Facebook has released a new feature and anyone who blogs or who is interested in social media marketing should take note. The new feature, referred to as “Authorship” will attach the name of the author to any piece of published content. Any time the content is shared, the author’s name goes with it. Hovering over the name of the author allows users to see more that was written by the same person and to follow that writer.
Obviously, the Authorship feature h article or blog is shared on Facebook, new readers may decide to look at other things you have written and become regular readers of your work. This, in turn, can not only build your Facebook contacts list but can also help you build your Internet brand.
How to Use the Facebook Authorship Feature
Using the Authorship feature is easy. The first step is to ensure you use the existing ‘article:author’ meta tag (you can find Facebook HTML meta tags on this developers page.) Where the word “author” is, you should include the complete url for your particular Facebook profile or Facebook branded page. For example, your meta tag should read:
<meta property=“article:author” content =https://www.facebook.com/namehere />
You can set up this meta tag as a default on your website so that all content (both past and present) will be automatically populated with the correct author name. If you use WordPress or a similar site to blog, make sure that the meta tags for your site include this “article:author” field.
Be Sure to Add Follow Functionality
Once you’ve added the correct meta tags, the content you publish will display your name as the author. With your name prominently displayed, a reader who likes your content can click the name to see more. The box on Facebook that displays your author name also includes a “follow” button.
The Follow feature lets any user who has clicked the button to subscribe to your updates and newly published content. If you enable follow functionality, you can grow your base of loyal readers beyond the 5,000 maximum friends that Facebook allows you to have. You can also make sure the content you write is shared with everyone who is interested, rather than only with people who you have pre-approved as friends.
To enable followers, go to your Facebook settings and click on the Followers tab. Once there, you will see the option to choose who can follow you. You should change this setting to allow “Everyone” to follow you.
Now, anyone who sees your author tag on shared content can just click a button to become a loyal reader who is updated whenever you produce and publish new content.
Why Use the Facebook Authorship Feature?
The Facebook authorship feature is a powerful way to build your brand because the feature is specifically designed to call attention to a content author. When you or your firm produces innovative and engaging content, your name will become known with each share, even if those sharing it did not specifically mention you. You can grow your base of loyal readers, drive more traffic to your branded Facebook page, and hopefully turn these interested followers into potential clients.
It all comes down to creating engaging content, and using the Authorship feature correctly. Enable your meta tags and get started today on great content that is likely to attract lots of shares.
Rita Chaires
SEO and Social Media Manager
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com
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