A guest blog post from SteadyRain
As Facebook Business Pages start to settle in to
the new timeline, there are a few important things all businesses need to
acknowledge during this transition. Several new features will be introduced,
which will enhance the business’ overall presence on the social network.
Consider these five changes and how they could help improve your overall online
marketing strategy.
1.
Cover Photo
Every new page will be able to implement a cover
photo, which will be posted on top of the page, adhering to the size of 851
pixels by 315 pixels. Positioned as a page’s first impression, a cover photo is
a great branding opportunity to highlight a business’ photography or basic
information such as service or product offerings. But one thing is not allowed
on the cover photo: calls to action.
Brands and businesses cannot include items such as
website URLs, phone numbers, or verbiage that encourages action that will take
the visitor away from Facebook. Although a business is unable to use the cover
photo in this way, it is still a great promotional opportunity for organizations
that can be updated when needed.
2.
Profile picture
The updated profile picture is now designed to
feature a business’ logo only. It will no longer be cropped to live next to
Facebook page stories. Instead, the 180 pixels by 180 pixels image will shrink
down to 32 pixels by 32 pixels. The new profile picture is meant to be only a
brand signifier. Additional design elements and company information, minus
calls to action, can be added to the cover photo.
3.
Landing / Welcome Pages
The new timeline for businesses will no longer be
able to use a Welcome page or “Like” gate for a user’s initial interaction with
a Facebook page. Although these items can live on separate tabs, just as they
have in the past, a user cannot be directed to this page from an outside link.
Therefore, it is important for brands to provide
thoughtful labels and icons to draw attention and encourage visitors to click
on the tab. Give visitors a reason to want to see what is featured.
4.
Star a Story
Have a great story that you want to highlight on a
business page? Each page will now have the option to not only hide but also star
a story. When an administrator stars a story, the story spans the width of the
page and the image becomes larger, drawing more attention and making it the
“star” of the page.
5.
Pinned Posts
Perhaps a business doesn’t want to “star” a story
but make it the top story on the page. In addition to hiding or starring, an
admin can pin a post, which will anchor the story to the top of the page for
seven (7) days. Pinned posts could be a great way to highlight an ongoing
promotion or upcoming event.
Now you are prepared with some of the most
prominent changes to Facebook business pages. Have you switched over to the new
timeline or are you waiting until the end of March to make the transition? Curious
about how these social network updates as well as new social platforms could
fit into your business’ current online marketing strategy? Contact SteadyRain’s
social
media marketing team today.
