Facebook likes, search rankings, acquisition speed. Concern?

[mcglynn]

SEOs know that a rapid uptick in link acquisition speed can trigger a red flag within google.

Is the same true of a FB Like campaign?

I'm not up to speed on whether Google is believed to use Facebook Likes in its ranking algo. Should we treat a FB Like acquisition campaign like we do linkbuilding -- namely, throttle it so that there isn't a huge spike in growth rate for a short period?

Surely FB might have internal algos that devalue 'astroturf' likes, but the core concern of this client is whether SEARCH RANKINGS might suffer if the FB Likes grow too quickly. My gut says no, don't be concerned. What do you think?

[Naghirniac]

In my opinion is not the same. First, because the link has a very strong effect in your website rank, and the like has a minor effect.

I made some research and I didn't found anything about that. Don't worry, there is no problem.

[NakulGoyal]

Slow and Steady is always a good sign. However spikes every once in a while should not be an issue at all. Let's say something from your website goes viral and you get tons of likes and other social activity related to your website for like 3 days and then it dies down. That's the nature of social media. Don't worry about it