Social network: Facebook expands ad business

SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook Inc has begun showing advertisements on Zynga Inc’s website, the first time the company has distributed ads beyond the borders of its own website and raising the possibility that Facebook could eventually launch an online advertising network. “People may now see ads and sponsored stories from Facebook on Zynga.com,” said Facebook spokesperson Tucker Bounds. Asked if Facebook was planning to create a full-fledged online ad network that distributes ads on other sites, Bounds said “we are only showing ads on Zynga right now.” Facebook’s stock has been under pressure since its initial public offering last month; due in part to concerns about the company’s slowing revenue growth. Facebook made most of its $3.7 billion in revenue last year from ads that appear on its site.  An ad network could significantly increase the reach of Facebook ads, offering an important new source of revenue growth.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2012.