Your Life: As Defined By a Facebook Status Update

Jim Halpert

By Stuart Foster

Facebook has become the social communication medium for most people in the 18-25 demographic. (This is despite claims that it’s being inundated with 55 year old aunts).

The litmus test for a Generation Y relationship is whether it’s on Facebook or not. There are differing degrees of relationships to suit both your mood and attitude (I tend to opt for “It’s Complicated” regardless of the circumstance).

However, you aren’t “official” until you throw down a heart in the live feed. Is this what it has come down to? Your love has to be defined by a social network in order to be acknowledged?

Yes. However, this isn’t something to bemoan. In fact, this provides a huge wealth of opportunity for any brand savvy enough to engage with potential fans of their product. After all, by becoming a fan of a product you are in essence entering into a relationship with said brand.

How can brands leverage their new found relationship with consumers? By acting like an interesting friend and adding value to that person’s stream. This can’t just consist of static content and engagement only on their fan page.

Search to identify, engage with and provide value to people talking about your brand in new places. In addition, monitor trends and try and add appropriate content where you feel necessary.

We love it when brands give us extra attention. Any attention (especially when personalized) is awesome.

Engagement through Facebook can be done from a person to person level. Sometimes Stonyfield Farm asking how your day was can bridge the gap between passive fandom and full on evangelism. It’s all about how you apply the lessons effectively.

We’re following our streams intently looking to consume relevant information about our friends, family and brands. How would you recommend brands pursue business on Twitter? Would you be receptive to engaging with one if it acted like a person rather than a corporate entity?

Photo Credit: massimobarbieri