Facebook is changing both its publishing and privacy features. This move will let users share their message content with the world, rather than keeping it within the Walls of their application.
Facebook is thus positioning to leverage the news value of real-time posts done by its 250 million current users.
What the changes at Facebook mean.
Demographics are changing.
Facebook is no longer a place inhabited by those in their twenties. Most users are between 35-54 years of age and the number over 55 has increased significantly.
It’s become the domain of a mass audience spanning all age ranges. Those using Facebook as a business tool will need to rethink and re-gear for a rapidly changing viewership.
Huge cultural shift underway.
Facebook was built exclusively on private sharing within relationships. It’s attempting to rebrand itself as the standard of real-time sharing, public updates, and news.
Twitter’s popularity seen as a threat to Facebook.
Twitter continues to see unstoppable growth and has become a standout for brands seeking to engage with customers. The recently revised Twitter search has made all Twitter content more easily findable.
These changes at Facebook come as no surprise to me.
Social media tools have moved to the masses, many of whom have more free time and more interest in social interaction, The key to success at Facebook and at Twitter is who can provide the most global value the quickest.
Some believe that the shift in demographics at Facebook is an indication that more senior members have created alienation among the younger users.
I do not concur with that.
I think that its usefulness for younger members around whom Facebook was designed has likely exceeded the sweet spot, and the drop-off is therefore a natural and anticipated attrition.
Stay tuned for more ways to market yourself on Facebook.