Facebook has recently announced that there are important changes coming for their social plugins, most notably the Like Box and Activity Feed. If you currently have a Like Box plugin on your site, as of June 23rd, 2015, you will need to update to the new Page Plugin instead. If you do not, the plugin will no longer work. There is no update for the Activity Feed, it simply needs to be removed for your site before June 23rd.

What is the Like Box?

The Like Box is a website version of the Facebook Like Button, designed exclusively for Facebook Pages. According to Facebook, “It allows admins to promote their Pages and embed a simple feed of content from a Page into other sites”.

The Like Box works like this: if a Facebook user visits your site and clicks on the Like Box that is embedded on your website, a link to your page gets placed on that visitor’s activity stream. If their friends click on the activity stream mention, they will then be linked directly to your Facebook page. Once that second user is on your Facebook page, they will be able to see which of their friends like your page, have interacted with it in the page, etc. Because of the visibility and personalization for which the tools allows, the Like Box is arguably the most important FB plugin to add to your website.

How is the Page Plugin different?

Facebook’s new Page Plugin still allows you to embed and promote your Facebook page on your website. Facebook ensures that your visitors will be able to “like and share the Page without having to leave your site”, which allows you to keep your visitors focused on your website. The new Page Plugin also has the option for you to show visitors which of their friends like your page, and to show the profile pictures of those friends, if you so choose.

<a href="http://www.webstrategiesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.png"><img class=" wp-image-5553 size-full aligncenter" src="http://www.webstrategiesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.png" alt="FB Box" width="666" height="351" /></a>

Is Facebook Still Important?

Most businesses have established a simple Facebook page. At the most basic level, Facebook pages can be used as a mini-site where people can discover how to connect with your business. With the right knowledge, Facebook can be used more robustly as a social marketing and advertising tool. Regardless of the investment that you plan to make, integrating your website with your Facebook page will allow users to meet your brand within the social context of those they know and trust, and that is powerful.

Do you need help update your social plugins or have other questions about the value of social media marketing? Contact us to learn more.