Facebook Timeline for brands has finally rolled out and each Business Page is going to be automatically be switched towards the new Timeline by March 30th 2012. So enjoy it or not, you’ll need to make the appropriate adjustments for your Business Page.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Covers
The Timeline cover picture is to will surely create a real impression with your visitors so play the role of creative! Make use of a unique image that represents your Page and business. You can get a new cover as many times as you desire, for events, different seasons, using different themes, etc. as long as you’re following Facebook’s cover terms.
- Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
- Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
- References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
- Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”
2. Profile Pictures
3. Custom Pages and Apps
You are unable to put a default landing page. This is used by many businesses to direct people a custom page for example a Welcome or promotion page. With all the new Timeline, visitors land directly on your Page wall. This will definitely get people to upset numerous businesses had committed to this feature.
4. Tabs
Your tabs for apps, pictures, videos, events and likes now appear under your Page cover. You could have nearly 12 tabs but only 4 appear underneath the cover plus the picture tab will be the first anyone to appear and cannot be moved.To change the order of the other tabs:
- Expand the views and apps menu by clicking on the
to the right of your Page’s views and apps - Hover over the position you’d like to put a view or app and click the pencil icon
that appears - Choose the view or app you’d like to swap into that spot from the menu
- To remove a view or app, select Remove from Favorites in step 3.
Also, you can now change the large thumbnails tabs for most apps you DIDN’T create. Here’s how:
Click: Admin Panel > Manage > Edit Page > Apps. Click “Edit Settings”, then next to “Custom Tab Image” click “Change”.
5. Pinning posts
Pinned posts are Page posts that admins have chosen to display prominently near the top of their Page. A pinned post always appears inside the top left of the Page’s timeline and contains a flag in the top-right corner. A pinned post will there for 7 days. And then, it’ll go back to the date rrt had been posted on the Page’s timeline.
Posts from folks who just like a Page aren’t permitted be pinned posts. Page admins is only able to pin posts produced by the Page.
Because you still cannot set a default website landing page, pinning what to the most notable with the Timeline may be a fantastic strategy to include; images, websites, call-to-action trying for the people to click the tabs under the cover photo or everything else that will promote engagement.
6. Highlight posts
Highlight important stories by simply clicking on the star icon from the top right corner of your post. It will expend your site within the two columns so that it is more visible to your visitors.
7. Messages
Page visitors are now able to send private messages to Page owners. It is a fantastic new feature!
Realize that as far as I understand, Pages still can’t initiate the contact unless they’re replying in a very message sent because of the fan.
8. Milestones
Milestones are key moments you’ve chose to highlight on your own Page. Milestones are automatically expanded to widescreen and can display pictures at 843 pixels wide and 403 pixels tall.
To add a milestone:
- Click Milestone in the sharing tool at the top of your Page’s timeline
- Add a headline, location, date and details for your milestone
- Choose to add a photo
- Click Save
You can also add Milestone from anywhere with your Page’s timeline, scroll to your spot and then click + to create a milestone or other type of story to particular date.
Here again, this enables one to get creative and employ this feature to incorporate important and interesting events you would like to give your prospective customers.
9. About
You need to use around 160 characters (including spaces) inside your “about” section. It’s another good idea to provide a link to your site on this section. You can customize the description by exploring the about box.
But if your Facebook Page is categorized like a Place Page or Local Business, the “About” content on your Timeline will show an address, phone number, and hours. If you wish to Change the category of your page:
Click: Admin Panel > Manage > Edit Page > Basic Information. Click “category”, then select the appropriate category for your business and finally click Save Changes at the bottom.
10. Admin Panel
You have access to the admin panel over the rest your Page. It offers a fast snapshot of the notifications, and as well offers you usage of your Insights, New Likes and Messages. You can even manage and edit your page from there. It is possible to elect to hide and expand the admin panel from view
Other features you should know
Friend Activity: Within the right side of your Timeline, people will spot stories precisely their friends are interacting with your Page throughout your Page timeline. When visiting your Page, each visitors might find an alternative view with the right side of the Timeline in accordance with how their friends have interacted along with your page.
Activity Log: Beneath manage button, you can view your complete Page posts from your activity log, including the ones you’ve chosen to cover. It’s also possible to highlight, delete, hide or affect the date of a post from here.
Posts Dates: It is possible to customize the date of an post each time as well as move it down or down your Timeline in line with your date.
Facebook Timeline Image Measurements
- Facebook cover photo size : 850 x 315 pixels – that’s 850 wide by 315 high
- Facebook profile image size : 180 x 180 pixels square
- Facebook navigation tab size : 110 x 74 pixels – that’s 110 wide by 74 high
- Facebook custom pages – such as welcome pages and entry forms – are expected to be 810 pixels wide (they were 520 pixels) however there is talk is this may change so stay tuned
- Facebook milestone image size : 843 x 403 pixels – that’s 843 wide by 403 high
Some studies show that a whopping 90% of Facebook users don’t return to a fan page once they click the Like button. They only see and interact with your content in their news feed.
According to Social Media Examiner
It’s very important that you simply try and keep audience engaged which means your posts come in their newsfeed. Which informs us that although you must optimize your Facebook Page Timeline features, investing lots of money inside design may not be the absolute right place to put your money. It really is definitely possible to create a successful Facebook Page without breaking the bank!
Simply make sure that you understand each of the Timeline features and ways to best make use of them, develop a posting strategy, come up with a unique visual impact for your visitors and add valuable posts on a consistent basis to your Timeline.
