FACEBOOK ANNOUNCES NEWS FEED CHANGES JANUARY 21

Facebook made some changes and it’s important for Page Admins to keep up so you are using the best means (according to Facebook) to reach your audience via your Page.

According to Facebook: “Page admins can expect a decrease in the distribution of their text status updates, but they may see some increases in engagement and distribution for other story types.”

This means posts by Pages that are text only, or text with a link but no pulled in image from the destination website. According to Facebook’s latest News Feed research users respond best to text status updates from their friends (personal profiles), as a result, users then share more text status updates themselves (which Facebook likes to see!)

HOWEVER, the research also showed that response to text posts by PAGES was different.

HOW THIS WAS DONE: Often, Pages shared links embedded in a text status update (with the link preview removed like the image above shows), so it was a text post with a link in it but no image showing. Starting YESTERDAY, Facebook says they are going to decrease the reach of text status updates (with or without a link embedded).

So, what should you do?

1. Use link posts properly. (See image below) This means ensuring you do not “x” out the link preview image/description when creating a post.

2. Follow Mari Smith’s Advice: “It’s important for Pages to continue to experiment further with the best post types for *your* particular audience. Use a mix of photos, videos, links (with the preview left in place), events, offers, milestones, text status updates, and don’t forget “dark posts” (unpublished posts which you’ll find in the Power Editor – use these to target a specific audience with granular targeting).”

Also, read this additional note from Mari Smith as well.

READ Facebook’s official announcement of this newest News Feed ranking algorithm change here:  Facebook News Feed Change

Question or thoughts?