Why You Shouldn’t Invite Everyone to Like Your Facebook and Instagram Page
Almost every time I help a client with their social media business pages, I say the same thing: "I invited everyone I know to like my page—family, friends, old coworkers—because I wanted to build my following fast." They are excited to get their business out there and naturally think a bigger audience means better results. After a few months, however, their excitement quickly becomes disappointment and confusion. Their posts aren't getting likes, comments, or shares. Their insights show low engagement, and the people they want to reach—potential clients—aren't seeing their content.
One individual told me, "I don't get it. I have over 500 followers, but every time I post, it feels like I'm talking to myself." When we looked closer, the problem became apparent—most of those followers weren't his ideal audience. They were old classmates, distant relatives, and friends who liked his page to be supportive but had no genuine interest or need for his services. That's when he truly understood how having the right audience matters more than having a big one.
If this sounds familiar, don't worry—you're not alone! Many business owners make this mistake. But the good news? You can fix it. Let's dive into why inviting everyone to like your business page isn't the best move and what to do instead.
Why Inviting Everyone Is a Bad Idea
It's great to have support from friends and family, but if they aren't your ideal clients or referral partners, they won't help your business on social media marketing. Here's how inviting the wrong people can backfire:
1. Lower Engagement
Facebook and Instagram show your posts to people who most interact with your content. So, if most of your followers are friends and family who follow your business just to be supportive but don’t actually need your services or engage, your posts won’t reach as many people—including those who care. This can hurt your overall engagement and make it harder for your page to grow.
2. Skewed Analytics
If you’re using insights to see what’s working in your social media or marketing, having followers who aren’t interested in your content can mess things up. It skews your data, making it harder to figure out what’s engaging and attracting the right clients. When your audience doesn’t match your goals, your metrics become less reliable, and you could waste time and effort on content that doesn’t click with the people you’re trying to reach.
3. Weakened Credibility
Your business page is your chance to show off your skills, celebrate your wins, and connect with people who truly need what you offer. Focus on building an audience of potential clients and industry connections who genuinely value what you bring to the table. Sure, having random friends and family as followers might boost your numbers, but it won’t help your professional growth or business. Instead, share content that speaks to your ideal audience and shows the unique value you bring to the game.
Who to Invite Instead
Instead of focusing solely on the number of followers, shift your attention to attracting the right audience—people genuinely interested in your content, products, or services. Building a community of engaged followers is far more valuable than just increasing numbers. Here's who should be following your page:
Past and Current Clients (If Permitted in Your Industry)
Invite past and current clients who have already demonstrated their need for and appreciation for your services. These individuals understand the value you bring and are more likely to engage with new offerings or refer others, making them ideal audiences to reconnect with and nurture ongoing relationships.
Jobs in fields like mental health or legal services have strict rules for client interactions to ensure confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical practices. Before inviting clients, review your industry’s guidelines to avoid issues. Understanding these rules builds trust and keeps relationships professional.
Potential Clients
They're the individuals who might genuinely hire you or work with you in the future. These followers align perfectly with your ideal client profile and could genuinely benefit from your expertise or services. Take the time to identify them and invite them to follow your page. By sharing helpful content and having real conversations, you can build trust and show them why you're the best fit for their needs. Don't just aim for more followers—focus on the ones that matter!
Referral Partners
Not everyone you meet will need what you’re offering, but they might know someone who does. That’s why building relationships with referral partners is such a great move. They can help grow your network, connect you with people who need exactly what you provide, and open doors to new opportunities. It’s all about creating a win-win where you both grow and support each other’s success.
Colleagues and Professional Connections
People in your industry can find your content, engage with it, and share it with their networks. They might even recommend your services or products to others who could benefit from them. Word-of-mouth promotion is an awesome way to grow your reach and build trust, making it easier to get noticed in the market.
What to Do If You've Already Invited the Wrong People
If you've already sent invites to your entire friend list, don't panic! You can still refocus your page and attract the right audience.
Post Content That Speaks to the Right People
Start sharing tips, answering questions, and posting content your ideal clients will actually enjoy. Consider creating posts that solve their problems, inspire them, or offer helpful insights. The more your audience likes, comments, and shares your posts, the more Facebook and Instagram will push them out to even more people like them. It’s an easy way to grow your reach and connect with the right people!
Ask Inactive Followers to Unfollow (Yes, Really!)
It might feel counterintuitive, but encouraging the wrong followers to unfollow can help your page. Try posting something like this:
"Hey, friends! If you're following this page but aren't really interested in [your service], no worries! Feel free to unfollow my business page; I promise we will still be friends! Everything I share here is intended for [your target audience]. But if you are genuinely interested, please stick around!"
Attract the Right People Moving Forward
If you’re looking to build an audience that genuinely cares about your business, forget the mass invites and try these more focused strategies instead:
Invite the right people personally—Reach out to clients (if it makes sense), colleagues, and referral partners who might actually be interested in what you’re offering. A personal invite goes a long way in building stronger connections and boosting engagement.
Share your page in the right places—Find online groups or communities that match your business niche and share your page there—but only if the group rules allow it! Ensure your post adds value so it feels natural, not overly promotional.
Post content people want to share—Create content that speaks to your audience’s needs, challenges, or interests. Whether it’s helpful, funny, or inspiring, make it something they’ll want to share—helping you grow your reach naturally.
See what works for you, and start building that engaged audience today!
Final Thoughts
Growing a social media following isn’t about having the most followers—it’s about having the right ones. A smaller, engaged audience is way more valuable than a large group of silent followers who never interact with your content. The right audience will like, comment, share, and even turn into loyal customers, helping your business grow meaningfully.
Got the wrong crowd following you? No big deal—it’s never too late to shift gears. First, figure out who your ideal audience is. What do they need? What are they interested in? What kind of content gets them excited? Once you’ve got that down, create posts that speak directly to them. And don’t forget—consistency is everything. Post regularly and make time to connect with your followers. Relationships are what it’s all about!
Stick to these tips, and you’ll create a business page that not only looks great but also works hard for you. Remember, it’s not about the numbers—it’s about connecting with the people who actually matter. Quality over quantity always wins!
About Dreamtime Marketing
Dreamtime Marketing specializes in Squarespace website design and branding for health and wellness professionals, counselors, and coaches. Founded by Hope Himel-Benson, a certified digital marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience and a background in clinical social work, mental health, senior care, and healthcare communications, Dreamtime Marketing helps solo and small group practices to create a professional online presence that attracts the right clients.
Not ready to dive in just yet? Join our email list to explore expert marketing strategies, actionable tips, and valuable resources designed to help you maximize your marketing efforts. Don't miss out - subscribe today!