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.

That’s a lot of Tweets!
Twitter is about to hit a major milestone as it closes in on its 10,000,000,000th (Ten Billionth) tweet! It’s expected to hit sometime today and to celebrate this historical social media event, we’re giving away two of our fresh new t-shirts to the lucky 10 Billionth Tweeter!

For the 9,999,999,999 Tweeter, lelamarques, we designed this lovely runners-up tshirt:

Also, you might also be interested in our article “7 Tips for Effective Marketing with Twitter“.

With millions of people connecting through social media, advertisers and marketers are hustling to get in on the action. In the past year we’ve seen many companies and brands attempt to step into this new world only to fail miserably. After analyzing many marketing flops on Twitter, the underlying issues are very apparent.

To be an effective marketer on Twitter you must first stop thinking like one.

Marketing on Twitter requires a bit of a shift in your mindset. Twitter is all about simple conversations; you can’t use press releases, marketing copy and other one-way communication tactics and expect results. Customers want interaction—with you and with each other. Tweeting is one-to-one, with the benefit of being in a public space where other customers may overhear your conversation and interact with each other on your behalf. Read more after the jump.