The popular apps among business owners right now are Stik and Branchout, apps that tout connecting with other businesses. But before you jump on the ‘Stik’ (sorry, couldn’t resist), read on.
Facebook apps are all created by 3rd party developers. Since they are free to use, why do they create programs like these — just for the satisfaction of creating it? I don’t think so. So what’s in it for them? Money!
I checked out both Stik and Branchout. To join, you signup using your Facebook login. The first thing you encounter is the Facebook permission screen. While most of us just click allow and move on, you might want to look at what you are allowing.
When you click allow, you just gave the application permission to:
- Access your name, profile picture, list of friends and information you share
- Email you
- Post On Your Wall
- Access Your News Feed
- Access your data at any time
- Access your work history and profile likes and interest
- Access your photos and videos
- AND Access your friends information including relationships, likes, music, tv, movies, education, work and their photos and videos.
Why do they want this information? To build a complete marketing profile on you. Your Facebook is a pretty complete snapshot of your life. What company wouldn’t be willing to pay to have a laser targeted demographic of you.
While these apps sound cool, isn’t the purpose of Facebook itself to connect with others? The initial idea may appear valuable, but think before you “Stik”.
Gary Wagnon and 800biz Online Marketing Solutions specialize in web site design, search engine optimization, social media marketing and text message marketing. Need to know how to better use social media — check out the Ninja Marketing Dojo, providing step-by-step instructional videos on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Blogging.