Facebook recently announced that in January 2015 it will begin restricting certain posts that are currently allowed on business pages. According to Facebook, these changes are being made after surveying “hundreds and thousands of people” about the content in their feeds. They found that those surveyed were more interested in seeing their friend’s stories and less interested in seeing promotional posts from business pages. They went on to say that users still wanted to see posts from pages that they like, but they would like the posts to be less promotional.
Facebook stated the three consistent traits that those surveyed felt were too promotional; and therefore, will begin restricting are:
1. Posts that solely push people to buy a product or install an app.
2. Posts that push people to enter promotions and sweepstakes with no real context.
3. Posts that reuse the exact same content from ads.
To ensure your fans continue to see your posts, strive to engage instead of sell. Posting a good mix of organic and paid posts will help keep your audience reach from declining. Use this change as a reminder that your Facebook page should showcase your business while establishing connections with your fans. If your budget allows, now may be the time to hire a social media expert to help you navigate the new changes and start 2015 off on the right track.
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