Anytime there is an algorithm in place, there is a system to be gamed. If this weren’t true, search engine optimization wouldn’t exist, and neither would a digg top-list, or most other internet marketing tactics for that matter. That’s why when Facebook first introduced its Highlights section I got very excited.
The Highlights section meant that Facebook finally introduced something that sat on the front page of every Facebook user, pushing content in front of them that was decided by an algorithm. And what that algorithm meant was I now had a greater opportunity to help Facebook decide what was worth putting in front of a user. Now with Facebook’s recent design update, it gave what was “Highlights” but is now the “News Feed” an even stronger position on the site… meaning even greater potential exposure. But one question to me still remains.
Is Facebook Optimization Really Possible?
While algorithms mean gaming potential and lots of fun analyzing how it all works and then cracking it wide open – Facebook is different. Facebook is different because what my “News Feed” says is different than what your “News Feed” says. The difference between the two news feeds occurs because our group of friends on Facebook aren’t identical. What the big question here is whether that variable in friends fully eliminates the ability to sway what’s in a users “News Feed”.
For example: If there is a method by which Facebook ranks a particular “shared” item to place it in a “News Feed”, at the very least while your competition is unknown, you can at least improve your chances of showing up in the “News Feed” in the event there aren’t any “close competitors” so to speak.
I know. I’ve been distracted with Facebook thoughts as of late. In my defense, it is the most popular social network right now.
Update: I’ve written a follow-up post to this one that’s a little more quantitative.