Facebook (FB) is widely known to be the world’s largest social networking platform. On the other hand, LinkedIn (LNKD), which was recently acquired by Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), bears the tag of being the world’s largest professional networking platform. While LinkedIn markets itself as a professional network, Facebook has always kept its focus on maintaining its social tag. However, based on developments over the last few years, it appears Facebook’s social tag is pretty much in the balance.

Analysts have always questioned Facebook’s ability to create a professional setting for its wide business clientele. Businesses want to capitalise on Facebook’s massive user-base in a bid to boosting sales, and they do not want to just focus on the platforms ad network. They want to use other channels as well. Financial trading companies are looking to convert their Facebook and other social networking platforms’ followers into customers. For instance, on the Stern Options Facebook page you will find daily analysis so instead of browsing through tons of financial websites and learning everything on your own, you just watch their short video and learn about everything that’s happening today. Of course, further research is always a good idea, but this is a great place to start.

Over the last few years, Facebook has seen increased activity in professional interactions as compared to the last decade when most people were using the platform for social purposes only. The company’s subsidiary platform Instagram is also now highly targeted by professionals who intend to use it for business purposes. It’s no longer about sharing status updates for the sake of it.

Companies and individuals have analysed the profiles in such a way that they can easily target a specific group of followers at certain times of the day. Others seek to maximise post viewership, which in turn results in increased click-through rates to their websites.