Navigating the New Facebook Format

Facebook is rolling out a new format for fan pages. This time around, I am pretty excited to see the changes. For digital scrapbook designers, one of the greatest changes is in an increase in the graphics sizes because there are no longer 2 columns in the newsfeed but one. You can see the new format on the CUDigitals Facebook page HERE.

You can see a great graphic of some of the highlights in this change over at AllFacebook.

I also noticed a few items important for digital designers and a really great feature that I know is going to save me some time and trouble!

First, for digital designers, I really like how the “short description” of your page in now right above the website URL so you don’t have to work that in anymore.

Check out the prominent display of the page description and working web link right below it in the new design

To make the best use of this change, after you convert, hover your mouse in the upper right corner of the about box and you will get a link to edit.

Then scroll down to fill in your SHORT DESCRIPTION and down to the bottom to fill in your WEBSITE.

Designers, I do not recommend adding your store URL under website unless it is your personal store or unless you don’t have a blog. Bring your fans to your blog so they have additional opportunities to connect with you such as signing up for your newsletter.  If you do add your store here, make sure it is shortened, especially if it is a zencart address that is long.

You can use bit.ly to create a custom short URL such as bit.ly/ChristinesStore. After you enter the link, click the little pencil to edit

Then create the custom link such as bit.ly/KimsStore. Put that link under website on your Facebook page.

The next thing I like about the new page format is you can now see who you are using your page as. I know I’m not the only one who forgets to switch over to my Page role sometimes. When you do that, you post as a person, not the page. This means your post doesn’t go into the timeline, it goes into the sidebar and gets hidden.

But now, you get your profile picture right in the box so you can see your page role! They also have different words. YAY!

Posting as self on the page

 

Posting as page admin

I know there will be more things to share about this transition. In the coming weeks, I will be linking up resources and articles on the CUDigitals Facebook page and compiling any big news here. If you have feedback to share, leave a comment for us!