Most everyone has heard of SEO (Search engine optimization) and many of us are obsessed with getting our websites on the front page of a Google search. What you may not know is that Facebook is rapidly becoming a titan of search.
In a recent article by Nick O’neil of AllFacebook, he describes Facebook’s spread of the open graph concept and how it will relate to websites being found by Facebook. Facebook best illustrates the open graph concept by the use of the “Like” button across the internet. The “Like” button can turn any website into Facebook discussion material. It can be added to any website or blog, thus instantly connecting the website to Facebook. This spreads the reach of Facebook beyond its normal boundaries, much like that of Google. Other examples of the open graph are toolbar add-ons, fan boxes, live streams, and other widgets. The AllFacebook article also recounts the fact that Facebook is starting to index some websites for its in-house search. Indexing is the method in which search engines analyze each website to determine its relevancy for search results. For example, when you type a Google search for Dallas dentist Google will index websites to find out which has the most relevant material pertaining to a dentist in Dallas.
Facebook has not shown much in the way of indexing outside websites, but now may be increasing this service. The article states that the website tripadvisor.com has started to appear in some searches indicating that it is being indexed by Facebook.
What does all of this mean? It may mean that Facebook is taking on Google in the search department and wishes to become the end-all be-all of websites. Search traffic within Facebook has eclipsed big name search engines such as Ask.com in the past. It may be gunning for a bigger stake in the game. Dentists who focus on using SEO to show up in Google may want to start thinking about their Facebook ranking and visibility.
How do you get started with the open graph system? Become active in Facebook and make sure you have a business profile there. Add a “Like” button to your website. The “Like” button can be found here:
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like
Many of you who pay attention to your website ranking know that meta tags within your website often play a part in website ranking. The open graph protocol for Facebook has also denoted some meta tag coding that you can add to your website in order to be indexed by Facebook. The tags provided also seem ready for Facebook’s forray into the localization market (i.e. Foursquare and Gowalla). These geographic codes will allow provide localization platforms with the information needed to link your website with a localized business profile. In other words, sites like Foursquare automatically associate your website with the business listed at your geographic location. This is a very exciting proposition. The tags are available now and can be added to any website.
What does this mean for the future? It may become very important to optimize your website for Facebook searches as well as Google searches. Once again, early adapters will most likely be rewarded. The age of the listing also plays a part in Google’s rankings and may play a part in the listings of Facebook.
The original post by Nick O’neil can be found here
http://www.allfacebook.com/2010/06/facebook-tests-show-seo-may-be-possible-with-open-graph/
