I was asked this question today in regards to my post about how to add a Facebook Cause to a Facebook page. I think it’s a great question:

Question: Am I right in that people become a friend to my personal page and a fan of The Walk Page and a member of the Walk To Washington Cause?

Answer: Yes.

• They “friend” you and it may or may not have anything to do with the Walk nonprofit you’re associated with. It could be old high school friends that have nothing to do with the Walk.
• They “Fan” the Facebook “Walk for Depression” page, and then they see anything you post on the page in their news feed when they check in on Facebook.
• They “Join” a Cause and can donate here, but the cause has a lot fewer options. Posts on a cause do not go into the news feed. You can email announcements through the cause, but I find that very interruptive. People on Facebook don’t want to be emailed, in my opinion.

So in the end, interlinking each is ideal. You really want people to “Fan” the page first and foremost in my opinion. Have them join the cause if they want to donate. Then periodically ask “Fans” on Facebook to “suggest the page to friends” so that you gradually grow your list of fans and gain a viral following. Then when you do a donation appeal, that’s a good time to point them to the Cause, but if you’re not asking for money, I find the Cause page somewhat unnecessary — meaning, if you’re sharing info and not asking for money in a particular post, put it on your Facebook page first. Then when/if you have time, add it to your Cause page, but I really think it’s second in priority.