straight scoop on issues like this.
I wanted to let people know that things like this can actually STOP people from Liking your Page or following your blog. There are much, much better ways of trying to get support than using this technique.
Have a good day!
Beth
Being less likely to “like” someone’s page simply because they asked you to IS petty and mean-spirited. Yes the requests may be annoying, as are TV commercials and direct mail. But these direct methods are proven by fact to work and not every business sells something that lends itself to drawing consumers in with content. You are fortunate, Beth, that yours does.
It’s not just that they asked me to Like it, Liz, it’s the manner in which they are asking. If the request was at the end of a blog post or newsletter, I honestly wouldn’t mind. It’s the massive email blast out to all their Facebook family and friends that bothers me.
Hi Beth:
I always enjoy reading your blog posts. This one as many others are very informative and beneficial to my business. I do NOT think you came across as angry at all. The previous reply was inappropriate and misplaced.
Robin
Thank you very much, Robin! I appreciate it!
That was fantastic and it made me blush with embarrassment as I was about to ask new friends to ‘like’ my business page. I am useless at ‘social media’ and only joined fb to network my (dare I say) Jo Oddie Artist page. I have very few likes compared to all other business pages but I have had several commissions through fb which is the most important thing. Loved your take on the subject of asking people to ‘like’……now back to my drawing board:-)
You’re kidding me right? Beth..STOP APOLOGIZING. I find your honesty a breath of fresh air in this narcissistic, LIKE ME LIKE ME digital landscape.
My encouragement to you is GO EVEN HARDER…you’re not gonna lose me as a fan or follower! GO! 🙂
I ‘invite to like’ once per week – and generally gain 100-150 likes each time for my event page VintageAirRally.
So, it does work!
Cheers, Sam.
Good points raised here Beth and I have full sympathy with you.
What annoys me so much is the random out of the blue messages such as “I’ve liked your page, like me back”. The first question I ask is why? Then it is who are you? As you’ve find they are often people I have no connection with, interest in nor a niche relevant to mine.
When I was newer to blogging I saw so many people doing it. I’d acknowledge their message and like back their page as requested. Yet I’d get my weekly page stats and see that people were unliking my page. I’d been duped! They only liked my page to get a like off me, then they unliked my page. Blinking con artists and deceitful people if you ask me.
Enough was enough. Last year I wrote a blog post about it (http://flightsandfrustration.com/visiting-the-pyramids-is-like-my-facebook-page/). Even when this post was top of my page I’d still get messages from people saying they’d liked my page and saying I needed to like back. (Not I said “saying” because they didn’t technically ask me either).
My FB page likes are not high for the length of time my blog has existed. Yet this is not a major concern for me. I dislike how Facebook wants to charge me if I want my post to be seen, even by the hundreds of people who already like my page. I think it is a very poor tactic by Facebook (although commercially successful). People have chosen to like my page yet don’t get updates from my page, even though they’ve consciously expressed a wish to do so.
As a side note, you mention tactics to get new likes on your Facebook page. When someone likes my Twitter account they will get a message from me saying “Did you know that I have a Facebook page too?”….
You will notice that this message asks a question and provides information. It is not demanding that people like my page, merely informing them that it exists. If people have already consciously chosen to follow me on twitter then they are interested in what I have to say. As a result I am sharing with them another social media channel they can opt into.
As far as I am concerned this is not a pressure sell, more sharing information. It is not cold either since the recipient has already made a conscious choice and shown an interest in me.
I’d much rather it this way then the tactics of others who spam strangers (who they often know next to nothing about) and demand their attention.
Great article Beth. Wishing you continued success. And guess what, I’ll be sharing this on my Facebook page too 🙂
I am in COMPLETE agreement with you about the people who write to other people (often complete strangers) and say, “I liked your Page. Like me back!” That might even be higher up on my list of Facebook Page pet peeves that these automated FB emails!
And yes, I also agree that Facebook’s policy of making me pay for access to my own Page audience is really aggravating. I am appalled at the way they push people into paying for exposure. I understand that everyone needs to make a living, but their “Pay to Play” policy is one reason why I don’t recommend people start with Facebook when they’re trying to build a social media presence.
I *love* your idea about writing to people who have just followed you on Twitter and giving them a link to your Facebook Page, too. That is the perfect time to put something like that in front of a new fan, because if they’ve followed you on Twitter, chances are they want to connect with you on other platforms, too. So bravo! Well done!
And thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it!
This is wonderful, Beth. And so true. Not that I haven’t been an offender! Oh my! I HAVE! Back when I first joined FB. But, I have seen the error of my ways and I seldom invite people to just ‘like’ my Lipsticking Society page.
However, I will say that I receive invitations to like pages, also. And, I don’t mind. Because 99% of the time they are relevant. That’s the key, isn’t it? The invites I get are from pet bloggers I work with on BlogPaws…or friends I’ve known forever who are launching something new. I am honored to like their pages.
What I don’t like, which you touched on so well, are the people who are not relevant…who find me who knows how…and who are hoping for bigger numbers. I so agree with you on this, that the best way to build your FB numbers is by using the tools available, like your blog and even FB ads.
Thanks for writing this. The really funny thing is… it just makes sense. Why can’t people just be sensible?
You know, Yvonne, I agree with you. I certainly mind it a lot LESS when the Page is relevant and I’m interested in the business or message. But it still irks me.
And to answer your question – I think people aren’t sensible when it comes to this stuff because it is so dang hard to build a thriving social media presence. That’s true on pretty much any platform. It’s a jungle out there, and I think people look for any and all possibilities for growing their audience. And in the midst of the fray, sometimes they don’t stop and say, “I know I *can* do this. But *should I* do this?”
What I’m wondering is if any of the likes one purchases by buying sponsored ad spaces are really people who like your content, or are they just people who FB hires to make u think ur getting a lot for your dollar. I follow one artist who gets several hundred likes with a sponsored ad. When she posts herself she gets maybe 30 or 40. Any thoughts on that?
Hi, Roger!
I do believe that the Likes people get from Facebook ads are (mostly) from real people. When you use FB ads, your status update, photo, link etc. gets put in front of a HUGE audience, so it makes sense that every now and then you will pick up a new (real) Like from it. I can’t back that up with hard data, but it is what I have seen with clients.
That being said, I would MUCH rather get a new subscriber to my email list than a Facebook Page Like. That’s why my FB ads (when I do use them, which isn’t very often) always drive people back to an email opt-in page that offers a free report or other incentive. A subscriber is worth far, far more to my business than a Like.
I’ve wondered about this very question, Beth, thanks for your great perspective!
You’re welcome, Gail! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for writing this column. I totally agree. I spend more time on Twitter than Facebook and sometimes when I follow a fellow writer on Twitter I get an automated message asking me to like their Facebook page, which I don’t do. I would much rather receive a message that says, “Hey, thanks for the follow!” That makes me smile. A pathetic plea to like the person’s Facebook page makes me groan.
Thank you for a great blog post.
Why not just turn off email notifications for this?
I have, Erica – multiple times. And every time Facebook makes some kind of settings change, these notifications start getting sent again. I have given up.
And a lot of folks either don’t know how to do that, or don’t want to take the time to wade through all of Facebook’s notification settings. My point was — if folks stop sending these requests out to begin with (and find other ways to grow their Facebook audience) it would be better all around.
Beth, I’m so grateful to you for initiating and carrying on the dialog about this issue. It has been extremely informative about subtleties of social marketing that newbies like me would otherwise completely miss. Your wisdom (and passion!) are most appreciated.
It is a lot like getting your friends & family to write positive referrals on your various pages;;; facebook business page, Manta, Merchant Circle. What if actual clients call you out on that?
A basic business practice is to “keep it real”. I appreciate that somebody like Beth has the same idea.
This post was very informative and I liked the passion. Learned that I could put an update on my personal Facebook profile that says, “I’m putting business updates and other content about book publishing and creating author websites on my Facebook Page. If you’d like to follow me there, click here to connect with me.” I never thought of that. thank you
I’m surprised at some of the reactions to this common-sense post, Beth, but it shows just how blurred the lines are in business and personal relationships sometimes.
One thing I will throw into the mix is the power of the ask. We all need to ask for something occasionally from our friends and family to support our businesses. I do not want to waste the power of this “ask” for something as small and ultimately meaningless as a Facebook like.
If this is a person already in my network in some way, I’d save my ask for something more powerful, like an introduction to someone who does want to do business with me, help promoting a new launch, or advice on a particular subject. Or I’d strengthen our relationship by doing something for them first.
Battling for likes from people already in my network is a waste of time. If they wanted to like my page, they already would have. (And let’s face it, no one has a business that appeals to every single person they know, anyway.) I focus on finding new fans, not cannibalizing my friends and acquaintances.
Thanks for calling this out and taking some some undeserved heat, Beth!
Yes, exactly, Betsy! I would actually rather people ask me for something important! Aggravating people with a generic mass email for the sake of a Like that isn’t going to move their businesses forward one iota is the worst. Thanks for backing me up here — I appreciate it!
Broadly agree with this although it´s a tactic I´ve employed myself.
Around a month ago I received a request from a FB friend regarding his new business. I accepted and will learn to tolerate the updates. Last week I received the same request from the same site from his wife. It´s now following me around FB and, call me mean spirited, makes me more inclined to ¨unfriend¨ both the business and said friends wife.
When I´m advising businesses on UX I generally tell them that pushing for an FB share from their landing page at point of arrival is both intrusive and nonsensical; who´d endorse something they´ve only just encountered? The pressured page ¨like¨ has the same effect for me.
Perhaps a ¨Your friend suggested you might like to view¨ button or something that drives engagement without commitment would be preferable?
You know I think for many therapists they have heard, incorrectly, that you absolutely have to have a Facebook page and you have to collect a lot of Facebook likes to get client referrals and increase overall business.
I wrote a blog about this in the past because I saw this happening to quite a few people “Getting Referrals from Facebook” http://thecounselorentrepreneur.com/getting-referrals-facebook/
The part that is often missing in their attempt to get more likes is that they are not first determining if this is a good networking and marketing strategy for their particular business and if it is then developing a strategic plan for getting likes from the right people or organizations.
I guess really that goes for any industry, huh? Thanks for bringing the topic up!
Camille McDaniel, LPC
Great tips Beth,
I was thinking of the same thing ! Like when loads of people send me invites to like their page, I get tired of liking and after a while, it feels like a chore rather than a favour. However if someone actually talks to me first before sending the invite, I would feel much more inclined to like because its more personal than business. Thanks again for sharing these valuable tips Beth, I’ve been looking for them everywhere. Bookmarked your page 😀
Well I would’nt make a big deal about this. It could be that there is a page you would be interested in and you simply were not aware of its existence. People can discover new things by coincidence and coincidence includes invitations as well. To exclude invitations by definition means somehow to limit yourself.
Well said, Andrew! There is nothing wrong in supporting your friends by giving them a simple thumbs up!
I disagree with you. I got a lot of likes to my page through inbox messages. It all depends how you invite people. When I get a nice message in my Facebook inbox, I respond to it. Send a nice message, you will get a nice response.
Yeah, it’s not the nice, personalized FB direct messages I’m talking about here….it’s the mass default emails that Facebook sends out when you use the “Invite Friends to Like Your Page” option. If you take the time to personally invite me to your page, that’s a different situation!
This page should be taken down. It is petty just as every else has said. Please don’t tell me you have never invited all your fb friends to like your page when it first started out. Be real.
It is not annoying. You have fb friends because you share at least one common interest. It is not being rude to send an invite. fb allows only one invite so you are not able to spam your friends with the same request.
The page is more of a personal thing to show your annoyance which you should reword a little to not show that.
Or better yet, get off fb and do not use it. I’m sure you use alot of the fb tools at your disposal that are probably annoying to your friends when you use it on them.
Hi, Joe –
No, I don’t think I’ve ever invited my personal friends to like my Facebook page using this email method. Honestly, it struck me as an annoying method of getting Likes, even many years ago when I started my page.
And if you’ll notice – only 3 of the 32 comments on this blog post disagree with my stance on this. Everyone else who commented either agreed with me and/or thanked me for voicing my honest opinion on the topic. I’m not exactly sure why you feel like this article should be taken down….I’m just voicing my thoughts on the subject and trying to steer people toward better ways of growing their following on Facebook.
It doesn’t annoy me at all to be asked to check out a page. I believe this is just an invitation to see it and its your choice to like it or not. If you do not want all those notifications in your email about it, disable the notifications in your Facebook that sends it to you email. I get no notifications at all From Facebook to my email because you would be getting way more stuff than you can deal with. I get the messages on Facebook alone.
Hey there ,
I totally agree, one thing I’m worried about is now I’m using ads and other ways to get people to my page..I’m hoping that they aren’t get a notification each time someone joins my page, I don’t want them to look at their notifications and there always be a notification saying someone has liked my page..I feel like it will lose its interest if people don’t just get notifications if I post or something.
Do you know how to change what notifications people will get from my page?
Please and thank you.
Eamon
I got a notification saying, “Your friend “***” thought that you’d like his new Facebook page “**”.. I clicked on it to see that I had automatically liked the new page somehow.. I never knew Facebook had this feature, and I’m wondering how I could do this myself for my own fanpage?
Amit, I don’t actually know how to this, and I don’t recommend it. I wouldn’t appreciate being added to a page automatically, and I’ll bet most people feel the same way.
I have a very small FB business page, where I selectively invited local friends. Sometimes I got organic likes from non-local friends who saw it. Someone local to me who is a mutual friend of someone far away liked a post of mine that our friend liked. I now have the option of inviting this local mutual friend (who I don’t know) to like my page since he liked my post on our friend’s feed. Is it appropriate to invite him to Like in this situation, or would that be annoying? Just trying to learn, I have never been good with this FB stuff.
I have a similar issue with friends asking me to like their pages. I enjoy supporting my friends and liking their pages when asked but very few did it back for me when the time came for my friends to like my page. I’ve sent out invites to Facebook friends selectively and they ignored my invites after I had already liked their pages. On the other hand I’ve sent out invites to people who ignored my request and then they sent me an invite to like their page! I guess I’m just not popular or I don’t have a supportive group of friends. Do you have any advice for my situation?
Hi Beth,
Interesting article. It would have completely resonated with me a couple of years ago before I was trying to build up a facebook page myself. Now, I see both sides of it. Yes, it is annoying to be constantly bombarded with pages to like, especially if they are not relevant to your interests. But on the other side of things, for businesses just starting out, who have zero likes, I don’t think you have much of a choice but to potentially ‘annoy’ a few close friends and family members and ask them to like your page. You mentioned some alternative marketing techniques in here. Those are good, but for those to be effective, surely you should have a bit of a following first? Also, if someone is a good friend and they don’t like your page, I think they are being a bit of a jerk. They may or may not be invested in your content, but a ‘like’ on facebook costs nothing and bolsters the social proof of your friends’ page. Peace
Thank you for this article Beth. I love it as I totally relate. I just got very annoyed with someone who did this as they’ve never even bothered to speak to me in person. It feels like random self promotion and like they’re asking me to be insincere. I should add this is one of many requests like this I’ve recently received.
Hello Beth,
Wow, I came across here because I am about to ask in a fb group to like my page like the others did, but I am not sure if I should do it as I have doubt if they’ll gonna like me to ask. I adore your straight forward words. Lea
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