Changes in Facebook

If you've logged onto to Facebook within the last week, you've probably noticed some changes. Facebook recently debued a site overhaul which left many users scrambling to adjust to the design changes. Typical with sudden format changes, Facebookers were in an uproar, demanding that Facebook restore old settings and formats. While the changes did instill some temporary shock and disdain for some users, Facebook proves their commitment to the social media outlet and continues to evolve the concept.

Here are some notable changes:

• A ticker has been added to the right hand side of the homepage which shows friends' activities, including pictures and statuses they "like" or comment on
• Lists have been added that keep track of activities of customized groups
• New Facebook algorithms decide what shows up on your main feed, posting only the stories that you may find interesting
• Next to the "comment" and "like" buttons under each update, you will now find a "share" button, which will make it easier for users to share information with their friends

The changes will definitely give users more relevant information and make it easier than ever to share stories. However, the changes will make it harder for fan pages to reach all their followers. Notifications will no longer show up on home feeds when friends "like" a company page. This means companies who rely on "word of mouth" may have to work harder for their Facebook followers by providing share-worthy content (which you should be doing anyway!).

All in all, I love the new Facebook changes. Facebook continues to innovate and evolve with the fast-paced world of social media while continuing to stay on top. The changes make it easier to navigate information while competing with other social media platforms like Twitter and Foursquare. This will definitely not be the last time we see platform changes, and I look forward to keeping up with the ever-changing world of social media so that we can continue to provide our clients with the latest and most effective social media strategies!