Facebook tweaked its Custom Audiences feature on Tuesday to let businesses target consumers who have visited their websites or downloaded their mobile apps.
For instance, the feature, which will roll out in the coming months, will let a bike shop target a News Feed ad of someone who has gone on the company's website and started to assemble a bike. The ad can encourage the consumer to continue. In another example, the maker of a mobile travel app can deliver ads to people who have downloaded its app but haven’t used it recently. The ads can encourage such consumers book getaways within the app.
See also: 20 Things Your Most Annoying Friends Do on Facebook
To allow for such targeting, marketers use a code on their website or in mobile apps.
For consumers, the change means their feed will be filled with more "interest-based ads." Amazon is perhaps the best-known proponent of such ads, which run on sites outside of its network and remind users of books and other items they have recently browsed on Amazon. Google rolled out interest-based advertising in 2009.
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Image: Getty/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul Facebook Timeline: 10 Stunning Designs [PICS] 1. Janet Medina We like the simplicity and the warm message that Janet's profile delivers. 2. Ekkapong Techawongthaworn After his previous designs got such positive feedback in our last gallery, we checked back in with Ekkapong to see what he's been up to. We weren't disappointed. 3. Tom Lambie Tom's profile throws up an error message. It's actually an F8 conference insider joke -- although we still think it's amusing for anyone who doesn't get the reference. 4. Jeremy Bronson Jeremy has some classic photography fun with his well-executed design. 5. Travis Keith Travis goes for the mysterious look (complete with shades), and invites friends to scan the QR code to find out more. 6. Niels Langeveld We like Niels' playful approach to his profile picture -- or rather, his "portrait"? 7. Umair Latif A montage of sketches makes Umair's profile memorable. 8. Andy Hirsch Andy's awesome mustache is obviously part of his "personal brand." We love how he has incorporated it into this clean and fun design. 9. Robert Falken Robert's simple thought bubble makes us wonder the same... 10. Mark Spangler Mark creates some fun with friends by posting a Where's Wally? visual puzzle. The person who finds him gets a free poke! BONUS: Mashable's Matthew Silverman! Finally, Mashable's own Matt Silverman has gotten creative with his Timeline design. He stars in his very own Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode.
We like the simplicity and the warm message that Janet's profile delivers.
After his previous designs got such positive feedback in our last gallery, we checked back in with Ekkapong to see what he's been up to. We weren't disappointed.
Tom's profile throws up an error message. It's actually an F8 conference insider joke -- although we still think it's amusing for anyone who doesn't get the reference.
Jeremy has some classic photography fun with his well-executed design.
Travis goes for the mysterious look (complete with shades), and invites friends to scan the QR code to find out more.
We like Niels' playful approach to his profile picture -- or rather, his "portrait"?
A montage of sketches makes Umair's profile memorable.
Andy's awesome mustache is obviously part of his "personal brand." We love how he has incorporated it into this clean and fun design.
Robert's simple thought bubble makes us wonder the same...
Mark creates some fun with friends by posting a Where's Wally? visual puzzle. The person who finds him gets a free poke!
Finally, Mashable's own Matt Silverman has gotten creative with his Timeline design. He stars in his very own Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode.