This article is a working post that we will update every time Facebook makes a change that affects you. Every post will include details about how Facebook updates and how they will impact your business’s Page and, if applicable, your entire Facebook profile.
If you think we missed anything — or have questions or suggestions — use the comments section below!
2015
FEBRUARY
New app to manage ads
Facebook released a new mobile app that enables businesses to manage their Facebook Advertising on-the-go, giving us a bit of insight into where the social media behemoth thinks advertising is heading (hint: mobile).
You can use the app to:
Track ad performance
Edit existing ads
Change ad budgets and schedules
Receive push notifications
Create ads
Learn more about the ads manager app
Legacy contact
Nobody likes to think about dying, but the reality is that you need a “will” for your digital assets, just like you do your physical ones.
Facebook has created the legacy contact so that every user can decide who they want to manage their Facebook account when they pass away. While no one wants to think what will happen once they’re no longer able to update their status, the legacy contact gives users an easy solution when making tough decisions.
Add a legacy contact right now
New Facebook Groups features
“For Sale” Groups now have enhanced features for buying and selling. When posting in one of these groups, you now have the option to “sell” or “buy” vs. simply posting to the group.
Learn more about selling features in Facebook Groups
2014
DECEMBER
Facebook Search updates
The latest Facebook Search update will make it easier to find things you have searched for in the past.
Facebook is implementing a type of artificial intelligence with the new search feature — the network plugs your individual language patterns into its search algorithm to generate results. For example, if you are looking for a coupon code for that Tony’s Pizzeria posted, you can search for “Tony’s Pizzeria Coupon” and be automatically connected with the post that contains the coupon.
Read more about Facebook Search updates
NOVEMBER
NEW: Facebook Group app
Accessing your collaborative Facebook Groups on-the-go has become easier with the new Facebook Group app.
In addition to staying in touch 24/7, the app lets you organize your Facebook Groups by personal preference. You will still be able to access your Facebook Groups through the regular app (as well on your computer), but this app takes a few steps out of the equation for power users.
Learn more about using the Facebook Groups app
SEPTEMBER
More timely posts from Facebook Friends & Pages
In an ongoing effort to improve content delivery, Facebook has altered the News Feed algorithm to show which of your Friends and Pages are talking about trending topics.
Give your content a boost and improve your chances of showing up in your Fans News Feeds by posting about trending topics (as long as it is actually relevant to your Page).
News Feed FYI: Showing more timely stories from Friends & Pages
Better ads
In addition to users now being able to hide ads, Facebook is requesting that the users share why they want the ad hidden so that they can feed the information back into their algorithm.
By telling Facebook why you want the ad hidden, you are helping the collective of Facebook advertisers (team effort!) by helping to guarantee that all ads end up in front of the right audience.
News Feed FYI: Listening to peoples’ feedback in order to show better ads
AUGUST
Click-baiting ban
Posts that get a lot of clicks — but have a high bounce rate — qualify as “click-bait” and they are now removed by Facebook.
Click-bait are misleading headlines that suggest one thing, but deliver different results. An example of click-baiting is: “You’ll never believe what this Hollywood star bought…” and linking to an article featuring an everyday purchase, such as toilet paper. Click-bait headlines don’t engage audiences and actually harm Facebook’s authority as a content provider.
News Feed FYI: Click-baiting
JUNE
Ad improvements
Facebook will begin collecting data on each user based on the Pages they like and websites they visit in order to deliver a better ad experience on the network.
Ads will customized for each user, meaning they may have a greater impact on your business than before.
Making ads better and giving people more control over the ads they see
JANUARY
Trending topics
Trending topics introduces the use of #hashtags on Facebook.
While hashtags have traditionally been used on Twitter, Facebook’s version differentiates because it shows you the trending topics its algorithm thinks you want to see. For example, if I am a huge Beyonce fan and if the hashtag #Beyonce was trending, it would appear. However, if I never post about sports or like sports pages, the trending topic #superbowl might not show up in my trending topics.
Finding Popular Conversation on Facebook
2013
DECEMBER
Donate to nonprofits
Facebook is rolling a new feature that allows you to donate to nonprofits through its platform.
If you like a specific nonprofit, you can now put a “Donate Now” button on your Page to collect more donations (especially in times of need, such as after a natural disaster).
Donate to nonprofits through Facebook
JUNE
Review policy for Pages and Groups
This new review policy determines the Pages and Groups will have ads alongside their content. This policy change will remove ad alignment from controversial Pages or Groups that could inflict damage to the advertiser by being associated with the Pages or Groups in question.
A new review policy for Pages and Groups
MAY
Verified Pages
Facebook will begin allowing verified pages for high-profile businesses. This will place a small blue check mark next to their name anywhere it appears on Facebook (News Feed, Page, in search results and elsewhere).
Verified Pages and Profiles
FEBRUARY
Updates to Audience Targeting Tool
This update to the September release of the audience targeting tool will expand custom audiences to work with third partie such as Datalogix, Epsilon, Acxiom and BlueKai.
For example, an auto dealer may want to customize an offer to people who are likely to be in the market for a new car. To do this many businesses work with third party companies to better understand who might be in the market for a new car.
Updates to Custom Audiences Targeting Tool
What updates do you want more information about? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be sure to write more about it.
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