The Facebook Algrorithm change of 2018 - Butterbee Marketing Solutions

How Facebook’s News Feed is Changing

Last week, Facebook announced that it would be changing its news feed algorithm to favour social engagements over brands and publishers….

This means that Facebook’s new algorithm will highlight content across the platform — including official business, celebrity or cause Pages. Per Zuckerberg’s post, the goal of the News Feed is moving from “helping you find relevant content” to enabling those meaningful social experiences.

The current algorithm, established in 2016, highlights friends and family content. The older algorithm, which was set in place in spring 2016, also highlighted content and conversations among family and friends. However, this new tweak will place value on “meaningful social interactions,” rather than spelling doom for publishers as many have suggested. This could actually mean more traffic to groups and official Pages from publishers and businesses.

In a post titled “Bringing People Closer Together,” Adam Mosseri, Facebook’s Head of News Feed, outlined the changes in greater detail. Instead of prioritizing posts based on comments and shares, Facebook will now push content to the top of your News Feed that its algorithms predict will spark meaningful “back-and-forth discussion.”

If you and I had a back and forth conversation on a post from a Page, that would actually count as a meaningful social interaction. These changes could mean you’ll see more items from publisher and company Pages you previously interacted with, especially if your Facebook friends are interacting with them.

Encourage customers to follow your Facebook Page

One thing that’s not changing about the Facebook news feed is the ability for users to make sure they always see posts from their favorite Pages by choosing “See First” in their news feed preferences.

This means businesses shouldn’t be shy about asking customers to follow their page on Facebook. They could even remind loyal followers about the “See First” option.

It’s Still Possible to Grow Your Business on Facebook

2018’s change will be all about better understanding what motivates people to interact with your brand in a meaningful way (think long comments and conversations, rather than a fleeting “like”), and focusing on creating richer, more valuable content.

Anything that nudges the Facebook experience back toward genuine engagement is a good thing! If your brand’s relationship with its audience is strong, and your content relevant, you’ll not only survive the change but you should prosper.

We understand these changes to the Algorithm and will continue to promote our clients best interest in line with it.

Looking forward to another great year in business.

Interactions is the new engagement!

Yours in Social media,

Louinne Prinsloo.

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