If you are struggling to keep up with all the recent changes on Facebook (or aren’t even on there yet), we thought a blog post was in order to give you a quick download on what the key changes are, what they mean to you, and any action you need to take.
Changes to Facebook Pages
Facebook has recently made major changes to the design and functionality of its Pages – that is those generally used for businesses – bringing them closer to individual user profiles in look and functionality. One great update is that if you are creating a new Facebook page, it’s now a lot clearer what your options are and hopefully easier for businesses to chose the right option!
If you do already have a page – which is what you should have for your business (and for the difference between a Profile and a Page read this definition) the updates to Facebook Pages has been a generally well received update, as they improve the ability of people who manage pages to connect with their audiences.
The changes allow the admin of a page to operate more like the way individual users do; and also allow you to build richer application experiences using iFrames. In addition to having applications that perform better, brands will also have greater flexibility in the way they name them.
The changes will go into effect for ALL Facebook Pages on March 10, so if you haven’t switched over before then, you’ll log in to find a different looking page after March 10 US time.
New Facebook Pages features
1-Photo strip above the Wall (with most recent photos you posted or tagged) – we’re loving using this feature on our website to showcase our most recent works i.e. logos and websites we have designed. If you have something visual to share, perhaps projects you have completed if you are a builder; floral arrangements you have made if you are a florist etc, this is a way you can keep your Facebook page looking updated and show people who you are and what you do in a visual way.
2-Tabs move over to the left panel, in the form of a list (maximum of 6 above the fold) – Can’t find that ‘events’ tab you installed or that ‘blog box’ you referred to? Then look to the left. No more tabs, but these are still able to be customised using the FBML application.
3-Profile picture reduced from 200 x 600 pixels to 180 x 540 – You may or may not be aware that you can maximise your Facebook page presence by preparing an image to the maximum dimensions (now revised as outlined above) to convey even more to your Facebook page users in a short visit. Take a look at some of our customised design work at… https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brandy-Creek-Wines-View-Cafe/193547030656633… and… https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seaview-Resort-Mooloolaba-Apartments/154372407941950… for examples.
4-Blurb box that was below the Page picture moved to info tab – Wondering where your info has gone? Don’t worry. It’s still there! Check out the info link to the left.
5-Pages can Like other Pages, not just favorite them – Show your support for your contacts businesses by liking them and they may ‘like’ you back!
6 -Featured Pages and Admins –
7-Page category –
8-Choice for Wall posts between “Everyone” and Page posts only
9-Mutual Friends and Interests section
10-Ability to interact on Facebook as your Page
11-Ability for admins to post and comment around the site under their Page’s alias
12-News feed of updates from Liked Pages
13-Pages can now feature iFrame tab applications
14-Email notifications when users post or comment – Personally I find this a little annoying (as there is a fair bit of posting and commenting going on our pages) so I turn it off (which is no biggie), however if you are new to Facebook and keeping close tabs on the activity on there, this could be a good feature for you to monitor who’s saying what on your page, and respond accordingly/.
Roll out of Messages on Facebook
In a recent blog post I introduced the new Facebook Messaging system. On Friday, February 11, 2011 they began the rollout of Messages to everyone on Facebook. This will happen gradually over the next few weeks. Learn more about using Messages in… this tour… put together by Facebook.
Finally, you should review the new policies. While many applications like Flash will now function better on your Page, Facebook’s restrictions require you to limit their functionality until a user interacts with it. As always, should you have any concerns about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
New Photo Viewer
On February 10, 2011 Facebook announced that they are… rolling out the new Photo Viewer to everyone over the course of the next few weeks. Now, you can browse more photos faster without having to lose your place in Facebook. It takes a bit of getting used to but overall it’s pretty good.
New Profile Viewer
On 11 January 2011 the new profile was released making it even easier for you to tell your story and learn about your friends. … The new profile (which you have probably been using) key updates:
- A quick summary of who you are (like where you live, work and grew up), right at the top of your profile
- A row of recently tagged photos so friends can see what you’ve been up to lately
- Room to highlight meaningful friendships (like teammates, co-workers or roommates)
- More of your favorite activities and interests
- The ability to tag your friends in important life experiences
Security features
Finally Facebook has upgraded its security once again.… While on Facebook, look at your URL; if you see http: instead of https: then you don’t have a secure session and you can be hacked. Go to Account|Account Settings|Account Security and click Change. Check the box for Secure Browsing (https). Pass it on!
And if you need any help with your social media check out our awesome social media packages or come along to our exciting Social Media Super Hero one day workshops taking place at locations throughout Australia and even New Zealand over the coming weeks.
So what do you think of these changes? Drop us a line by commenting below…