Facebook Page or Blog or Both?

[pookie]

I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog and Facebook Page. Ever since I was a kid I was never able to keep my diary going either:(

I am leaning towards dropping my blog and just keeping my FB Page. I also have my website and twitter to keep up, too.

I would like to know if any of you keep both blog and FB Page or just one and why.

TIA

[Tom]

Blog is going to be better for google. FB is better for connection directly to people.

[snidow]

Most of the time you can connect the two anyway, more and more now you can update one and it automatically updates the other.

[LWimages]

I dropped my blog and moved to Tumblr.
There's an option in Tumblr to also update your Facebook page whenever you post something, which works out well for me.
I stopped posting photos on my FB, but it still shows that I have updated something on there via my Tumblr blog.

[p27rpy]

Blog is better for google. At the least, just have your blog postings updated on your FB page to keep it relevant. I use HootSuite, which does a great job of consolidating all your social media into one easy to use format so you can update all of them at once with only one post.

[chrisjlee]

Hi all:

I'm currently a full time web developer. I recommend you keep up with both.

There's also facebook apps for your pages that aggregate or sync your blog with your facebook page.

I assure you going the extra mile will help you stand out in the crowd of uncle bob photographers.

[rkee]

I would do a blog/website and you can have a plugin that will post your blog onto facebook they both work hand and hand

[ttruelove]

I tend to think about it like this: my blog is my personal diary that is somewhat related to what I love to do. I don't want to go too personal since potential clients will read it and will probably expect me to talk about my craft. A blog entry of how much my dog sheds might not be the best post. But, if I mentioned my dog's shedding problem and then took photos of what I was discussing and some of said dog, that might be a blog entry that's amusing and fun. Mixing personal interests with professional skills. Think "what can my reader take away from this post?" This is how I see the blog's importance; it allows my clients to get to know me.

Confession: Although I am aware of the blog's importance, I am guilty of not keeping it updated. I get into spurts making a lot of updates at once, then forget about it. Consistency is the key point with making a blog relevant.

Facebook is a different animal. Clients don't care what you had for lunch or your particular view of the Casey Anthony verdict. They want to see how you interact with your potential and current clients. They expect you to have a level of professionalism, but be nice, helpful and approachable. Use the tool to communicate, run promotions, announce updates and display photos. Photos are the main reason people will want to be 'friends' with you on FB, so make sure to share them. Also, make some content available only on your blog and on FB so you have a reason to send traffic to both locations.

Example: You shoot an engagement couple. Select 5-10 photos to 'sneak peek'. Make sure both the bride and groom are friends on your business/fan Facebook account (!important not to be your personal account) and then tag the bride and groom when you upload the photos. The bride and groom's friends and family will see the photos and their friends will see them, etc. It's a good way to spread the word. But wait, there's more! Select an additional 5-10 photos only available on your blog and link it from your Facebook post or Gallery album. This drives additional *exclusive* traffic to your blog site, which is where you want them to go to learn about you.

Using both a blog and Facebook can be an awesome compliment for soft marketing efforts. Be aware, it is quite time consuming to go this route, but word does get out over time and you'll see results after a while. This stuff doesn't happen overnight.

I hope I helped and good luck.