The move, which was recently announced by Facebook, will see advertisers given the tools needed to reach Facebook users similar to those who already shop on their websites – a change which the social networking giant believes will help businesses and marketing companies considerably.

The feature is set to expand on already existing partner categories and custom audiences tools, giving advertisers the tools needed to better replicate target audiences.

Explaining in a blog post, a representative for Facebook said: “For businesses, one of the best ways of finding new customers is to reach people that are similar to their existing customer.

“So today, we’re expanding our lookalike audience capabilities to allow advertisers to create lookalikes based on people who visit their websites, use their mobile apps or are connected to their Facebook pages.

“Say you’re an online florist that wants to reach people similar to those that made purchases on our website. Now you can do just that. E-commerce company Shopify saw a 2x decrease in cost per lead when using lookalike of their website visitors.”

Advertisers will also be able to target individuals similar to fans already connected to their Facebook pages.

Digital marketing company Ranking Solutions reacted to the news positively. A representative for the British company said: “This new tool will give advertisers and digital marketing companies like ourselves the tools needed to better promote websites by delivering advertising to ‘lookalike’ shoppers who are similar to those who already shop on websites.

“We’ll be able to provide our clients with an even greater number of sales and a much higher return on investment than was previously possible. New technologies like this, combined with a rise in mobile shoppers, are one of the key reasons why social media is a must in this day and age to get the most from your business and from your website.

“If you haven’t yet embraced social media or you simply need help improving your current reach then we can help.”

Ranking Solutions is a company specialising in digital marketing. They have a large team of creative individuals who are proficient in responsive website design, social media marketing (including Facebook PPC), pay per click advertising and search engine optimisation (SEO). Visit www.rankingsolutions.com for more information.

Contact Gareth Owen for quotes on 0800 195 3582 or info@rankingsolutions.com.