Facebook recently caused a stir when it unveiled new changes to its website. It seems most users aren't happy with the updates. In fact, a poll done by SodaHeads showed that approximately 86% of the people don’t like the new changes. But regardless of how you feel about Facebook’s latest updates, it’s important to understand what they are and their effects on social media marketing.
One of the most criticized updates on Facebook’s new site is the timeline, which replaces the traditional profile page. In the past, Facebook would only keep a user’s most recent stories, blogs or comments on the profile page. Therefore, older content would eventually disappear as newer content was uploaded. With timeline, older content will no longer vanish.
Timeline also encourages users to post videos, photos and apps making pages much more visual in an effort to retain younger users.
Another controversial move by Facebook is to make content more public with the subscribe button. The purpose of this change is to increase search engine results for Facebook pages through publicly available content. Also, the button allows users to control what content they see via Facebook’s news feed without having to be Facebook friends with the source.
This change benefits marketers by broadening the base of who is following you. The challenge comes with getting users to subscribe. Regular updates on promotions and specials through the news feed can engage customers and increase traffic to your site.
Facebook seems to have come up with a way to compete with Twitter with its newest edition, ticker. Like Twitter, ticker follows news and people in real time. The biggest difference is that ticker follows users throughout Facebook and will suggest similar content from other sources based on what you're browsing. By suggesting content, users can gain more news and other perspectives and easily jump in and comment on stories.
Ticker may prove to be a marketer’s friend since it automatically suggests content to users outside your circle. The key is to keep content fresh and relevant so your client stays in the news loop.
For more information on how social media marketing can help your business, contact Machus today.
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