Why «Likes» and «Followers» are not the same on new Facebook Pages;
Why «Likes» and «Followers» are not the same on new Facebook Pages;
A common occurrence that many Facebook page administrators notice is the difference in the number of “Likes” and followers, especially on new pages. While older pages usually have the same number for both, new pages often show a clear distinction between the two. Let’s explore why this happens and how it affects your page management strategy.
What Do “Likes” and Followers Mean on Facebook?
- “Likes”: When someone “likes” your page, it indicates that they are a fan of your content. Historically, when a user liked a page, they automatically became a follower as well, meaning they would receive updates from your page in their news feed.
- Followers: Followers are users who choose to receive updates from your page without necessarily liking it. This allows them to keep up with your content without publicly showing support.
How Facebook Has Changed
In the past, “Likes” and followers were directly linked. When someone liked a page, they automatically became a follower, so the two numbers were typically the same. However, as Facebook evolved, it introduced more flexibility for how users can interact with pages.
On newer pages, users can:
- Like a page without following it.
- Follow a page without liking it.
This change creates a distinction between the two numbers, giving users more control over how they engage with content.
Why Are the Numbers Different on New Pages?
- User Choice: Some users may want to follow a page to stay updated on its content but may not want to publicly endorse it, which is why they follow without liking.
- Privacy: Certain users prefer to keep their preferences private, so they choose to follow a page without making it public by liking it.
- Page Strategy: Page administrators can now focus on increasing the number of followers through content or campaigns without pushing for likes, since following a page is no longer dependent on liking it.
How to Leverage the Differences
Facebook page administrators can benefit from this distinction. Having separate metrics for likes and followers gives you a clearer understanding of how users interact with your page. If you notice that you have more followers than likes, this could mean that your content is appealing, but your audience prefers to stay less publicly engaged.
Use these insights to adjust your strategy. If your goal is public recognition, you can promote liking your page more heavily. However, if you’re more interested in increasing your content’s reach, focusing on gaining followers might be more effective.
Conclusion
The difference between “Likes” and followers on new Facebook pages is a result of the platform’s evolution. Users can now choose how they interact with pages, giving administrators more tools to manage their audience effectively.
