As of today, Facebook began rolling out Timeline view for Facebook Fan Pages. This update will be mandatory on March 30, but you can update your page now and start taking advantage of the new features.
The Facebook team implements changes all the time as they come up with new and innovative ways to connect their users, and these changes are always a little overwhelming as you figure out the new interface and the new tools you have available. The new update will mean changes to the way your Brand appears on Facebook and the web. But don’t fret!
Here are four EASY things you can do RIGHT NOW to get started with Timeline:
1. Read up on the New Features
Some of the new features include Cover Photo, Larger Stories, and an enhanced Admin panel to give you more data and control over your page.
Check out this article from ZDNet is a great overview of all of the new features
2. Switch your Fan Page to Timeline view
The update will be required across all pages eventually, so go ahead and dive in now while everyone is still figuring out the best way to take advantage of the new look.
To Switch Your Facebook Fan Page to the New Timeline Look:
When you log in & go to your Fan Page, you’ll see a flag at the top that prompts you to preview this page in the new look. Click “Preview” to see what your page will look like using Timeline.
From here click “Publish Now” to permanently make the switch.
3. Add a Cover Photo
Like on a personal page, your cover photo is a larger photo (specifically 850×315) aside from your profile picture that shows off who you are and sets the tone for your page. You can use this space to make a custom image similar to what Coca-Cola has done. Or in the short term, use this space to show a shot of your main product, your team, or your facilities – choose an interesting image that shows off who you are.
4. Add your Founded Date & Story
You’ll want to go back in and fill in highlights from your company’s history, but you can start right now by adding the story of how you were founded.
On the right of your page, click “Founded” at the bottom of your timeline & you’ll see an Edit icon where you can edit the details and add a photo.
Check out Schipul’s Founded Timeline Milestone and fantastic photo of Ed and Rachel from 1997!
