14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook has introduced a useful tool for those that have been stuck with a regular profile page when what they really wanted was a fan Page. Businesses, artists and organizations may have created a standard profile before pages were introduced or weren't familiar with the differences between the two.
Now they have the possibility to convert their profile into Pages, though they only get to keep their friends, as fans, and the name of the profile.
Facebook hasn't made any formal announcements, but the tool is live for everyone to use. The company also created a help page to guide users through the process.
"Since profiles are for meant individual people, they aren't suited to meet your business needs. Pages offer more robust features for organizations, businesses, brands, and public figures," Facebook explains.
If you decide or realize that a Page may be better suited for you, you can head on over to the Page creation/migration Facebook page. Once you go through with the migration, only your friends list, profile photo and name will be retained.
If you have under 100 friends, you can customize the name of the page, otherwise you're stuck with what you've got.
Any photos, wall posts, activity, likes and so on will be wiped along with the existing profile. The profile will be converted into a business account which can be used to manage Pages and little else. Facebook says you'll still be able to log into the site with your email and password combination.
"Be aware that when you convert your profile to a Page, your profile pictures will be transferred, and all of your friends will be automatically added as people who like your Page. No other content will be carried over to your new Page, so be sure to save any important content before beginning your migration," warns Facebook.