Facebook?s advertising platform is an incredible example of how targeted advertising has become. Yesterday I came across an article that listed 40 Facebook innovations. Interestingly, many of the innovations are brand promotions from companies such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, Mazda and more. Names of applications include Coke Tag, Mazda design challenge, Adidas celebrate originality brand campaign, Mars snack food, Clinique, Harley Davidson and many more.

This shows that if you want to stay ahead of your competitors you have to include the social web as an integral part of your marketing plan. Earlier companies were not able to make face book profiles. Many tried, but the profiles were removed by moderators. Creating groups that centered around a brand was allowed, but this usually gave brands and their companies a limited access to interact with their customers.

The profile pages launched on facebook enable brands, bands, celebrities and others to create a customized presence on the social network. This derives a lot of advantages for the brands as it helps to increase their online visibility. It also helps them to have a greater access to their target market and get instant feedback on what they want and what are they actually looking for. Fan Pages also offer the ability to track who is visiting your page. They are easy to set up and fun to work with.

Like a user profile, we can add photos, upload videos, and VERY IMPORTANTLY, add applications. This allows brands to interact with their customers in creative ways. Having interesting and interactive applications on your fan page, enables you to get involved with your fans in a much more effective and efficient manner. Furthermore, you can really use it as a mini-site where Facebook fans can keep up with your latest news, info, events, photos, videos, blog posts, website updates, you name it.

Facebook has become a real growth industry. If you want to have an edge over your competitors you have to have a strong connection to a social network like face book. Increase your brands awareness and make it more popular among your customers by creating a customized presence on Facebook. Is your brand on board yet? If not don?t get left behind !!!