The difference between a Facebook page & app
I have noticed over the last couple of months there is confusion around what a Facebook app is and how it differs from a Facebook page. It is extremely important that you as a marketers and CEOs understand the difference as the opportunities they offer your company are poles apart!
Before I explain the difference between a Facebook page and app I must introduce you to the Facebook database. All that information you enter about yourself when creating a Facebook page is captured in a Facebook database. The type of information it stores is:
- Date of birth/Age
- Email address
- Where you live
- Where you were born
- Relationship status
- Your friends names
The individual details contained in the Facebook database is a marketer’s Holy Grail. Companies out there charge big money to sell customer information on and by no means is it as comprehensive or as up to date as the information contained in the Facebook database.
Now what is the difference between a Facebook page and app?
Facebook Page
A Facebook page is where a company creates a profile in pretty much the same way an individual does. Marketers use their page to promote upcoming events, new product launches and try to build a dialogue with customers.
A customer can engage with a company on their Facebook page by posting a comment and/or clicking the ‘like’ button. The customer however does not give permission for a company to access their information. It all stays firmly locked away in the Facebook database.
Facebook App
Facebook apps are custom built and are hosted on a company’s Facebook page. They come in all shapes and sizes, including a:
Competition
- Survey
- Voucher/Discount
- Locked off content
A Facebook app is designed so a customer must give a company permission to access their information from the Facebook database before they can enter the competition or download the voucher etc. The information is downloaded and given to the company as soon as an individual clicks allow.
A Facebook app is designed to create reports which enable a marketer to gain valuable insight on their customer base. For example, it can tell which demographic is interested in a particular product range.
In simple terms the biggest difference between a Facebook page and a Facebook App is indirect, versus direct marketing opportunities. The advantage of a Facebook App is that the customer has provided permission to be contacted via their e-mail address. Access to a customer’s details such as their e-mail address would not be available on a standard Facebook page.
As a marketer and a business owner I know what my social media strategy would contain – a Facebook app!
For more information on a Facebook app feel free to contact me on +61 (3) 9415 2502 or via email Carolyn.Harrington@mocomedia.net
Further reading:
The 5 golden rules to creating a Facebook app http://www.mocomedia.net/index.php/archives/2936
Example Facebook apps:
http://www.facebook.com/Hotelcomau?sk=app_264953873518234
https://www.facebook.com/burberry?sk=app_197184447010295 (click on The Sample)