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Facebook Graph Search: For or Against?
DIY Sprocket Solutions
This article has been updated on 6/9/2020 with the article entitled “Facebook Graph Search Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time”
Everyone is talking about this new Facebook Graph Search. Talk makes it seem like it’s taking over the world, slashing privacy to death, and burying Google in the backyard. But, what’s the real story? I would show you some great screens shots and walk you through the process… However, we’re going to have to save that for part 2 my friends –as I am still on the waiting list to dive into this particular treasure. I feel like going on Facebook and really beefing up my profile so they will pick me first for the team. So what is it, exactly, that all the buzz is about? What is this search supposed to do and what does that mean for you? Perhaps most importantly, can it help your business?
Well, the cool thing that I’ve been reading is that the Graph Search is a search engine whose results are unique to you. The results are tailored based on your specific location and all the people you are associated with in various ways. It’s like a mush of several different search engines at once. It’s a way to find restaurants, stores, and other places that are close to you in proximity, like what you can do on Google; friends of friends who work at a specific place, like with LinkedIn. It even takes Yelp overtones by showing you restaurants liked by some of your friends.
Now, back to the business aspect. Can this work to your advantage? YES, and also kind of no… See the thing is that the Graph Search is tailored to a more optimized page. The more likes you get and the more your page is discussed will push you up higher in the search results. So get out there, start pushing original content and start a couple discussions to get the hype going about your page. The good thing about the Graph Search is that friends of friends of friends are seeing you. Your reach is getting wider.
This seems like a search engine with a whole lot of possibilities. You’ve got the opportunity for market research for your business right here on Facebook. You can see what people, in what specific areas, are interested in specific things. It seems like a very interesting tool to experiment with. However, there have also been some concerns raised about the privacy of users and what the Graph Search is actually revealing.
From all that I’ve gathered, Facebook has assured users that it respects the privacy settings that users have already set in place. There will also be a tool that will show people examples of how their information may be presented in a Graph Search so they can adjust accordingly.
Well folks, that’s what I’ve got for you today. When Facebook finally let’s me into the cool kids club I will dive a little deeper and let you know what I’ve found for you and for your business. What are your thoughts? Are you excited for the Graph Search and all its crazy possibilities? Or are you locked in your closet with a tin foil hat afraid that we’re going to find out all of your deep dark secrets? Please, I’m dying to know – leave me a comment. Also, if you could please share this article that would be great. It might improve my street cred with Facebook and maybe they’ll bump me up to the top of that wait list!
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Breanne Bannon
Breanne is a Content Writer, Social Media Marketeer, and Sales Associate for Sprocket Websites.
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