The NEW Facebook Business Page Timelines are here! Facebook pulled a fast one this morning by releasing the new preview for Facebook business pages!
Here are the top 5 hotspot with do’s and dont’s to keep your business page branded and within Facebook’s terms.
1. The Cover Image
DO
- be creative
- show your brand, logo, slogan
- use images of product, people using product
- use high resolution 300 dpi imagery
- list your urls in the description of the image
DONT
- be spammy
- go crazy with arrows pointing in all different directions
- put .com addresses, contact information
- use call to actions
Basically, keep it professional! Try to use high resolution imagery because Facebook degrades this image once uploaded. Otherwise, Facebook has clearly established the rules:
How should I choose a cover photo for my Page?
Cover images must be at least 399 pixels wide and may NOT contain:
-
Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
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Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
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References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
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Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”
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2. Views and Apps Boxes
DO
- create custom landing apps
- create custom icons for your apps
- rearrange the order of your apps
- use call to actions and attention drawing techniques
DONT
- make your app titles too long
- create apps to harm
Facebook dropped a BOMB when they released business page timelines today, but with anything good, there must be some bad. Unfortunately Facebook is no longer allowing you to set which page will be the default landing page/tab for new visitors. They are recommending to adjust the order of the apps view boxes and to pin a post, which we will explain later. Read the rules:
How do I change the order of views and apps that appear below my Page’s cover?
How do I change the default landing view for people visiting my Page?
The views and apps boxes are 111 pixels wide and 74 pixels tall. Even though I designed Eva’s at that size, they were reduced in size. I am sure this is probably just a bug and will, at some point, look normal. The photos app remains the first app, no matter what order you set You can adjust the width of an app on your Page to be Narrow (520px) or Wide (810px). To adjust these settings, go to the Developer App.
Designers can still design custom landing/welcome tabs. The new 810 pixel size is really quite a bit of real estate. Brands can quickly find creative ways to promote contests, events, blogs, imagery and much much more.
Opt in’s, embedded video, all the normal core Facebook functions are still available and working. It seems they have removed the ability to like-gate or fangate.
All these changes are new and certainly may be changing as business page timelines progress.
The new challenge will be how to promote your welcome, landing page, event app, or other apps. Facebook will most likely monetize on this option with more Facebook Ads and new Facebook Offers.
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3. The Profile Image
DO
- use a clear image
- show either your face or logo
- include live urls in the description
DONT
- try to squish in too much
- use grainy hard to recognize images
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4. The About Section
DO
- put your main url here first thing
- properly describe your business
- use keywords in relation to your business
DONT
- forget to fill out this section
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5. Pin or Highlight
DO
- post a picture that will remain static at the top (pin)
- post content that will remain static (highlight)
- put a link to your welcome/landing app
- include live social links in the post or picture description
DONT
- go crazy with content
Since we can no longer set the default landing page for new visitors, Facebook recommends to either highlight or pin a post.
How do I pin a post to the top of my Facebook Page?
As you can see on Eva’s profile we pinned a post when she uploaded her cover image. By pinning this post, this post will remain static at the top left section of the business page. Here we have added all her social links, links to site, link again to the welcome landing tab, credits for imagery and design, the WORKS!
So ROLL WITH THE CHANGES! Update your Facebook Business Page to the NEW TIMELINE!
I think if you look at all the changes in whole, Facebook is progressing towards a better, more inviting environment for business pages and fans for years to come.
Get yours branded by CustomTwit.com TODAY!