Facebook Graph is a whole new way to use Facebook and search the Internet. It was first announced in January and has recently become available to anyone who has their Facebook language set to US English. Facebook Graph gives users the ability to search the billions of data points Facebook has collected over the years in a really useful way.
It’s no wonder Mark Zuckerberg calls Facebook Graph the third pillar of Facebook (Newsfeed and Timeline are the other two). While Facebook Graph is currently only available on desktop versions of Facebook, it is already drastically changing the way individuals and businesses use the Internet.
Facebook Graph Features
- Search Photos
Facebook Graph allows users to search photos is very interesting way. Users can now search for photos of themselves, their friends, locations, and can even combine multiple searches. For example, users can search photos of a friend at a specific location. This can be very useful for businesses because they now easily search and track all of the photos taken at their business. It’s also a great way to check out competitors! - Find Recommendations
Facebook Graph now makes it easy for users to get recommendations from their friends — without having to ask. For example, users can search “restaurants my friends like” when searching for a dinner suggestion. This can be hugely beneficial for businesses, but only if they optimize for it. It’s now more important than ever to encourage customers to like your page, check in while they’re there, and even post photos tagged at your location. - Find People With Similar Interests
Facebook Graph makes it easy to find people with specific interests. Users can find friends, or even strangers that like the same things they do. This also means that business owners can use Facebook Graph to find prospects. They can search for people who might be interested in what their business is about and immediately come up with a list of potential customers. In industries with low customer churn, this list could be used to start building relationships that will eventually turn in referrals and new business. In other industries, it can be a fantastic way discover the exact words your ideal customers use before writing copy for an ad campaign. - Privacy (Or a Lack Thereof)
Finally, privacy, or the lack thereof is an important feature of Facebook Graph you should be aware of. Everything you or your page has ever done on Facebook is now searchable — even if you’ve removed it from your timeline. For example, if you have hidden a photo from your timeline but did not untag, it can still appear in searches. This also includes past likes, comments, and shares. If there is something you don’t want people to find, you’ll need to delete it. It’s a good idea to go through your personal profile, as well as your business page, and make sure everything is up to snuff sooner rather than later.
Facebook Graph is still in the early stages, but there’s no doubt it’s here to stay. Expect it to roll out to other languages, as well as mobile users, in the near future. There is a lot of potential for businesses to use Facebook to grow their brand and get more leads so it pays to embrace it. Take the time clean up your presence, and if you need a hand, let us know!
