New Facebook Update alert! Facebook has changed its algorithm again!
Although this might be a relief to the millions of Facebook users who were annoyed that they don’t see friends’ updates as before, this move comes at a huge price for company pages which were already struggling.
Why is the new Facebook update important?
According to Facebook, it is making significant changes to its News Feed algorithm to make it a priority to show updates from family, friends and groups that see the most interaction and engagement. This is simply because Facebook wants its users to be happy. Based on extensive research they concluded that interacting with posts makes users far more happier than passive scrolling through news feeds.
So by updating its News Feed, Facebook is trying to listen to its users and make them happy! Adam Mosseri, the head of News Feed wrote last week:
“ Facebook was built to bring people closer together and build relationships. One of the ways we do this is by connecting people to meaningful posts from their friends and family in News Feed. Over the next few months, we’ll be making updates to ranking so people have more opportunities to interact with the people they care about.”
What does this mean for Business Pages?
Since space in the News Feed is limited, this new Facebook update will mean a significant reduction in business pages reaching its followers organically. Room will rather be to posts that spark conversation and engagement from family and friends and less from public content and posts from business pages.
Facebook did go on to say that the impact will be different from one page to the next. This will depend on the page’s content and how people interact with it. Thus the key take away from all of this for a small business, is to create social media content that resonates with its followers.
What should small business do to combat this change?
There is light at the end of the tunnel. And no this does not mean that it’s time to say goodbye to your Facebook page. Like with anything in the world when something evolves we must adapt! Same goes for this new Facebook update, we evolve and adapt!
- Ask your current followers to choose See First in News Feed preference to make sure they always see posts from you. They can simply do this when they are on your page by pressing the arrow beside the following button and choosing See First under – In Your News Feed.
- Creating content that gets high engagement. I would definitely recommend starting a weekly live video. Live videos generate 600% more Facebook interactions! Adam Mosseri, Head of News Feed specifically mentioned live videos as the type of Page post that may show higher in member’s news feed.
“What types of Page posts will show higher in News Feed?
Page posts that generate conversation between people will show higher in News Feed. For example, live videos often lead to discussion among viewers on Facebook…”
- Interacting with Groups and creating your own Facebook group. Make sure that as a page you interact with groups that are in your field. By regular posting and interacting with the community on these groups, you will create awareness about your page and brand. Make sure to add value when you can and not just post for the sake of posting!
- Paid advertising. A little goes a long way with Facebook advertising. This is because you have the tools to target exactly who you want within the budget you specify. In addition, by adding a Facebook Pixel to your website you can begin to track website traffic and create different custom and lookalike audience within the Facebook ads manager for retargeting. A Facebook Pixel is a very important addition to any website especially if you will be using Facebook advertising.
Any new change is always scary at the beginning. But like all past Facebook updates, we examine, change tactics and adapt. As a small business, your online presence is very important. Being able to effectively and efficiently grow your business online is essential.
If you have any tips of your own, please comment below.