The race to the most Facebook page likes is the “in thing” these days, especially in the photography industry. There is a misconception that the more likes you get, the better you are than your competitors. Every now and then you’ll be scrolling through your Facebook feed and you see that photographers update their statuses with “Please like my page” or “10 likes away from 500 Likes, please visit my page”. I usually ask myself, “Why should I like your page?”
Think about it. What value does a “Like” bring to both you and the person who liked your page? I’ll be the first to admit that I was one of those people that would constantly ask for likes. I used to think the more likes I had the more potential clients I could gain, but now I know that likes does not necessarily transfer to paying clients.
A while back I made a small survey for local photographers and asked them to share their thoughts on why people should like their Facebook business page. Names will not be mentioned but I’d like for you to read what your peers are thinking and to see if it’s similar to your thoughts about Facebook likes.
Next week I will update with a blog post that will list ways Page Likes bring value to you and your clients based on some of the responses here.
Photographer 1
I think I’m really good at what I do. My photos can bring a smile to people’s faces. I have 600 likes on my page but it doesn’t mean I have 600 clients or even potential clients. I like to think I have 600 people who appreciate my work and wanted to show it by liking my page. So people should like my page to see and appreciate the memories we, the client and I, make and bring some light into their Facebook News Feeds.
Photographer 2
My Facebook page is obviously meant for people to see my work, but also to find out info about my schedule, etc… I make all of my announcements there, like when I will and won’t be available. Also, since my business is 99.9% word of mouth, and contact related, people like to see posts about other people that they know, so mainly I would say they should like it so they can see people’s kids that they know, and to find out about scheduling…make sense?
Photographer 3
I think it’s important for people to like my page to get my name out there. For me right now I have a lot of ideas and tips and techniques that I’ve learned and want to put into practice. The more people know about me, the more I get to shoot. But as per Facebook, when a client or friends like your page they restrict the post they can see, since basically it free advertising. This is something I’ve recently heard of but for any page I think maybe “shares” need to be incorporated as well. So other people who haven’t liked your page can see it also.
Photographer 4
Free advertising for small business. You got top dogs in the game like Alaa, Yoi and Jay and you got Eric Sierra and then You got the rest of us that have barely entered the game. The more people that like your page the more active your page gets. As long as one “likes” there goes the whole networking. That’s how Facebook works.
Photographer 5
For me, personally, my personal page resonates more with my client/prospective client base than the actual business page. I struggle to maintain it and it doesn’t have as much reach as my personal page. When I started a few years ago, Facebook helped a lot and it was solely my personal page. As with my blog, my business is based off of me, who I am, so the blog and the personal Facebook page helped people connect with who I am. Honestly, my business page feels so cold to me and I have little interaction with it and with clients through it. So to answer your question, I actually think I feel indifferent if people like my photography page or not. I enjoy a more natural and tangible feelings everyday with my business so while social media helps, I have found other ways to connect with people than simply through the Facebook page.
Photographer 6
Serious note: If they like it, they like it. I’m not one to push weight on people to “check something cool out” or anything in that similar sense. If I had to I’d say “Take a gander at the raw intensity I portray in my event portraits!” Only because I truly believe it’s my strong point in my work
Photographer 7
I don’t know if I get the return on promoting it with Facebook new sponsorship pricing. So no.
Photographer 8
I think people are always looking for something different and by liking someone’s page they might see something they like and have it made or done that way! It doesn’t really mean they will book you for it but keep you in mind.
Photographer 9
To see my promos.
Photographer 10
People should follow us if they like what we have to offer. They keep up to date on anything we do. Who doesn’t want to see great pics of people they may or may not know. While not necessary, it is a useful tool for publicizing your business.
Photographer 11
That’s honestly a question I never thought about, but why should people like my photography page. Well not only are people able to contact me through there but they can also check out my work and see if my style of work, the way I edit or where I shoot is what they want for their photos. I think it’s easier to navigate and easier to stay posted on upcoming things like in case I do another park mini or even another one of my RAW shows if they are interested in going to check out my stuff up close and meeting with me. I like that it’s easier for clients to share there photos and also great for obtaining new clients.
Photographer 12
Thats actually a tough question. haha. I suppose mainly to support local art, but to also keep updated with promotions and specials or giveaways. Everyone needs beautiful photos and its a chance to see some or to book a session for yourself. If anything its to continue to see the beautiful moments in the lives of others and to remind ourselves of true beauty in the world.
Photographer 13
To be updated on any work I’ve done or to updated on any contest or deals. Simple!
Photographer 14
Hey Ben! Actually I don’t have a photography page due to Facebook rules that require paying a handsome amount of cash to reach for your fans. However, if your question is related to Facebook posts related to the photographer’s work, then the answer is that they should follow it in order to get familiar with the photographer work. Photographer also may offer specials from time to another, that’s a good reason to follow him/her. A photographer can ask for a model male/female, so if the person think he could fit in the description, then it’s an awesome opportunity.
Photographer 15
People should like my page because not only would it keep them up to date on the projects and sessions that I’m doing but it would also give clients an idea of what they would like as far as a photo session theme or location. I feel that my page is not limited to just one certain audience, which provides a plethora of inspirational ideas. My page also shows a small portion of who I am, which I think is important to a client. I try to connect with my clients in a way where they can see not only what I look like, what I’m up to, but also so that they can feel at ease during a session – even if we’ve never met previously.
Photographer 16
1. Because they like what they see…photos. 2. They’re interested in some type of session….(wedding, XV, senior) and 3. So they can see whenever I offer any specials.
Bee Beautiful Studios 
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