After Facebook launched Timeline for profiles, it was pretty obvious that the social media giant would eventually push similar changes to Pages. Are you excited about the new Timeline for your Facebook Business Page or do you dislike the change? Unfortunately, you don’t have a say in the matter. On March 30th, Facebook will automatically convert your page to the new Timeline format. Numerous changes affecting designs, analytics, postings, and more will take effect, so before you make a move, take a look at some of these important Facebook Page Timeline Tips.
Cover Image
The cover photo encompasses the width of your Page with a dimension of 851 x 315 pixels. Facebook recommends using the image as a creative representation of your brand or product offerings and forbids advertising and self-promotion. The cover image should not include:
- Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website.”
- Contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or information that should go in your Page’s “About” section.
- References to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow pointing from the cover photo to any of these features.
- Calls-to-action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends.”
- Covers must not be false, deceptive or misleading, and must not infringe on third parties’ intellectual property.
Scroll down to see some creative uses of the cover image.
Tabs and Apps
The tabs located below your profile image will be automatically transferred to the right side below your cover photo once the Timeline publishes. You are allowed 12 total apps. Four apps are displayed while users must click to see the remaining eight. The Photos app cannot be moved.
- The app size has increased from 520px to 720 px.
- Facebook allows a custom thumbnail image (size is 111 x 74 pixels) to showcase each app.
- These images can be used for call-to-action, specials, or to call attention to your Welcome Page. (See next section)
The Problem!
If you were directing “non-fans” to a default landing welcome page, you are now out of luck. In what seems to be an attempt to urge businesses to use advertising, Facebook removed the ability for Page admins to send non-fans to a default welcome page unless they pay for advertisements. Your welcome page will still be present but it will be transferred to your apps.
How do you get around this default landing page problem? Here are some creative tips:
- Draw attention to your Welcome Page app by making the custom thumbnail image a different color so it stands out from the background.
- Add text to compel the visitor to click.
- Direct outside traffic to your Welcome Page app instead of directly to your Timeline. You can still use the “Like gate”.
- Pin a post so it is featured above all others on your timeline. (See post section below)
Need a little inspiration? Here are some Facebook Pages that creatively use their Welcome Page apps:
Social Identities
Notice the welcome page (I added the arrow for emphasis)
Social Identities also directs outside traffic to the welcome page. When you click the Facebook icon on the website, the link directs you here:
Rocket Media
Rocket media used colors that stand out.
Social Stars
Profile Image
That small square on the lower left of the cover photo is the profile image. Choose wisely because this becomes the thumbnail for your Page featured next to your posts and other content on Facebook. It measures at 180 x 180 pixels, but should be scalable to 32 x 32 pixels. This space is the recommended spot for logos and brand identity images.
Posts
Posts have new functions which can be changed by clicking on the upper right corner.
Star a post to increase its size and expand it to both sides of the timeline. Change the date to make a post appear at any location of the timeline. If you “pin” a post, it will appear at the top of your timeline for up to seven days.
The Timeline wouldn’t be what it is without the ability to add Milestones. Milestone posts extend the entire width of the Timeline and allow businesses to chronicle important times in history. Coca-Cola and the New York Times have used this feature to display life-altering historical events and interesting company facts.
Liked Button
When you “like” a Page, the “like” button changes to “Liked”. When you hover over it, Facebook gives you the opportunity to remove posts from your news feed, which is close to “unliking the Page”, or add it to an interest list.
Interest lists are similar to Twitter lists. Encourage your fans to add you to an interest list.
There is also new research that suggests that addition to interest lists increases your EdgeRank score.
Direct Messages
Customer service is enhanced with the new direct message feature. Fans can contact you and have private conversations.
Page Name Changes
Facebook allows you to request a name change for your Page. Here is a link to the request page: Click here
Admin Panel
The new admin panel is user-friendly and tracks your activity from one interface.
Activity Log
Within the Activity log, manage your post functions and control what appears on your timeline.
Additional Resources
Before we move on the amazing Showcase of Facebook Timeline Pages, I wanted to give you some additional resources that discuss the Timeline and its many features:
Also, do let us know your experiences with the Facebook Page Timeline in the comments section!
Showcase of Facebook Page Timelines
Many businesses have already jumped on the bandwagon and launched their Timelines. Here are some examples for creative inspiration:
Make Use Of
Toyota USA
Ford Motor Company
Fox News
Red Bull
Magnolia Bakery
Social Ups
Fabienne Fredrickson
Smart Women’s Institute
Pic Scatter
Dressing Your Truth
