Facebook timeline…scary stuff!

March 8, 2012

Facebook timeline: what is it, and what does it mean for your brand?

“Let me add you on Facebook? Have you seen the new Coca Cola Facebook timeline page? I’ll Facebook you tomorrow”. You know something has become important when it’s being used as a verb!

And important it is. Designed by a college kid in his dorm room with the purpose of being a student directory, it is now one of the most visited websites in the world. Today it can be used by anyone over the age of 13 with an email account. It’s also become an important (some would say imperative) tool for businesses.

In today’s market, it is unusual for a business or company not to have a Facebook page. They are indeed a great tool – with over half a billion users (complete with demographic data) , it is now easier than ever to interact with a brand’s current and potential customers.

But, just when we thought we all understood what was going on, Facebook throws us a curve-ball! We’ve all seen Facebook timeline for personal pages, but now, brand/company pages are required to move across to the new format. But what is Facebook timeline, and what does it mean for your company’s page?

Essentially, it is a layout change with added tools and even more opportunities for branding. This simply means it is an opportunity for your company to be marketed like never before. It is also an opportunity to tell the story of your brand – right from the beginning.

It may seem scary, but let us guide you through what’s changed and how you can take advantage of the new and exciting opportunities. Here are some of our top tips to navigate creating your brand’s Facebook timeline:

  • COVER PHOTO: pick an image that is appealing and is a great representation of your company. It is the first thing visitors will see.
  • ABOUT: update this! Use this section to give customers your opening hours, phone number, email address and ‘Physical Location’ – your business address as a hyperlink to BingMaps.
  • STORYTELLING: as it is called ‘Facebook timeline’, utilize it to tell customers your brand’s story – find some photos of your first store opening or first press clippings and post those!
  • POSTS: the size of wall posts and photos are larger. Use this to really promote your business and connect with customers. Write something interesting and engaging, and always check for spelling mistakes!

 

Like all social media, it is good to have a Facebook page but it is how you actually use it that counts! The Facebook timeline for business pages is optional, however all pages will be naturally ‘migrated’ to the new format as of March 30. Think of it as a chance to rejuvenate your brand’s page, build your ‘likes’ and further express your brand’s Signature Strategy.