Just as I was getting my business friends and clients to come around to developing a Facebook presence for their businesses on a Facebook “Fan” Page, Facebook is about to drop the Become a Fan Button on pages in favor of a Like button.  According to the release by FB (see slides at the end of the post), there will be no change in the basic functionality of Pages, and  “Like” offers a light-weight way for users to connect with things they are passionate about. ”

I enjoy John Haydon’s Blog which is oriented toward social media marketing for non-profits.  His post on the subject is informative and concise.  It speaks to a concern that everyone who has a FB page will eventually consider:  What is the difference between a fan, and someone who just likes you.  The context I use for examples is that of a rock star – let’s use Elvis for example, since I am in Memphis.  Elvis fans would do anything to get closer to their idol, buy new products and souvenirs and submit themselves to frequent marketing contacts, and overt pitches, just to be in the fold – among the elite group of FANS.  Well, I like Elvis, but I am certainly not a Fan I that context.

And so it goes with  Facebook pages.  You will still be able to provide content (and pitches)  to those who Like your page.  Let’s just stop right now and give them a name – my vote is for LIKERS, and if we can’t have Fans, we can campaign for people to become Likers.  It’s a lot easier to say than “people who like my page”.  “Liker” has the potential of being the most popular new word of 2010-2011. So let’s get the bandwagon rolling, and keep directing people to our Liker Pages.

Since we Facebook users usually have to accept and deal with the changes that FB rolls out, what are your feelings about this change?   And how do you like Likers?