Simple communication strategies for a complicated world.
December 8th, 2009

Facebook promotes email connect because of slow growth?

Is Facebook promoting Google’s Gmail Connect service as a way to get more users onto Facebook? Or is Google taking out ad space to promote their connect tool? More than likely it’s an internal Facebook effort as the logos of Yahoo, AOL, Windows Live and Gmail are all represented in the ad. So why now?

As Mashable and GigaOm both report Facebook’s growth is slowing. As they both point out Facebook has refocused their strategy by eliminating regional networks in place of a global focus and added new products such as Facebook Lite and Facebook Touch Mobile. One thing is for sure – the users Facebook already has aren’t going anywhere, as there are no clear alternatives to the social network behemoth (at least in the US).
The question on my mind is this – will Facebook start creating ads to start pulling in your Twitter and LinkedIn friends to your Facebook network? They’ve created a fan page post to Twitter tool so it’s not that far of a stretch, especially concerning the strength of their network. Only time will tell but this is a move that Facebook would clearly benefit from if they implemented it.

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Posted via email from db’s digital branding database


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October 23rd, 2009

Facebook fanpages aren’t for fans anymore

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Facebook

Checking my Facebook fanpage updates I came across this update:

It basically says fans aren’t actually allowed to have fanpages anymore. Essentially what has happened is that fanpages have been cannibalized by brands as an official outlet for them over groups.

Why is this important?

  1. It takes away your right to create, share and enjoy something socially with others
  2. It enables a brand economy over a social economy
  3. It adds a layer of authenticity for brands allowing them to protect their interests
  4. It shows Facebook’s commitment to monetizing by looking out for brands

So if you want to make a fanpage for an established brand (personal or professional) the party’s over. Unless it’s an officially sanctioned fanclub run by the brand you’re out of luck.

Also important, there’s a three week authentication grace period.

P.S. If you look in the upper right corner I find it pretty apropos that Facebook is asking me if I know about Slash and want to be his fan, therefore I dub this technique of Facebook cutting fan fanpages as being ‘Slashed’.

#ChatPack P.S. This one’s for you Brett, as I know you’ve run into a similar situation with Mr. Easton Ellis’ people.

Posted via email from db’s digital branding database


For branding and social media insights check out my Posterous.

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.


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