Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Your behavior may be considered as SPAM on Facebook

We have all heard that Facebook hates spam, and you can lose your Facebook account if your behavior appears to resemble spamming.


Spam is defined by many as sending unwanted emails, however, did you know that Facebook spamming also includes trying to "friend" people you don't really know and includes messages you send on Facebook? Many people commit two Facebook crimes that are not are not listed specifically in the Terms section, however, you will find the results of these behaviors can cost you the loss of your account.


1. Friending everyone. Many people rush to gather thousands of friends and fans just so they appear very popular and have a larger audience to attempt to sell to.  Facebook strives to control spamming non friends. If you attempt to add someone as a friend, the popup will advise you "(this person) will have to confirm your request. Please only send this request if you know him personally."  or a newer version " If you send a request to a stranger, it will be considered spam and your friend requests will be blocked temporarily. Please only send this request if you know this person" When this person receives your request, they can accept it or alert Facebook that they do not know you.  It only takes a few of these alerts and your account can suddenly disappear with no warning. 


2. Send bulk messages through Facebook. Have you noticed that when you "like" certain pages, or new friends, you suddenly start receiving constant messages? It is a costly mistake to send all of your fans/friends regular emails soliciting your services/products without any personal interaction.  If your followers are truly people you know and have done business with, they most likely will see no problem with receiving your constant messages; however, if you are constantly sending your sales messages to  people who simply "liked" your page and you really don't know them or interact with them, you could be reported as "spamming".


The key to success with social networking, is the social part. Communicate, interact, solve problems, make referrals and ask questions - be the friend or fan someone wants to do business with.