Why Facebook's Latest Move Could Minimize Your Brand's Reach The social-networking giant just updated its algorithm to show users more posts from their friends.

By Laura Entis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Bloomua | Shutterstock.com

Facebook announced yesterday that it will update its algorithm to show users more posts from their friends.

"We've learned that people are worried about missing important updates from the friends they care about," Facebook said in a statement. "For people with many connections this is particularly important, as there is a lot of content for them to see each day."

The change means that content posted by users' friends will appear higher in their News Feeds, in an attempt "to make the balance of content the right one for each individual person," Facebook said.

Related: Facebook Explains Why Organic Reach Is Dying

For brands and publishers, the move likely means that organic reach is shrinking yet again – in other words, it makes it difficult for them to reach as many Facebook users without buying ads. "The impact of these changes on your page's distribution will vary considerably depending on the composition of your audience and your posting activity. In some cases, post reach and referral traffic could potentially decline," Facebook warned in the post.

In addition to highlighting content from users' friends, Facebook also said that in future, posts about friends liking or commenting on another post will be displayed lower down in users' News Feeds, a change that also potentially hurts publishers and brands.

Lastly, the social network said that it in order to expand the length of users' News Feeds, it will allow more content from the same publisher to appear than it has before.

Related: 8 Ways Businesses Can Benefit From Facebook

Laura Entis is a reporter for Fortune.com's Venture section.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Now Accepting Applications': Elon Musk Is Opening a New Preschool in Texas Called Ad Astra. Here's How to Apply.

The school got an official permit last month to operate with as many as 21 students.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'We're Not Allowed to Own Bitcoin': Crypto Price Drops After U.S. Federal Reserve Head Makes Surprising Statement

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Bitcoin and rate cuts have rattled cryptocurrency investors.

Business News

A New Hampshire City Was Named the Hottest Housing Market in the U.S. This Year. Here's the Top 10 for 2024.

Zillow released its annual lists featuring the top housing markets, small towns, coastal cities, and geographic regions. Here's a look at the top real estate markets and towns in 2024.

Business Ideas

Is Your Business Healthy? Why Every Entrepreneur Needs To Do These 3 Checkups Every Year

You can't plan for the new year until you complete these checkups.