An Overview of the Facebook Ranking Algorithm

How does Facebook determine which of your organic posts are best suited for the different users?

It uses a system called the Facebook Ranking Algorithm to decide which posts to display on a user's timeline. The Facebook Ranking Algorithm also determines the order of search results that are displayed to users.

The Ranking algorithm is a trade secret; so we don't expect Facebook to publish the metrics that are used for computing it. However, a better understanding of how it works is vital if you want to optimize your Facebook posts and page.

Facebook includes a feature that is called the Audience Optimization Tool. This gives you the power to set preferred page audiences for your Facebook page.

To set this up, go to Page Settings and click on the Preferred Page Audience tab. You will discover the different options to choose from which include Age, Location, Interests, and Language.

This tool works in the same way as targeting options when running Facebook ads. The difference is that the preferred page audience lets you choose followers that may be interested in your post.

A simple step to take is research your audience and find out their interests before using preferred page settings.