In recent weeks Facebook has drawn back the curtains regarding their business platform. Facebook is known as the world’s top social media platform, many of us are guilty of spending countless hours scrolling through our feed, but Facebook has progressed into something greater than just that. No longer is Facebook only known as a place to share with friends; it has become a place of transparency and community between businesses and customers!
It comes as no surprise that Facebook has a vast amount of powerful tools for businesses to expand and advance by reaching more potential customers. Businesses do this by running paid ads, creating groups, going live, engaging their audience, and much more. Before this update, businesses could run paid advertisement without the potential customer seeing the “behind the scenes” web of ads that coax them into buying. This means that companies must develop a greater relationship with their customer, and establish deeper trust. Why? Because it’s harder to sell to someone who knows they are being sold.
Businesses aren’t only exposed to the eyes of their potential customers, but their competition as well. Now, the secret ingredients of a business’ marketing are “on the label” for all to see. Though this will no doubt increase competition, it will also create a better user experience on facebook. Facebook advertising has always been about causing the least amount of disruption to the user. Hopefully, when everyone can see what works, ads on the platform will become more seamless and easier to interact with.
When reflecting on the controversy of whether this is helping or hurting businesses here are some things to consider…
Pro
- Facebook is becoming more transparent and proactive. Therefore, people feel more comfortable to use this platform.
- Human nature is to find flaws, this is one less hole within Facebook’s story.
- Facebook encourages connection and being open continues to shows that they want to build community.
- You can see what is working for others by doing research, because of this less personal resources are spent with experimenting.
Con
- People that market on Facebook with paid advertisement may look more vulnerable.
- Everyone can see what your sequence is to success and failure so others can use your tools for their own benefit.
- Unable to leverage ones business to competitors.
No matter where you stand within this debate, Facebook has changed people’s lives and they will continue to merge the gap between business and personal life.
By: Sophia LaMore