There are people who hate Facebook Timeline and then there are people who hate Facebook Timeline as well. And now since Facebook has made timeline feature compulsory for business pages too, there are voices to force Facebook rollback Timeline and get the original look back or at least allow users to choose between.
But I don’t think Facebook will buzz to this. So the best option available is to accept the new change, which I feel is indeed ‘refreshing’, and explore how to use this feature to promote the business page really well.
First the bad news — there is no landing page now. So it is virtually impossible to lure new visitor to LIKE the page to get some cool benefits. Another bad news is now you can only show 2 links of custom apps to the fans by default. The have to click on “Down Arrow” to view all.
Okay, having said that Facebook Timeline is not something we write-off so easily. In fact there are bundle of new features using which you can promote your brand much better than before. Let’s explore how –
Play smart with new Cover
Facebook Timeline features new Cover image. Play smart with it. There are plenty of good examples how to use it creatively. Your cover is the first thing visitors would see when they visit your page, so it has to be peppy.Make a creative image with 851 * 315 pixels resolution and upload. While doing so remember few things –
If you are playing with couple of images and checking which looks best on your cover, don’t forget to delete the unused images later. Because as you upload the cover images, Facebook posts them on wall as well.
Do not include promotional text, discount, offers, Facebook features, direct call to action over the image. Facebook won’t like it.
here are couple of examples of cool cover images I liked most
https://www.facebook.com/redbull
https://www.facebook.com/cocacola
https://www.facebook.com/walmart
https://www.facebook.com/ford
Star your post
I like this new feature because now you can highlight a post like never before. The new Timeline feature allows you to play with images and highlight your brand really well. If you are launching a new product or there is a major announcement or update, just start that post. Starred post takes entire width available on wall. Best way to use these feature is to design an image in 841 * 350+ pixel, upload the same on wall and then star it. To do this click on “Highlight” option (Right Top side of every post).
Choose custom image for apps
If your page sports custom apps, you can now choose better cover images for the same. The image size you can use is 115 * 80 pixel. Another good option is to use name with direct call to action, like Join our mailing list, Are you game? Etc.
Pin your highlight postIt is another cool new feature that comes with Timeline. Now you can pin important wall posts and make them visible on the top. A pinned post remains on the top for at-least a week resulting more visibility and action.To do this click on “Pencil” icon (Top Right corner of every post and choose “Pin to Top”.
Post landmarks
Oh, not forget this great new feature. In fact the whole concept of timeline has been weaved around it. Now you can post landmarks like ‘foundation day of your business’, ‘date of new product launch’, ‘the day you won an award’ etc with cool icons and photos.
Allow customers to message or complain
Now your fans can send direct message to you (read page admin), just like Twitter. It help a business page owner a lot. For examples you can now encourage fans to send messages on suggestions or complains.
Show info with link, use it as Call for Action
Another good change is, now info area comes directly under the profile pic and size has been increased too. Use it creatively and don’t forget to add link to your website or any other landing page.
- More visuals, more effect
Timeline is built to help business admin show more visuals on the wall and take benefit of it. A survey result shows that a wall post with a good photograph gets 3 time more likes and comments. Use it to benefit. - Highlight recommendations
Did you notice the right hand side of timeline. Now posts from fans who mentioned your page or commented - Go, find more
And there are many other small or big update too. Go figure out one. And don’t forget to share with me. Use the comment box below to reply.
BTW you can meet me on Facebook.
By: Pankaj Bengani
Pankaj is CEO and Chief Visualiser of Chhavi. He loves film making & traveling and wasting time on Twitter 🙂 .
