UK businesses have been warned that a new feature introduced by Facebook, to allow the editing of posts which have already been published, could undermine brands.
The new tool, which allows users to correct typos and grammatical mistakes in their newsfeeds, means the content of posts can be changed without being removed. Previously, users who had spelt a word incorrectly had to delete the status update and repost.
All posts can be modified, although no notification of the edit is sent to those who had interacted with the content prior to the change. However, any status updates that have been modified are clearly indicated in the newsfeeds.
Warning that posts could be changed to say something completely different than initially intended, social media expert Kieron Hannon said:
“A like or a comment made on a previously static piece of content is now open to misinterpretation.”
Hannon continued to say that the opportunity to “stitch up” other users had increased as a result of the change.
With the present operational function of the new feature, brands liking comments or posts could find themselves supporting controversial statements, pictures or opinions.
Hannon continued:
“The latest update from Facebook raises some real concerns amongst business clients of mine.”
Used correctly though, and the feature could be perfect for businesses.
All too often, simple spelling and grammatical mistakes on feeds, blogs, PR releases and news articles undermine a business. Many firms, large and small, minimise this with the use of professional SEO copywriting services.
Whilst potentially useful for UK companies, the new edit feature has yet to be rolled out to corporate accounts.
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