In 2013, Facebook verification was introduced, allowing people and businesses to showcase their authenticity to their current and potential followers. Ensure your business appears genuine, authentic and verified on the social network by following this simple guide.
Does My Page Need a Grey Facebook Tick?
In 2015, Facebook rolled out verified badges for local business pages. This came in the form of a Facebook grey tick: a badge of honour displayed in the search results and pages of verified smaller or local businesses and organisations.
This joined another type of Facebook verification badge: the blue tick.
A blue Facebook tick is for public figures, celebrities, media companies and large brands. A grey Facebook tick, on the other hand, was for smaller or local businesses and organisations.
In other words, the likes of Adidas and Peter Kay will have a blue tick, while a car showroom or local shop should aim for a grey tick, which serves as a symbol of confirmed location for a business.
However, as of October 30th 2019, the grey verified badge was removed from Facebook due to some confusion from users over what it actually meant.
How can I get my page verified on Facebook?
With no more grey tick available, some of you may be wondering how you can ensure your Facebook page still appears genuine and authentic to customers/visitors online. The good news is that Facebook has revealed many useful pointers on this, which we'll go through below...
1. Make sure your Facebook page provides a website, contact information, an 'About' and description, and plenty of native content.
All of the above helps Facebook to confirm that you are in fact a credible business. Providing your website, email address and phone number also maximises the efficiency of your customer journey, as well as your chances of being found online.
The more details you can provide, the more likely it is that Facebook will ensure your content is seen by those interested in reading and finding it. Everything from addresses, mission statements and other social media channels should be included here.
2. Select the right categories for your business
There are hundreds of Facebook categories for you to use for your business page. Picking the right ones will help people find your business when looking for relevant services or products. Make sure you make the most of the specific categories on offer to really drive home what your business is all about.
3. Include your business address(es) on your page
Including a physical location on your Facebook page is a must. Not only does this promote your business to those searching for your products/services nearby, but it also helps authenticate your Facebook page as a genuine business.
After completing this step on Facebook, it is worth checking Google My Business to ensure your Google presence has a similar effect.
4. Allow customers to review and recommend you
Turn on Recommendations to enable your customers to view/recommend your page. This will build up your star rating and therefore build trust with new and potential customers. After all, 90% of consumers read
5. Encourage people to like your page - on and offline
While Page Likes are not the be-all and end-all of social media marketing, they do help to validate and verify your Facebook page. The more followers and engagement you have on the platform, the more likely people are to know that you are a bona fide, reliable business.
Enhance your social media presence
Now that you're verified, you need to ensure your social media content - from the tone to imagery and content - matches the authenticity and professionalism associated with the tick. Need help managing your social media channels or perfecting your content marketing? Call us on 01652 638290 today!
Oliver Wilkinson
Content Manager
