3 Epic Changes On Facebook

Over the last few months, users of the social media giant Facebook, will have noticed some massive changes appearing on the site.

It is very apparent that Facebook is trying to steer people and brands in the direction of a greater level of interaction and social connectivity. The social networking site is giving the user greater powers, which in turn makes it harder for businesses to gain fans without spending any money.

With this in mind, we need to take a look at how you can be affected as a marketer by these recent changes.

1. News Feed And New Ticker

The news ticker is not there purely for Facebook based interactions with your friends, but in addition it will incorporate outside interaction. Another interesting point is that you will be able to click on a friend’s outside interaction and do the same activity that they had been doing, directly from Facebook.

This is a very revolutionary concept and is very impressive as it is going to open up an entirely new stage in interactive marketing.

The efforts that Facebook is taking to modify the online experience can only mean increased sales for marketers who learn how to use interaction properly. However, in order to make an impact you will need to be more creative and smarter than the competition. Remember that content and targeting are crucial if you wish to earn money from Facebook.

2. Open Graph

Open Graph is essentially Facebook’s attempt to expand the social connectivity and interaction of its users across the entire internet. It was launched last year, but the new changes are wide-spread. Open Graph links with other internet websites and any activity you do will be published in your news ticker.

This move by Facebook is in a way a response to the Google+ takeover. When you network on third party websites, you will be able to see which of your friends liked the particular sports event, book, or song etc., on that page.

The change has brought mixed reactions with it, in terms of the marketing community. Good points have been that it is creating more reach for Facebook fans on our own pages and therefore greater brand visibility. This can lead to more interaction and all through an automated system.

The point that is however a great worry to marketers, is that it is all owned by Facebook. It can therefore feel as if Facebook is pushing its way into your website ownership, due to the fact that the site is claiming parts of your website for their own use.

3. Timeline And Sponsored Stories

Everyone on Facebook will have a timeline, which is basically a page that in a way sums up who you are in one tidy profile.

For brands to make it into a profile timeline, they will need to find ways to become significant to their fans. Marketers will need to work extra hard in order to make an experience with their brand worthy of being on the timeline. This creates excellent exposure and a perfect space with which to promote your brand.

Sponsored stories have various new interactive features, which will be a great way of attracting customers to your page and gaining customer feedback.

If you would like any help with maximising the effectiveness of your social presence, then why not give us a call at Network Intellect and have a discussion with one of our digital strategists.