Are you ready? Facebook is going to force a switch to the new timeline layout for pages on March 30th. That leaves just about two weeks for you to prepare and make a seamless switch.
You have the ability to preview the new look without publishing it, and it’s in your best interest to go ahead and check it out. You’ll notice that the new pages are very similar to the Facebook profiles that have been updated — it’s a timeline! This can be a big thing for your brand, if you work the system correctly.
.:Default Landing Tabs:.
Say sayanora to your ‘home page’ within Facebook. This will definitely be the most drastic switch to get used to. Gone are the days where a functioning landing page could essentially act as your Facebook presence. Facebook is moving in this direction as a new way to get businesses to interact socially with users or disappear from top-of-mind. Tabs will remain and will now be wider at 760px, however, you will no longer be able to link directly to the tabs or send users there as a default.
.:Cover Photo:.
Think of this as a free billboard on Facebook! At 850x315px this is the perfect space to brand your page. There (of course) are some rules though…
-Zero Pricing Information: no sales prices or offers for free downloads!
-Zero Contact Information: this should live in your ‘About’ section
-Zero reference to like or share elements of your page: no apps allowed or text suggesting to like or share the page with friends
While there’s no real news about how Facebook plans on enforcing these rules… I would strongly advise you to head their warnings. It would be much worse for you to be banned from this social media outlet.
.:Pinning & Featuring Your Posts:.
No… Facebook didn’t make a deal with Pinterest. They simply got smarter. This feature will allow admins to ‘pin’ key posts towards the top of the page. Regardless of how many times you post afterwords, the pinned post will remain at the top for up to 7 days. There is also an option to feature a post. The timeline is set as a two columns, if you choose to feature a post, it will cross the two columns and span the width of your entire page. Featuring a post will not keep it at the top of your page. You can, however, do both at the same time!
.:App Display:.
Your new page will display 4 underneath your cover photo. You are able to change the display picture and text for each. There are 12 total, but four display at all times. Choose wisely! This is a great area to put a map of your location, photos, contests, events etc.
.:Private Messaging For Pages:.
Never before have fans had the ability private message with fans. Now your fans, users, and customers can send a message directly to your page. All admins have the ability to view these messages and respond as the page.
So how do you go about using these changes to your advantage? It’s easier than you think!
1. Create an eye catching cover photo for your page. It’s your billboard so get just as creative!
2. Pin or feature important posts. Show people what matters.
3. Add milestones to your timeline. Going to a trade-show? Appear on TV? Host a huge successful event?
If you have any questions or need help setting up your new page, contact Orlando Digital Experts now!
