Two weeks ago Facebook announced its newest feature, Graph Search. Since then, a lot has been said about it but since everyone will have to give in to it eventually, we decided to round up what we thought to be the most important points if your business is on Facebook. So listen closely.
Two weeks ago Facebook announced its newest feature, Graph Search. Since then, a lot has been said about it but since everyone will have to give in to it eventually, we decided to round up what we thought to be the most important points if your business is on Facebook. So listen closely.
What it is and how it works
It’s a search engine that allows you to find content based on certain criteria. The beta version is only available in U.S. English but it’s supposed to work with very plain language like “sushi restaurants in Bangkok that my friends like”.
What can it be used for?
Anything you want, really. You can look for pictures of a city you’re interested in visiting, for restaurants your friends like or for friends of friends that live in your area and share your interests.
What does it mean for business?
Graph Search might come to be of great use for business. It will make word of mouth even more important, as people will be able to search for things that their friends like without even having to consult them. The Facebook team is hoping that people, who otherwise wouldn’t make an effort to like a page, will now have an incentive to do so and let their friends know about new services and products.
Besides that, it will give businesses the opportunity to get to know who their customers are and to become more visible and therefore attract new consumers.
How it will help me?
If you use it well it might help you very much. Use it to get to know your customers, search what other things they like
and try to find a pattern. Also use it to find potential customers that might not know you yet, looking for people in your area that like your competitors, for example.
Graph Search can help you research and understand your market, target the right clients and do a bit of marketing.
Be active, engage and interact with your followers to maximize visibility.
How can it harm me?
If you don’t play your cards right it might be that your competitors will get more visibility and attention than you, leaving your business to the end of the results list.
What should I do to prepare for it?
Make sure your page is complete and up to date. Facebook’s Graph Search will come with a new type of SEO where the page name, category, vanity URL and details on the About section are all important¬. Use keywords and provide an address for when people search for specific locations. Sharing more information will increase your chances of being discovered.
Facebook will also base its search results on the activity of each page. Keep the page active and get your followers to interact with you.
Where can I try it?
You can learn more and join the wait list for the beta version right here.
Want to know more about how to successfully create and build a social media marketing plan? Check out our very helpful Social Media Marketing workshop.
