Facebook recently unveiled two new apps that allow you to link “fans” directly to your company’s website — and engage them in the process. 

The new apps, unveiled at the annual F8 Conference, include a pair of “social plugins” that allow companies to hook their website directly up to Facebook using one simple line of HTML code.

This means companies can solicit feedback on their company’s website the same way they normally would via Facebook (i.e., asking a question and providing a comment box for instant feedback).

Facebook currently offers eight social plugins, but the ones that will benefit businesses the most:

1. The “Like” button: Facebook has now made it possible for users to like not only other registered Facebook users, but almost anything available on the web. For instance, companies can insert a “Like” button next to each product and service they offer. Every time a customer clicks the button, an update automatically appears on the person’s Facebook profile saying “John Doe likes X.” The biggest benefit of such a resource is the number of other Facebook friends who will see what their friends are recommending.
2. Comments: Facebook is extending its comment function so companies can enable it on their own product pages, thereby engaging buyers in ongoing dialogue about products and services onsite. It’s a great tool for soliciting feedback. But it’s even more valuable in cases where customers leave positive comments on a product’s landing page.

Info: “What Facebook’s Latest Announcements Mean for Small Biz Owners,” by Josh Catone, 4/26/10.

Tags: apps, code, comments, F8 Conference, Facebook, feedback, HTML, landing page, social plugins, users, Web, website