If you haven’t already heard, Facebook will also be switching to using the “Timeline” now instead of the “The Wall”, starting March 30, 2012. The Timeline is basically a more organized version of The Wall. It allows viewers to see your page month by month starting from when your page was born to its current time as well as adds some cool features.
One of the biggest changes is the cover. The cover is essentially a photo (at least 399px wide) that spreads the width of the top of your page and is the place to put a photo or picture that represents who you are as a business. Think of it like your profile picture but much larger and allows for more information than your profile picture (which will still be there, right below the cover). In a way, it is like a giant banner that advertises what your business is all about. It is the first thing people will see when they visit your page and is open to the public so anyone can see it.
Pretty Awesome! But …there are some guidelines to what all can be used for your cover.
First off, the cover cannot contain prices or purchase information like 25% off or buy one get one free. Secondly, contact information such as websites and email addresses and business addresses that are meant for your “About” page cannot be placed in the cover. Lastly, things or sayings the prompt the viewer to do “like”, “share”, “download now”, “get it now”, “spread the word”, ect… cannot be used here.
Just like on “The Wall”, your profile picture should represent you and is a good place to put your company’s logo. Make sure to choose an image that is square and at least 180px wide. Your profile picture will be what shows up on your news feed, posts you make, and other parts of Facebook.
Another important new change will be the photos, likes, and apps section. These have been moved to the top of the page and will appear under the cover and to the right of your profile picture. This app section is where you can show off the things that are most important to your company, whether it be photos, likes, games, events, ect. Photos are automatically set to show in the first spot and will be followed by likes and apps. However, you can arrange these to your desired order so people will see what you want them to see first. There will be a maximum of 12 apps you can show, so be sure to choose wisely.
The Admin panel will now allow you to manage everything on your Facebook page. You will be able to reply to posts on your timeline, see all your check ins, and will show a graph that shows your posts, people talking about your page, and your overall reach.
These new Facebook requirements and changes can greatly work to your advantage if used properly and will help your overall outreach and advertisement. If you need any help setting up your secure hosting or want a customized Facebook page with a unique cover be sure to contact10 Pound Gorilla for all your social media consultancy.