A successful Facebook application should:

• Complement and build on features already based in the site – SuperPoke, FunWall and the like do a great job of filling in the gaps and adding features to facebook’s existing functionality.
• Solve a problem – It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but successful applications do a good job of solving small problems.  Good examples of this are BigPhoto, Birthday Calendar and Social Profiles (TagK).
  
• Simple/Low learning curve – Users should have a sense of what the application does without much thought.
• Allow users to create, build and shape the content to fit their desired environment – Animoto Videos does an excellent job of this.  They simply give the user the tools to create and build off of the content the user already has.
• Requires a second person to be successful – Facebook already does a good job of this in general, but applications like Scrabulous that almost require a 2nd person to play can really help to exponentially grow an application.
• Competitive element - Bragging rights are what its all about.  Users want their achievements blasted across their network.  They want to be the best and be recognized for it. See Bowling Buddies.
  
• Provides value to user – Work to answer what’s in it for them?

What do you think a successful facebook application should have?  What are the applications that you think do a good job of it?  Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Creating a Successful Facebook Application is a post from Bob Hazlett, a digital marketer who writes at One Half Amazing!