by Shelly Gustafson
22 days and counting. Time is quickly running out for brands to make a seamless transition from traditional brand Facebook pages to the new Timeline Facebook Brand Pages. The drop date when Facebook will automatically switch all pages is Friday, March 30th. Brands better plan and adapt now, because there is no way around it.
Photos Front and Center
Graphic-friendly brands rejoice. Timeline allows for additional graphics and large beauty shots to take over your main-page and attract new and old fans alike (Top display photo is a maximum 851x315 pixels or a minimum of 399 pixels wide).
Highlighting Content
Not all content is created equal. A huge benefit on the Timeline design is that admins can now highlight content they want to showcase (larger photo, top billing etc.). Page admins can use this feature strategically to get the most out of fan comments and great posts.
Admin Panel
It’s never been easier to administer over a Facebook Brand page. Rather than taking you to a separate page, the admin panel simply drops down for easy access when needed. Among the panel is a listing of new likes, snapshot of reach, and post volume.
While timeframe may be daunting there is still time to create a beautiful page. Here are a few tips to get you started:
2. Don’t wait for March 30. You can choose to update to timeline anytime between now and then if you are ready. Additionally, you can utilize the preview button to create your page and tweak it before the deadline hits. This great feature allows you (and your admins) to test out ideas and designs before your page goes live (just make sure to not hit the “publish now” button until you are ready).
3. Plan out your main photo. What are you hoping to display to visitors with one glance – usefulness, lightheartedness, playfulness or seriousness? Whatever you wish to convey create an image that imparts that and test it out for feedback prior to launch.
4. Tabs are gone but apps are here to stay. Everything will be cleanly housed on the main page and apps will be housed on the bottom right side of the cover photo (only four will be automatically viewable at a given time though more can be accessed when clicked). In other words, pick the four that are the most important to you and grow from there.
5. Create an editorial calendar for the next month. While all social media should be in part determined by what is happening in the moment, it is always a good idea to have at least a minimal plan. This will keep the updates going when you hit your busy season and can no longer dedicate hours to content creation.
At Axiom we strive to not only be on the cutting edge with our own in-house social media but to guide our clients through this often daunting and ever changing landscape. If the process is too daunting for you at the moment we encourage you to reach out to a designer, social media expert or marketing team you know and trust rather then pulling the plug on your existing page.
And check out Techcruch’s article for more great ideas on managing the transition.
Top three changes with Timeline:
Photos Front and Center
Graphic-friendly brands rejoice. Timeline allows for additional graphics and large beauty shots to take over your main-page and attract new and old fans alike (Top display photo is a maximum 851x315 pixels or a minimum of 399 pixels wide).
Highlighting Content
Not all content is created equal. A huge benefit on the Timeline design is that admins can now highlight content they want to showcase (larger photo, top billing etc.). Page admins can use this feature strategically to get the most out of fan comments and great posts.
Admin Panel
It’s never been easier to administer over a Facebook Brand page. Rather than taking you to a separate page, the admin panel simply drops down for easy access when needed. Among the panel is a listing of new likes, snapshot of reach, and post volume.
While timeframe may be daunting there is still time to create a beautiful page. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Check out what other brands have done already. Several brands have jumped the gate and gotten their designs out early. Check out their pages for ideas before you commit to anything yourself (a few examples are: Coca Cola, Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks).
2. Don’t wait for March 30. You can choose to update to timeline anytime between now and then if you are ready. Additionally, you can utilize the preview button to create your page and tweak it before the deadline hits. This great feature allows you (and your admins) to test out ideas and designs before your page goes live (just make sure to not hit the “publish now” button until you are ready).
3. Plan out your main photo. What are you hoping to display to visitors with one glance – usefulness, lightheartedness, playfulness or seriousness? Whatever you wish to convey create an image that imparts that and test it out for feedback prior to launch.
4. Tabs are gone but apps are here to stay. Everything will be cleanly housed on the main page and apps will be housed on the bottom right side of the cover photo (only four will be automatically viewable at a given time though more can be accessed when clicked). In other words, pick the four that are the most important to you and grow from there.
5. Create an editorial calendar for the next month. While all social media should be in part determined by what is happening in the moment, it is always a good idea to have at least a minimal plan. This will keep the updates going when you hit your busy season and can no longer dedicate hours to content creation.
At Axiom we strive to not only be on the cutting edge with our own in-house social media but to guide our clients through this often daunting and ever changing landscape. If the process is too daunting for you at the moment we encourage you to reach out to a designer, social media expert or marketing team you know and trust rather then pulling the plug on your existing page.
And check out Techcruch’s article for more great ideas on managing the transition.