This post was created especially for my Etsy teammates.  :) 

 █║▌│ █│║▌ ║││█║▌ │║║█║ │║║█║█║▌│ █│║▌ ║││█║▌ │║║█

A growing number of etsy members are supporting and promoting fellow members, by "liking" each other's facebook fan pages. This has lead to a lot of frustration regarding how facebook's fan system works; in particular-- when and how page "likes" are tallied on the counter.  Many page owners are left confused after they are notified within a post that they have been “liked”, but notice their fan counter hasn’t increased.  My goal for this post is to help clear things up.  :) 

First, as a new visitor with the intention of fanning a business page, you need to always be viewing and "liking" the page you are visiting from your personal facebook page (the one with your real name),  for it to actually "count". 

“Liking” a fan page from your own fan page does NOT increase the "like" counter located on the fan pages. 

You could "like" with both of your pages if you want; but, only pressing the “like” button when viewing directly from your personal page will change the counter.  If you’ve been “liking” business fan pages from your own business fan page all along, you can go back to the same business fan pages and “like” again from your personal page, and it will “count” this time.

In addition, if you'd like the owner to pay a visit to your page in return, you should post some evidence of it on the wall of the page you are “liking”.   Otherwise, the owner may not be willing to take the time to figure out which facebook fan page is yours, or even be able to, since you are fanning from your personal page.  
 
So, the next thing you will want to consider, is if and how, you will leave your trail.  It is important to keep in mind that some page owners prefer a cleaner page look; without your business photos on it.  Although facebook business pages do have setting options, to allow or not allow visitors to post links, there is still no guarantee the page owner will keep your post on their fan page after it is posted. That is up to each administrator’s discretion.  

A favorable, alternative option to the large photo link, is to create a discrete, clickable blue business tag by typing...   

@your business name

 ....anywhere within your message. 

This is an especially nice choice for posting on clean-kept walls, or on those that do not have the photo link option available.

In any case, you should always take a moment to view the page before posting, to "feel out" what the page owner prefers; then use your discretion as to which way is best for you to post.  
 
When you are visiting in return, it's not as important, but still a nice courtesy to indicate if you are returning the gesture from your (name/shop).  This way, the page owner realizes they’ve already visited your page, and that you have taken the time to visit and fan theirs.  
 
My facebook fan page is:   http://www.facebook.com/zonkydonk
 
If this information was helpful to you, please stop by and consider fanning my page.

Thank you!   =}