Why do I have to like Facebook?
I like you, I really do
I really do like you. I like your business. I like your website. I like your restaurant. I like your shop. I like your music. But I really don’t like you enough to go back to Facebook.
Believe it or not, not everyone is on Facebook
Sure, there are still millions or perhaps billions on Facebook. I’m just not one of them. Two months ago, I dumped my Facebook account because of that creepy new Graph Search feature. I’m not just somebody who never bothered to set up a Facebook account. I’m someone who had one, used it, closed it, and refuses to go back. So no matter how much I like you, I am not going to “Facebook like” you.
It’s not you, it’s not me, it’s them. In their own SEC filing, Facebook states that they “may experience a decline in user engagement.” Some users are migrating to competitor resources. Others are dropping off of the social network scene completely. However, these users are pretty much still online. I am definitely still online.
The push to return to Facebook is becoming frustrating
A favorite local restaurant only has updated pictures and offerings on their Facebook page. A local private professionals club gives monthly member awards to people who “like” their Facebook page. Some companies don’t even bother with a website and simply put out a link to their Facebook page. I will let each of those companies know of my frustration. I will let them know because I do like them enough to hope that they don’t lose business with new and current customers.
Love me, like my Facebook?
These and other companies need to be aware that they run the risk of an association with Facebook’s reputation. That was a favorable association back when that reputation was new, free, and cool. Now, though, Facebook is going through some challenges as they try to become a profitable publicly traded company. A strong association with Facebook may become a liability.
There is certainly nothing wrong with leveraging the capabilities of social sharing and bookmarking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon. KloodIn enjoys social sharing. If you only place your best information or certain deals on select venues, however, then you are telling prospective clients that they can only enjoy the benefits after they first decide to join the other network. Some people, including myself, may simply say “no”.
Douglas Rushkoff of CNN recently came to this conclusion. Our experience in the internet does not need to go through Facebook. Make sure that you don’t cut yourself out from the growing non-Facebook audience.
Robert is the developer of KloodIn and is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He brings the viewpoint of a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy, a Masters degree from National Defense University, and a Bachelor's Degree from the U.S. Naval Academy.
