Why That “Like for Like” Tactic Might Be Holding You Back
The Shortcut Everyone Tried – But Few Really Benefited From
If you’ve ever run a Facebook page, you’ve probably seen the messages.
“Follow me and I’ll follow you back.”
“Like my page and I’ll like yours.”
It’s the classic follow-for-follow (F4F) move. It used to feel like an easy win. Your follower count shot up. Your page looked busy. And at first glance, that felt like success.
But it’s 2025 now – and things have changed.
People are starting to ask the tough question:
Is follow-for-follow still worth doing?
Or has it turned into more of a liability than an asset?
Let’s look at what’s really going on – and what works better today.
What Is Follow-for-Follow?
Follow-for-follow is when two people agree to follow each other’s Facebook pages or profiles. It’s a quick way to make your numbers look better.
It’s often used by:
Small business owners who want to look more established
Creators trying to stand out in crowded spaces
Affiliate marketers hoping to build trust
On the surface, it seems harmless. But here’s the problem: those new followers usually don’t care about your content. And that matters.
Why Follow-for-Follow Doesn’t Work Anymore
1. The Algorithm Has Gotten Smarter
Facebook’s algorithm doesn’t reward high follower counts. It rewards engagement.
That means likes, comments, shares, saves, watch time, and clicks. If you have a big audience but no one interacts, the algorithm takes it as a red flag.
It assumes your content isn’t valuable. So fewer people see it.
You might have 1,000 followers – but if only 50 are active, your reach will drop fast.
That’s not real growth. It’s just numbers on a screen.
2. Facebook Can Spot Fake Engagement
Some people use engagement pods – groups where users like, comment, and follow each other in a loop.
It sounds smart, but Facebook’s AI can spot the pattern:
- Sudden jumps in likes or follows
- Repetitive or copy-pasted comments
- Activity from unusual locations
This can hurt your page. You might lose reach, get shadowbanned, or even face suspension.
Facebook wants real users to see real content. It’s focused on quality, not tricks.
What Actually Works on Facebook in 2025
If you want growth that lasts, you’ll need to shift your focus. Here’s what’s working today:
1. Lead With Great Content
Strong content is what keeps people coming back.
Try:
- Short videos like reels, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes clips
- Carousels with tips, ideas, or stories
- Live sessions where you answer questions or show your process
- Polls and interactive posts that invite feedback
Think about what your audience cares about—and create content that speaks to them.
2. Build a Targeted Audience
Facebook’s targeting tools are better than ever.
Use location-specific content to reach local audiences
Add hashtags that reflect your niche and region
Run small ad campaigns to reach the right people
Example:
A café in Leeds posts a video of their Yorkshire-themed cakes. With just £5 in ad spend, they bring in 100 new local followers. These people are more likely to visit, not just like.
3. Create a Community, Not Just a Page
In 2025, the trend is moving toward micro-communities—small, active groups where people feel seen and heard.
You can:
- Start a Facebook Group linked to your page
- Share behind-the-scenes content or exclusive updates
- Offer special deals, tips, or early access
- Ask your audience questions and start real conversations
These deeper connections lead to trust—and trust leads to sales.
How Follow-for-Follow Hurts Your SEO and AEO
Beyond Facebook, your social activity affects how you show up in search engines like Google and Bing, as well as in AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Here’s how F4F can work against you:
SEO: Fake Followers Lower Your Credibility
Search engines look at your engagement, bounce rates, and how people interact with your links.
If your followers don’t care, they won’t click—or they’ll leave quickly. That tells search engines your content isn’t useful.
The result? Lower rankings.
AEO: AI Prioritizes Relevance Over Popularity
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is all about giving people useful answers.
AI tools look at:
- How clearly your page explains what you do
- How well your content matches people’s questions
- The feedback and interactions your posts get
If most of your followers are fake or uninterested, that hurts your relevance—and your visibility.
Who’s Still Using Follow-for-Follow – and Why They Should Stop
You’ll still see F4F being used by:
- New content creators
- Dropshippers and affiliates
- Artists, musicians, and influencers
They’re chasing quick wins. But here’s the truth:
A large follower count doesn’t build a strong brand. Real fans do.
If 500 people follow you, engage, and buy from you, that’s far more powerful than having 5,000 silent followers.
What to Do Instead: A Smarter Growth Plan
Here’s a better way to grow your Facebook page this year:
Step 1: Make Your Page Clear and Search-Friendly
- Use keywords that match your location and niche
- Be clear in your “About” section and content
- Link to helpful blog posts, services, or landing pages
Step 2: Post to Start Conversations
- Ask good questions your audience can relate to
- Share opinions that spark interest (respectfully)
- Show customer reviews or success stories
Example:
“Is AI making digital marketing better or worse? I’d love your thoughts ”
Step 3: Connect with Similar Pages
- Leave thoughtful comments on other pages
- Collaborate with pages in your industry
- Share and tag others’ content – they’ll often return the favour
Step 4: Try Small, Focused Ads
You don’t need a big budget to make an impact.
Just make sure you have:
- A specific audience
- A short, eye-catching video or post
- A small ad budget (£10–£20)
Use lookalike audiences and retargeting to reach people who are already interested in what you offer.
The Final Word: Is Follow-for-Follow Still Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line:
It might give you more followers.
But it won’t help your engagement – or your business.
In fact, it could be making things worse. It hurts your visibility. It damages your SEO. And it makes your brand seem less trustworthy.
In 2025, trust is the most valuable currency on Facebook.
Don’t chase numbers. Focus on building real relationships. Help people. Share your story. Offer something useful.
Because real followers don’t come from swaps – they come from value.
Want to Grow the Right Way?
If you’re ready to build a real audience, grow your brand, and make Facebook work for you – not against you – there’s a better path.
Join the Internet Business School and learn how to attract the right people, create meaningful content, and turn followers into loyal customers.
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