We’ve already covered the 7 reasons why you should have a Facebook page instead of a Facebook profile. But what if you’ve already created a Facebook profile? I’m going to show you exactly how to convert your profile to a page so you can start taking advantage of all the Page benefits.
This process will only transfer your photos and friends, all your other data will be lost. This includes wall posts, profile information, and photo albums. Once you transfer, there will be no way to recover this information.
Step 1: Backup Your Facebook Profile
Since you’ll lose most of your data, you’ll want to back up your profile before we begin the transfer. This is a really simple process:
- Click on Account in the top right of Facebook.
- Select “Account Settings”
- Click “Download a copy” of your Facebook data.
Facebook will then put together an archive for you and email you when it’s ready. This can take up to an hour.
Step 2: Send a Message to Your Friends
Since the transfer will convert all your friends into fans and change how they interact with you, you’ll want to let your friends know about the upcoming changes. Simply let them know that Facebook policies require that businesses have Pages and that you’ll be moving to a Facebook page over the next couple of days. Here’s a template for you:
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you know that we’re converting our Facebook Profile to a Facebook Page. We’ve decided to do this since Facebook policies require businesses to have Pages instead of Profiles. You don’t have to do anything to stay connected with us, we just wanted to give let you know that you’ll be seeing changes on how our account is set up.
Thanks so much for joining us, we’re really excited to keep helping you with [Your product or service offering]! Definitely let us know if you have any questions.
Talk to you soon,
[Your name]
Step 3: Transfer Your Profile
Start at the Facebook migration page. From here, select the type of page that fits your product or service, the category that best describes it, and confirm the Page name. Facebook will then ask you to confirm the transfer by asking for your password and having you enter a CAPTCHA.
When you’ve confirmed the transfer, Facebook will allow you to update your Profile photo, invite contacts to be friends, and update your About and Website information.
Step 4: Update Your Information
Since all your profile information was lost in the transfer, you’ll want to update this. From your Facebook Page, simply click on “Edit Info ” at the top. You’ll definitely want to fill out these sections:
- Founded
- Description
- Products
Step 5: Start Publishing Content
With a blank and empty wall, you’ll want to start publishing Facebook Posts so that your Page looks active and healthy. If there isn’t much activity on your wall, your customers will be reluctant to start discussions, ask you questions, and purchase from you. Have an active Facebook Page so people will know they’ll get a response from you when they post something to your wall.
If you need ideas for what types of posts do really well, check out my post on 5 Facebook Post Templates that are Guaranteed to Drive Fan Engagement.
And that’s it. You now have a fully functional Facebook Page.