This past April, Facebook launched its Open Graph API, which allows site owners to add a like button to any type of content on the web. According to Facebook, over one million websites have implemented versions of Facebook features like Open Graph. This has pushed social sharing beyond Facebook’s walls and has quietly put them in a position to compete directly with large web-search engines, like Google.

The Open Graph data that Facebook is now collecting from across the web means that searches on Facebook now pull data outside of the social network. Obviously, Facebook’s search algorithm is a secret, but we can assume that highly liked content is more apt to rise to the top of the search results.  

Right now, Facebook only accounts for 2.7% of global searches, but has been growing by as much as 48% per month. Even now, this is still greater than AOL and just slightly less than Ask.com.

So, what does this mean for marketers?

It’s early to tell, but there is enormous power in search results powered by likes over links. Since referrals are a huge driver in purchasing decisions, a semantic social search could be a game-changer for online marketing.

What you can do now

We believe it’s a good idea to start implementing the Open Graph API on your website. We also recommend developing a strategy for how and where you’ll use the like button and Open Graph features in your overall marketing plan. Even if Facebook’s strategy doesn’t completely materialize, enabling these social sharing features with an intelligent strategy is still a good idea.

And, if you need help implementing Open Graph or developing a social marketing strategy, we are here to help.

Read more about Facebook’s social searching:

http://www.allfacebook.com/2010/06/facebook-unleashes-open-graph-search-engine-declares-war-on-google/

http://gigaom.com/2010/01/07/the-dawn-of-facebooks-people-organized-web/

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Location-based social media are a growing segment of participation marketing that adds an interesting way for customers to interact with brands they love. Since users are already sharing information and ‘checking in’ to places they enjoy, brands can get involved and interact with these loyal customers. More importantly, companies can actually listen to what their customers are saying and reward the most loyal for contributing.

Customers are already using Foursquare,  but most brands are just now discovering social media. Many companies still approach it like traditional marketing, as a channel to conquer.  Not only is this counter to the spirit of social media, but it can actually backfire as the heavy-handed, centralized approach can turn off your greatest brand ambassadors.

Mojave has put together this free guide as an overview on Foursquare marketing. We hate irrelevant interruptive advertising, and believe that brands and customers can come together through relevant, engaging conversations via social media. Feel free to pass this along, and add your thoughts to the comments below.

Download the Foursquare for Marketers guide (PDF 31 Pages)*
* Completely free, but requires email.

It appears that we’re all getting a bit fierce on Foursquare. Businesses are promoting through it, and more and more people are joining the race to become Mayor of their favorite spots.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Foursquare, it is a location-based social network that allows users to check in and earn points to unlock badges and promotions. Foursquare awards the person that has checked in more than anyone else the title of “Mayor.”

Just for fun, we created a shirt that would tickle the fancies of social media mavens and fashionistas alike. Check out a our fresh new “Bow to Your Mayor T-Shirt!”

Get it in light blue or grey!

You might also like our Free Foursquare for Marketers guide.

Yesterday, social media history was made when Twitter hit its 10 Billionth tweet. This milestone proves that Twitter continues to grow rapidly, doubling from 5 to 10 Billion Tweets in just four months. So who is the lucky person that posted Tweet #10,000,000,000? Nobody knows. Evidently it’s someone with a private account and the world is still searching to find out who exactly it was.

In the mean time, however, we’d like to congratulate Rafaela Marques of Brazil for posting the 9,999,999,999th Tweet.

So, as a small token of this momentous event, we’ll be sending Rafaela a limited edition t-shirt, designed by us here at Mojave.