Unless companies pay, their Facebook updates reach 6 percent of followers

One more argument against leaning too heavily on social media to promote your business.  shares the recent news about how Facebook treats businesses and what they may have in mind for the future:

Facebook continues to tighten the screws on the businesses that use the service to market to their customers. Independent research shows that new updates from businesses reach about six percent of the people who follow those businesses. It is rumored that Facebook intends to reduce this number to “between one and two percent” over time. Businesses that want to reach the people who follow them at higher rates will have to pay Facebook to reach them through paid advertisements.

Always remember: your own web site is more important than any other online venue. By using their platform you are helping their business first and foremost, then (if you do it right) benefit yourself.

Facebook Timeline: 9 Best Practices for Brands

Facebook Timeline officially rolled out to Brand Pages on March 30, but many marketers still don’t know how to take the full advantage of it. A recent study found that fan growth after Timeline has “slowed slightly”– is your company experiencing a bit of a slowdown? If so, Lauren Drell has some good tips for you and backs them up with credible data:

1. Embrace Images

2. Make the Most of Your Cover Photo — It’s Prime Real Estate

3. Pay Attention to Insights

4. Highlight or Pin Your Best Posts

5. Get Your Apps in a Row

6. Make Use of Facebook’s New Ad Suite

7. Run Contests to Boost Engagement

8. Drop in Those Milestones

9. Embrace Your Fans

BONUS: 10 Innovative Uses of Facebook Timeline for Brands