Google+ recently rolled out some big changes. You can now search Google+ (something that should have been there since the beginning). This allows you to look for people, topics and general news through Google+. Google+ is now open to all, so what are you waiting for? Sign up
here. Once signed up, you can
download the mobile Android app and participate in mobile hangouts with up to 9 other users.
But that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to figure out what happened to Facebook? So now, on with the Digital Influence Weekly…
Facebook changed again. First thing I need you to do is calm down and realize that this isn’t the first time it’s changed, nor will it be the last. Get it out of your system and let’s get into what’s happening.
Here are some of the big things you have either noticed or will need to know.
1) You can now better see who is sharing your brand’s content. When you see the “View 1 Share,” click it to find out who shared it and what they said. That’s a chance to publicly thank them fyi and get them to continue interacting with you.
2) There’s a news ticker at the top right of the page showing things happening right now. So be sure that what you post isn’t a mistake, because you’ll have less time to correct it before it’s seen.
3) You are shown top stories first no matter what. I doubt that will stay permanent as lots of people don’t care about top stories. They want the less popular things that may end up being more important to them anyways.
5)
The Timeline – This will be a scrapbook of things that have vanished from your news feed/profile over time as it’s evolved and changed. It looks as though you can also add things that happened before Facebook was around. I think this will be a fun tool and keep closing generational gaps as you share these memories with family members. It’s only open to developers right now, but if you can’t wait for the Timeline to come to you, here’s a way you can
get it now. (Some assembly required. It’s probably better to wait.)
5) Facebook is continuing to strengthen how your brand’s information shows up on news feeds based on your community’s interaction. So this is the time to re-invest in making your Facebook Page a living, breathing part of someone else’s life. Liking something isn’t enough anymore You need to think of how you can get others to mention and share your brand. So start spending more time as your brand and doing something positive by interacting with those who post to your page or share your information. Go interact on other Facebook pages for your industry.
I’d also suggest you read Dwight Silverman’s
post on the Facebook changes. He discusses how the students at his University of Houston class respond to the changes, concerns about rising information overload and reviews those changes Facebook has made. He also links to many other great resources on the topic.
Personally, I love seeing how much conversation about Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook happen on networks other than their own. +1 the RT of the thing I LIKED please. ;)
Have a great weekend!