The already extremely popular “Like” widget for web sites has gotten some major enhancements as of late. We thought we’d discuss some of the new features and what the implications with regards to the big picture might be.
Publishers now have the ability to send newsfeed stories to people who click “Like” on a particular article or item on their web site. This means, if I have a web site for a clothing store, and you liked a shirt you saw on it and clicked “Like”, I now have the ability to send you updates via your Facebook newsfeed just like I would if you actually clicked “Like” on my Facebook page.
This is a major feature, which raises more than a few eyebrows. Firstly, we need to consider the spam implications here. Just because I liked a shirt on that clothing store”s site doesn”t necessarily mean I want them to populate my newsfeed with every two-bit sale that may be happening at their store. The other side of the argument is that people will only “Like” things they actually like and will thus not mind getting updates. That’s debatable if you ask me. Also, when word gets out that the Like button works in this fashion, people might start clicking it less for fear of getting spammed with needless articles in their newsfeed. I know I will be thinking twice before clicking that button from here on. Others may or may not feel the same way.
The other addition to the Like button is actually pretty cool. Now when you Like something on a web site, a small box will appear allowing you to type a comment and make a newsfeed post on your wall right there. No sharing pop-ups, no hassles. Simple, one step procedure. I like this one. I think it is brilliant and will definitely increase the amount of posts that happen through socialized web sites.
All in all, both of these features are very publisher friendly. They give web site owners the ability to reach their users more often and increase the chance that a user makes a wall post from the site about content they find interesting.
