3 reasons why I now like Facebook's "Like" button. And why you might, too.

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Tim Peter thinks (Tim's blog)

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A few weeks ago, I asked “Who likes Facebook’s ‘Like’ button?” As it turns out, I do.

Why?

3 reasons:

1. Facebook has started to address its privacy issues – By cleaning up their privacy controls, Facebook has shown that they’re willing to work for the benefit of their customers. While they could still improve what applications have access to, what was once a big negative is now, at least, neutral.
2. Facebook has HUGE reach – With over 500 million active members, Facebook is the 3rd-most populous country in the world. Working without Facebook is increasingly like working without oxygen. That’s not to say that all businesses will benefit from using Facebook, but you’d be foolish not to at least give it a good look.
3. Facebook may increase your referred traffic – Of course, reaching 500 million people – or even a fraction of that number – is of no value if those people don’t do anything different. Fortunately, Mashable reports that blogs using the Facebook like button have seen a 50% increase in referred traffic. While it’s early days here, I’m definitely seeing an increase as well (I’ll give more detailed numbers in a week or so). Again, if your business has a blog, you still want that traffic to turn into business results. But, it’s an encouraging sign.

Again, these are still early days for the Facebook “Like” button here on thinks. We’re still getting to know one another a bit. But, having gotten over my initial jitters, I’m going to give this thing a go. It may not be love, yet. But, for now, “Like” is good enough for me.

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