My Facebook Was Hacked: Lessons Learned and How to Rebuild Your Online Presence
What would you do if your Facebook account was hacked or disabled? It’s a scenario many entrepreneurs and freelancers dread. For me, it became a harsh reality when I lost my Facebook profile, along with 3,000+ connections, my business pages, and years of hard work.
It was a frustrating and emotional experience, but it also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, protecting my online presence, and building back stronger.
In this article, I’ll share my story, actionable tips for Facebook account recovery and safeguarding your business, and how gratitude helped me navigate this challenging time. If you’ve ever wondered, “What should I do if my Facebook was hacked?” or “How can I recover my account?” this guide is for you.
📽️ Watch my full story here on YouTube: My Facebook Was Hacked: Lessons Learned and How I’m Rebuilding
Lesson 1: If Your Facebook Was Hacked, Act Fast
The moment you realize your Facebook account has been hacked or disabled, time is of the essence. Acting quickly can minimize further damage and improve your chances of recovering your account.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Facebook Hack:
Secure Your Other Accounts: If your Facebook account was linked to Instagram, PayPal, or other platforms, change those passwords immediately to prevent further access.
Report the Hack to Facebook: Use the Facebook Help Center to report that your account has been hacked.
Search for “Facebook account recovery services” for step-by-step guides.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Once you regain access (or for other accounts), enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security.
Contact Facebook Support: If your account is suspended or disabled, submit an appeal through their support portal.
Lesson 2: Have a Backup Plan for Your Online Presence
Losing my Facebook profile highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on one platform. Entrepreneurs, especially Virtual Assistants and freelancers, need to diversify their online presence and protect their business from unexpected disruptions.
How to Safeguard Your Social Media Accounts:
Diversify Your Platforms: Expand to Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to reduce dependency on any single platform.
Regular Backups: Save important posts, contacts, and content to an external drive or cloud storage. Tools like Google Takeout can help.
Build an Email List: Email is one platform you fully own. Offer a free resource or lead magnet to encourage sign-ups.
Lesson 3: Rebuilding a Disabled Facebook Account
While I wasn’t able to recover my original profile, the process of starting over taught me resilience. For those trying to recover a disabled Facebook account, persistence is key.
What to Do if Your Facebook Account Is Disabled:
Submit an Appeal: Visit the Facebook Appeal Page and provide the required documentation to prove your identity.
Search for Help: Use keywords like “how to get your Facebook page back” or “Facebook account suspended” to find up-to-date resources and troubleshooting guides.
Consider Recovery Services (With Caution):
There are businesses, like Social Retrieving, that claim to specialize in recovering hacked or disabled accounts. However, be extremely cautious when exploring these options. Many services are scams or ineffective, and I personally lost money to one during my recovery efforts. Before using any recovery service, thoroughly research their reputation, read verified reviews, and ensure they have a track record of legitimate success. Whenever possible, rely on Facebook’s official recovery process for the safest and most reliable outcome.
Lesson 4: Focus on Relationships, Not Just Numbers
Losing thousands of connections was hard, but it reminded me to focus on the relationships that truly matter. Rebuilding is an opportunity to connect with people more intentionally.
Tips for Rebuilding Your Network:
Reconnect Personally: Send individual messages to close contacts explaining your situation.
Engage Consistently: Use social media posts to share your journey, offer value, and encourage conversations.
Serve First, Promote Later: Focus on helping others before asking for support.
Lesson 5: Gratitude Fuels Resilience
Practicing gratitude has been my anchor throughout this experience. Rather than focusing on what I lost, I’m choosing to celebrate what I’ve gained: the chance to start fresh with new lessons and a stronger foundation.
Ways to Practice Gratitude:
Daily Gratitude Lists: Write three things you’re grateful for each day to stay grounded.
Thank Your Supporters: Whether it’s a follower, client, or friend, take time to express appreciation for their encouragement.
Reflect on Progress: Celebrate small wins, like reconnecting with a past client or gaining new followers.
Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Virtual Assistants
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting as a Virtual Assistant, here are steps to build a secure, resilient online business:
For Entrepreneurs:
Document Processes: Write down key workflows to avoid disruption during unexpected setbacks.
Invest in Security: Use secure passwords, enable 2FA, and stay updated on platform security tips.
For Virtual Assistants:
Expand Your Skills: Specialize in in-demand areas like CRM tools or social media automation to attract premium clients.
Leverage Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely solely on Facebook—use LinkedIn, freelance marketplaces, and networking events to find opportunities.
My Journey Forward
Rebuilding my business has been challenging, but it’s also reignited my passion for serving others. As I rebuild my online presence, I’m committed to helping women create freedom and flexibility through work-from-home opportunities.
📽️ Watch my full story here: My Facebook Was Hacked: Lessons Learned and How I’m Rebuilding
How You Can Support My Journey
If you’d like to support me as I rebuild, here’s how we can stay connected:
Send a Friend Request or Follow on Facebook: @jodimarvinofficial
Follow my new business page: Work with Jodi Marvin
Join my free VA Facebook group: The Virtual Assistant Collective
Connect with me on Instagram: @jodimarvin_
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: Jodi Marvin on YouTube
Conclusion
Losing my Facebook profile was a wake-up call, but it also became a turning point. It taught me the importance of resilience, having a backup plan, and focusing on relationships over numbers. If you’ve experienced a similar challenge, know that you can rebuild stronger than ever.
Let’s support each other as we navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. I’m so grateful to have you here and look forward to sharing this journey with you! 💙
