A lot has changed since the start of the Facebook algorithm. It has now come to the point where users believe that Facebook follows them around, listening to what their conversations are about and reads their minds. Crazy right? However, there is a little truth to it… and it’s called the Facebook algorithm. 

As we all know, Facebook was born in 2004. What’s interesting is that the newsfeed didn’t show up until 2006. We can basically say that it was the start of endless scrolling and how we all know Facebook today. 

The Like button premiered in 2007. It’s probably safe to say that Facebook didn’t have what we think of as “the algorithm” until 2009, when the platform debuted a new sorting order for newsfeeds based on each post’s popularity. (Goodbye, reverse-chronological order).

The start of Facebook:

Facebook started to get to know you based on the content you share, like and react to. The more info you were giving Facebook about yourself, the more it got to know you. So the reason you’ve been seeing more articles, videos and cute photo’s about dogs is because by now Facebook knows you’re a dog lover and what content you’ll better relate to.

The content you’ll most likely comment on, share or like will show up first in your newsfeed. Facebook wants to show content that matters to their users. A lot changed between 2016 – 2018 when Facebook decided to take action on fake new and clickbait articles. The main purpose for the algorithm change was to regain trust after so much fake news on politics arose. The change was also meant to increase the quality, rather than the quantity, of the time that people spend on Facebook.

The launch of sponsored posts on Facebook was a massive game changer for businesses. Marketers can now target their ideal audience based on the interests Facebook has learnt from their users.
The sad thing is that many South African businesses still don’t utilize this amazing tool. Can you just imagine the ROI as soon as businesses stop buying into old traditional marketing and start investing into digital marketing? The opportunities are endless.

Fact is that the Facebook algorithm will always remain a work-in-progress.

What does the constant development mean for digital marketers? Well the answer is simple, those who don’t stay up to date with the rapid evolution of Facebook and other Social Media platforms, might have a tougher time getting content in front of their audience’s eyes.

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