The new Facebook Timeline layout for Pages explained on video

No doubt lots of people will be throwing their hands in the air this week when they see the impending changes to Facebook business pages; we'll probably see the usual complaints, predictions of their demise and, threats to leave the platform all together.  It'll be no different from every other time they've made significant changes and everyone will eventually embrace them.

The changes to Pages are certainly significant and, they will have a real impact on some businesses, particularly those using fangates or, the "refresh page" operation on a default Welcome page to issues some kind of promotion or discount code when the page reloads.  Why?  Because there are no default landing pages anymore and, the page no longer refreshes when you "Like" it so it can't redirect to a "Special Offer" or promotion page.

I think Facebook has used these changes to try and increase their own advertising revenue; the restrictions about what you can and can't put in the new header are a clear indication of this.  Who can blame them?  It's the cost we have to pay for using a "free" platform and, with an IPO round the corner,Facebook are under pressure to prove its ability to generate revenue.

The restrictions on advertising may achieve higher sales for Facebook but, there is another outcome to consider; when blatant advertising is not allowed, businesses will rely on better content and greater engagement to make their pages work for them and that's no bad thing.

We have put together a short video highlighting the main changes to the Pages, it is important that you watch this and be aware of how these changes will affect the way you currently use Facebook.  Every page will be switched to the new timeline layout by the 30th March so, you should start to think about it now.

Here are the main changes and some of the new functionality:

If fatBuzz can help you with the changes or, your Facebook/social media strategy please don't hesitate to call us, we're happy to have a coffee and a chat.

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We have lots more video tips, and advice on Social Media, Design, Marketing, PR and Events at fatBuzz.TV

What's going on Facebook?

I originally posted the blog post below on the 26th September, at that time I had just claimed the username for the Kittoch Chair page with only one single "Like". This week we have been claiming usernames for clients and on some occasions we have been able to do it with less than 25 "Likes" and in others it will not allow us - truth is, we don't know what's going on!

I have found reference to this on Facebook which suggest you still need 25 "Likes" however, we have managed to do it this week with less than 25.  So, it is still worth trying to claim it as soon as possible but, if you are unsuccessful please remember to go back to Facebook Usernames and claim it as soon as you have 25 likes on your page.

It appears that you no longer need to get 25 "Likes" before you can claim your username on a Facebook Page.  Yesterday I managed to get the username for a new page we are working on with just one single "Like" - mine!

If you go to www.facebook.com/KittochChair you will see there are only 7 likes on the page (at the time of writing this post). By the way, please "like" this page, we're going to do some fun things centred around these wonderful tartan armchairs - you should find it will be an interesting case study. (You will also be doing me a personal favour!)

So, there's no excuse for anyone not to have there own username for their Facebook Page - just go to www.facebook.com/username and follow the instructions.

If you have found this post interesting please share it with your online community using either the Twitter, Facebook and Share buttons below. By sharing this post you will help us spread the word about our team charity challenge, meaning there is more chance of us reaching our target. Thank You.

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