How Facebook's Algorithm Changes Affect You

Facebook's algorithm changes have been putting a stink in every marketer's arsenal since 2012. But even for everyday users, the Facebook experience has taken a complete turn. 

​From Facebook advertising making it's grand debut, to post engagement taking a shit. If you're not researching the latest updates, you probably have no idea how to overcome these changes.

So let's discuss the most recent algorithm changes and how they affect the user experience.

How ​Facebook's Algorithm Changes Are Affecting You

The newest algorithm change was announced in by Eric Owens, a software engineer at Facebook:

"Our goal with News Feed is to show everyone the right content at the right time so they don’t miss the stories that are important to them. We’ve heard feedback that there are some instances where a post from a friend or a Page you are connected to is only interesting at a specific moment, for example when you are both watching the same sports game, or talking about the season premiere of a popular TV show. There are also times when a post that is a day or two old may not be relevant to you anymore. Our latest update to News Feed ranking looks at two new factors to determine if a story is more important in the moment than other types of updates."

Update: Trending Topics

The first change deals with posts about "trending topics". Example: If you & your friends are posting about Florida Gators Football on TV, you're more likely to see those posts in your news feed as a trending topic.

Update: The Timing on Your Likes and Comments
Now, instead of looking at the "Like" count of a post, Facebook considers when people "Liked" & commented on the post to decide if it's relevant enough to push to the top of your newsfeed.  If you noticed a new post of yours isn't getting much traction, it's likely Facebook will keep it from hitting the top of your friends feed.

Additionally, Facebook bumping is now a thing. This is where older posts resurface into the newsfeed. Once people show an interest in an old post and people start commenting and liking it, it's likely you'll see it too. 

Facebook Changes from 2015

Back in 2015 I told you all how Facebook's privacy policy and advertising were changing, you can read about it below:

1. Facebook Privacy Policy

Do you ever wonder if your pictures are being shared with complete strangers? Do you have an embarrassing tagged photo that you wish you could remove your name from? Have no fear- Facebook will be launching a Privacy Tool called “Privacy Basics” which will provide you with tips and tutorials for your discretion. For every status, photo, or video you post, you will have an option of who you care to share that post with.

2. More Control over Ads

Have you noticed the surplus of Facebook Ads popping up in your news feed? Starting in 2015, you will be able to opt out of certain ads on your desktop and mobile device. (The Older version of Facebook only allowed you to opt out of the desktop version.) To update your Ads preferences visit: Facebook Ads. If you haven’t noticed already- Facebook targets the ads that you see by your liked pages and certain content that you've clicked on.

3. Facebook Location

Although it’s not a huge change, Facebook will be tweaking it’s check in application. For example, if you decide to check-in somewhere- Facebook will take your location and provide you with status updates from nearby friends or suggest restaurants that are in that area.  

4. Facebook Pages

If you have a Facebook Business Page you might have to make some changes to the way you word your status updates. Facebook is doing away with photos and status updates that are “too promotional.” This means no more pushy sales posts unless the Business Page pays for an “Ad.” This is a huge benefit for Facebook users but very bad news to small businesses and entrepreneurs who use Facebook for free advertisement. Businesses that rely on this free status marketing will suffer; however, there is still a lot of engaging content to share with your fans that don’t require the sales pitch.

5. Introducing Facebook Family

Locked out of your Instagram? No worries. With the new update, you will be able use your Facebook information to recover your password. This is where the brand’s umbrella of companies, apps and services can actually be beneficial to you.

According to Facebook.com “Our goal with News Feed has always been to show people the things they want to see. When people see content that’s relevant to them, they’re more likely to be engaged with News Feed, including stories from businesses.”