Don’t fear the Facebook timeline for pages…
The Facebook timeline becomes permanent tomorrow, but according to TechCrunch, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. They say that 95% of pages that have already switched have seen increases in likes and conversations. They do though, clarify that by noting that these are early statistics, and we’ll all have to wait and see.
So many people seem to dislike the new timeline, but I doubt that we’ll still be hearing screams in a month or two. Too many people (and companies) rely on Facebook as part of their everyday life, so they’ll get used to it. They pretty much have to.
Personally, I do like the large cover image. I think it opens up some fun creative possibilities for individual people and for companies. I’ve seen some fun ones already. I’m not really fan though, of the lower portion of the Timeline. The way it jumps from side to side makes it harder to follow things in order. I suppose I’ll get used to it. I pretty much have to.
Are Brands Ignoring Facebook’s Interactive Potential?
Consumers want more genuine engagement and interactivity with brands on Facebook, along with nonpromotional content
It’s a bit hard to imagine that some brands still dont have this figured out.
The study found that in 2011, 94% of the 50 top brands’ Facebook pages directed users to a one-way communication page, such as a tab or a closed Facebook wall that didn’t allow consumers to initiate a conversation.
Really?
The upside for the brand is great, the effort to engage and respond not large, while the negative impact of doing this all wrong is huge.
If you’re one of those top 50 brands that doesn’t get it, give me a call, and ill help you figure it out.
Brands - Pay attention to your social media responses!
Brands with social media experience know they don’t need to respond to every ounce of negative buzz in the social sphere; often, letting consumer brand advocates do it for them can address the problem while also showing how loyal some customers are to the company. At the same time, however, leaving genuine questions, problems and complaints unanswered could leave customers feeling out in the cold—on a medium that is supposed to be all about dialogue.
If you’re going to have a social presence, and you probably should, then you should pay attention to it. Take full advantage of the opportunity, or it might backfire on you.
Social Games & Brands CAN Play Nice
More and more people are playing social games. So much so, that it’s a 1 billion dollar industry just this year alone.
As the popularity grows, it’s only natural that marketers will want to tap into that and integrate their brands. It’s good to know that users not only are ok with that, but actually want that. They’re looking for it in the form of discounts, coupons, special offers and loyalty program points.
It’s also interesting to see that direct social interactions that come from game challenges are a motivating factor, but community status isn’t as appealing. So much for becoming the mayor of the local taco place.
In an interesting stroke of coincidence, I’m currently working on a mobile game with social and brand components built in…integrating marketing seamlessly into the gaming experience. We’re mapping it out, and hoping to get a prototype out soon…looking for Angel money too…just mentioned that last part in case anyone out there is looking to invest :)
More to come on this as we move forward!
