How does Facebook's suggestion algorithm work?

We promoted this post (evidenced by the “sponsored” label at the bottom) and see suggested pages beneath it.

Some people say these suggestions are paid– they’re not.

But what’s curious is how Facebook decides what to show.

Is it based on other pages that Content Factory fans like?

This would be the math behind lookalike audiences. E-commerce players like Amazon use this technique to recommend related products.

It’s called collaborative filtering– what any first-year statistics student can run. People who bought X also bought Y. Or people who watched this show also liked that show.

Are they looking at my activity to see what other pages I personally might like?

We’ve been meeting with folks like GoDaddy and Quicken Loans, who sponsor NASCAR teams. So the Miss Sprint Cup suggestion makes sense.

And I was in Miami a week ago– so the “Visit Miami” page seems quite relevant.

Content Factory isn’t based in Miami or happens to have a stronger concentration of fans/traffic in Miami. So I’m leaning towards #2.

We have a mix of big brand and entrepreneurial folks on our page, so the SpringWise suggestion makes sense.

What do you think?

Dennis Yu

Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations. He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications. Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries. Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.

Dennis Yu