The above screenshot is taken from one of my Facebook friend’s walls. I saw it on my news feed among other friends’ updates of this and that that they wanted to share with me.
I blinked at the word “Sponsored” as I hadn’t seen a sponsored update before. Clicking the link, I learned about sponsored stories and how companies and brands can choose to pay select Facebook users for the privilege of sharing that brand page with their friends.
Here’s how it works
* Say you like your gym’s Facebook Page
* Some friends see the story in their news feeds, others may miss it
* The owner of the gym can pay to sponsor the story so your friends are more likely to see it
Who can see sponsored stories
You decide who can see what you share on Facebook. When a story is sponsored, it’s shown to the same people you originally shared it with.
What kind of stories can be sponsored
* When a Page you like posts something new
* When a friend likes something (such as a Facebook Page or individual Page post)
* When a friend engages with a Page (such as RSVPing to a Page’s event or voting on a Page’s question)
* When a friend checks in somewhere, plays a game or uses an app
* When a friend likes or shares a website
To the brands reading my blog: I have over 700 friends on Facebook. It’s not as high as others I know who have 3,000 plus, but it’s still a significant amount. Many social media professionals around the world are subscribed to my updates, even if they’re not friends. I’d love to share your stories with them. If you want to pay me, you know what to do next.
