Facebook just launched their Facebook subscribe button. Which begs the question, what exactly is a Facebook subscribe
button. It is exactly what it sounds like. A way for people to subscribe to your news feed to learn your invaluable insights.
Why is this important?
This is the first time that Facebook has ever let non-friends have a real chance to see people’s news feeds. Yes, you could always make your posts public, like I do, but some people wanted to have a voice in who saw their posts on a regular basis. Also, these people would not see your posts on a recurring basis. The Facebook subscribe button also work a little more like Twitter and Google+ (Ahem! Surprise! Ahem! Copycat!) in that you can connect with people without them reciprocating.
For me it is something I would have liked to have seen a year ago when I maxed out on my Facebook friends (see Psychology of Facebook). When I maxed out on friends I could have simply allowed new connections to subscribe to what I was doing. They could follow my blog posts and see the wonderful insights I have about social media. I think three people are now crying, because they lost out on a year of insights from me, myself, and I. Anyways, I digress.
This allows you to powerfully extend your social network on Facebook past your current circle of friends and still have ability to share your information.
Additionally, you also have the power to allow these people to get involved in the conversation by commenting. To me that is a great tool to encourage participation in your Facebook comments, so that you can have more and more viral communications with your social network.
Now, a disclaimer here. Larger is not always better, but if people actively choose to subscribe to your network then they are at some level interested in what you have to say. I consider that a potential client.
With this in mind, start taking a look at those who subscribe to you a little closer now, because this is a great tool to use for your business in social networking. It finally gives marketers the ability to spread past 5,000 connections without setting up a new fan page.
That in and of itself makes the Facebook subscribe button invaluable. The ability to make your network grow larger and more qualitative makes the Facebook subscribe button a very needed tool on Facebook.
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Well I have obviously been a little out of the loop.. Can’t say as I had paid any attention to this. So a little more homework for me to do! Thanks for your explanation. Sounds like another great tool
Holly,
You have not been out of the loop. This just started a day or two ago.
Andy
I have to admit it can be easy to get lost in the constant upgrading to these networks. As you say, one network introduces something cool, and the another has to do something better.
I do like the idea of subscribing to a feed from the outside.
I am thinking that these networks, are fast becoming giant bulletin boards though.
Stevie
Stevie,
They do have the tendency to be giant bulletin boards, but I have never seen bulletin boards with this many applications. The problem is no one wants to be left in the dust if something bigger and better comes around.
Andy
Hi Andy,
I love this option! I admit to not really understanding it before I read your post, so thanks for explaining this thing.
I can really see the use of this!
Hmmm. the ideas are flowing!!
Dr. Bob,
Glad to get the creative juices stirring!
Andy
Isn’t FB just great!
The only problem, Andy, is that I’m not really happy with ever changing formats. I’m just not a learning curve sort of a guy, I guess.
You’ve really got to keep up on all this stuff. So I’m glad you’re helping us do it!
David,
I think Facebook is probably moving a little too fast for most people on the site. The last few weeks it feels like every time you go on there is a change. However, some of these changes are long overdue.
Andy
I’ve noticed Facebook making a lot of changes lately. It’s freaking hard to keep up with.
I’m just starting to learn how to use Facebook to promote my online business and it’s amazing how targeted you can get with it. I’m looking forward to learning more and building my business at the same time. Thanks for keeping us updated.
-Kyle
Kyle,
You are probably the second or third person who mentioned that. Unfortunately I can not control the pace, just report on it. Hope this article helps.
Andy
Hey Andy:
I am still learning the new features of Facebook. Thanks for the info on the subscribe button. I was wondering what it was all about. 🙂
One question for you: How do you know who is subscribed to you?
Thanks!
Kevin
Kevin,
They alert you to who wants to subscribe to you. You can accept or reject your new subscribers.
Andy
Nathan, thanks so much for the explanation. I was trying to figure the “subscribe button” by myself and you explained it fast and easy. I see the potential for prospects and clients. Thanks for sharing.
Alicia,
Glad to help!
Andy
The only problem, Andy, is that I’m not really happy with ever changing formats. I’m just not a learning curve sort of a guy, I guess.Well I have obviously been a little out of the loop.. Can’t say as I had paid any attention to this. So a little more homework for me to do! Thanks for your explanation. Sounds like another great tool
Learning is part of what we all have to do in our lives.Things will constantly change whether we will it to stay the same or not. The best way to increase your ability to cope with change is to do 1 thing different every day. See how far along you will be in a year. Maybe today is a Facebook subscribe button day!