On March 30th, Facebook will switch all business pages to the ‘timeline’ layout that was rolled out to personal pages last month. There are some changes in the way this layout presents information that we want to make sure you know about.
As the timeline layout suggests, your page will now represent a timeline of your business. This is a great opportunity to include milestones relating to your history, including the year you were founded, expansion efforts, new hires, and more! To create a new milestone on your timeline, create a post and click “Milestone” instead of “Status”.
You will also have another opportunity to use Facebook for customer service as fans are given the ability to send a message privately to your company page. You will not be able to initiate a private message, only respond to customers who have contacted you.
Facebook's New Admin Panel
A new addition to the page is the admin panel. It resides on your main page (only viewable by admins) and can be open or hidden as needed. The panel shows messages received, new likes, insights, notifications and an activity log for your own posts all in one spot.
One change that may be an issue for business pages, is that you are no longer able to create an alternative landing page. Many businesses have been using custom tabs as a Welcome page for first-time visitors. While businesses have lost this feature, there are some new features that help make up for it.
- Large cover (851 x 315 pixels) photo will now display your branding. Cover photos may not contain price or purchase information, contact information, or references to calls to action such as “like” this page as was done previously with landing pages.
- “Pin” content you want to feature at the top of your page for 7 days
- “Star” posts to spread messages across two columns for added emphasis
Facebook's New Timeline for Business Pages
This new Facebook layout may seem intimidating at first but offers many tools to enhance marketing efforts for your business. Not sure where to start? Remember, with this new Facebook platform, pictures are more prominent than ever. The first time someone visits your page, your 851 x315 photo is the first item to catch their eye. Make it a great picture that accurately describes the brand and story you are trying to portray for your business.
Still overwhelmed? We’re here to help!
