Page owners take note, Facebook announced that gray verification badges – used by small businesses to authenticate their Pages – will be going away on October 28.
Similar to Facebook’s blue verification badges, Facebook’s gray badges, provided small businesses with an opportunity to prove to the public (and to Facebook) that their Page was genuine, and officially managed by the right people.
So, why is Facebook getting rid of the gray badge introduced in 2015? Well, according to a company spokesperson, the platform is looking to concentrate on helping businesses to portray authenticity in new ways. Whatever that means is anyone’s guess, but according to the spokesperson, the change is primarily based on user feedback. To most people, it was actually unclear what the gray checkmark represented in the first place.
Those who already had the gray badge will now need to put more effort than ever into developing their authentic Facebook presence. Of course, they will also need to work harder at monitoring fake accounts that claim to be associated with their organization.
Facebook does, however, have some advice for marketers. Essentially, Page Admins will need to stay on top of keeping Page info updated and complete, with a profile picture and correct contact information.
Furthermore, Facebook also encourages those affected pages to continue maintaining a consistent flow of activity – as an active Page will demonstrate to the public, the company is still in business.
The blue verification badges will remain for public figures, media companies, and brands.
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