In Focus

10 signs your Facebook app will fail

Failure tactic 1

With a user base of more than 350 million people worldwide, Facebook has become a focal point of attention for marketers in 2010. Brands are devoting significant advertising dollars to grow their Facebook Page fan bases, and websites are implementing Facebook Connect to leverage word of mouth. Some brands are even naming products after Facebook, such as Vitaminwater's newest flavor, Connect.

Before diving headfirst into the social waters, make sure you're avoiding common pitfalls that many marketers fall into when building applications. Here's a look at what not to do.

Make it all about the brand
Actually, for an application to be successful, it should be all about the users. If an application doesn't provide something of value, why will anyone use it? Focus on value first, and then fit delivery of that value within the context of your brand. If your application resonates with people, you will likely find more people using it.

 

Comments

Valerie Rudchenko
Valerie Rudchenko January 19, 2010 at 4:46 PM

Kevin, thank you for the great article! My company has always tried to follow the same principles while developing Facebook applications. You might be interested to look through http://www.acceptic.com/facebook-applications-connect-development.html
Hope you'll like it the way we do :) Maybe you'll have some useful suggestions?!

Penelope Costa
Penelope Costa January 13, 2010 at 10:19 AM

NEW GAME ON FACEBOOK!! IF YOU LIKE SOCCER YOU LOVE IT!! Play with me ;)http://apps.facebook.com/footbattle?zref=plaadd