Online Marketing Blog from metrocafe311

New Facebook page layout on the horizon

The change in layout to Facebook pages isn’t fresh news but the changes are due to take effect permanently on March 10th so if you haven’t got your head around the new layout yet, now is the time to do it! If you use Facebook for a brand you will be familiar with how it can be utilised to promote your business and create a community of fans. Keeping up with Facebook has become an important part of this community management and marketing so therefore cannot be ignored.
Facebook has big plans for their interface with deals and sponsored stories just two of the big products about to launch in Ireland. We thought we would give you a four minute, four step guide on how to get accustomed to the new layout and ensure your brand continues to get the most out of Facebook.

1.    New Layout – Photos & Tabs

You will already be familiar with the majority of the new layout from your own personal profile. The top five most recent photos (uploaded to the wall or photo album) will now be displayed across the top banner of the page. This is a great chance to get creative with your Facebook display by choosing products, or photos that emote your brand values.

The tabs that previously appeared across the top of the page will sit on the left hand side underneath the now larger profile picture.

2.    Use Facebook as a page
One of the more interesting features means that you will now be able to use Facebook as a page. To do this, click on ‘Account’ on the top left hand corner and choose ‘use Facebook as a page’. You will then be able to view your page’s own News Feed as well as comment on other pages as that page.
This provides an opportunity for brands to interact with associated brands or sponsors like never before. While this is an exciting new addition, I have yet to see someone use it effectively in Ireland but I am sure there are some great examples out there.
3.    IFrames
From March 11th, 2011 you will no longer be able to create new static FBML tab on your Facebook page. While your current FBML tabs will continue to work Facebook is encouraging users to move their FBML to IFrame applications.

An iFrame application allows you to embed an external web page in a Facebook page tab. This will allow for better branded experiences within Facebook with more advanced flash and interactive elements. The main downside however is that you will have to be familiar with technologies such as XFBML tags and SDK’s.

4.    Email Notifications

Create a Moderation blocklist for your Facebook page

You should now be receiving email alerts for each time a Facebook user interacts with your page. For larger pages this may result in numerous emails flooding your inbox but this is another tool to help you manage your expanding community.

You can now also moderate profanities as well as create moderation blocklists to automatically direct a user’s comments to spam.

Hope you found our four tips and hints helpful, they should at least make Thursday’s transition into the new Facebook layout a little less painful. We would love to hear from you and what your opinions are on the new layout. What do you think the next big changes for Facebook will be?