Facebook is a very important part of social interaction on the internet. Many companies are taking the opportunity to get onboard and interact with their customers in a meaningful way. The designers over at Facebook provided a great boost with the alteration of Fan Pages. The changes made allow the user to make more effective use out of available screen space.
Should I Template My Fan Page?
The user that does not want to take the time to figure out the intricacies that accompany a customized view may be interested in a template. A template is more than just about changing the visual appeal and layout of your Fan page. It’s about setting your space on Facebook apart from the others.
Free Templates
Many developers out there have put together free templates to give options and attract an audience. Quality will vary. The problem that comes with free software of any kind is the lack of attention it may have in the long run. You may find yourself waiting a long time for an update when advancement renders it obsolete. This will vary depending on the coder.
Paid Templates
Opting for a paid template is a good choice as they will often be supported attentively. The coder is likely to put a much greater amount of work into it because it will be generating funding for their website and projects. Quality will often be higher than a free template, but it often depends on the author. Shop around! There are plenty out there to be had.
Utilizing Your New Space
The great part about the Facebook Fan Page is the freedom given to really reach out to visitors and draw them in. Various elements are universal whether you decide to stick with the default display or find the perfect unique template for your Fan Page.
Profile Picture
The profile picture is the most important part of the layout. It is your opportunity to present your brand and even some limited product placement to the visitor. The maximum width of 180 pixels should be used. Length can be as tall as 540 pixels, but going the maximum may not be the best approach. Use your visible space effectively. Be sure to alter your profile picture thumbnail to a useful section of the graphic.
Tabs and Navigation
The default layout or templates will offer freedom to customize the navigation functions of your Facebook Fan Page. Provide direct links to the relevant areas that you would like to guide visitors to. Connections to other profiles on websites, quote pages, about us information; whatever may be applicable to your business. Take advantage of these direct connections to put traffic in areas needing attention.
Photostrip
There is a major difference between the personal page and fan page photostrip. On a personal page, the user is able to dictate what order the graphics appear in the photostrip. A fan page does not have that option. The user may choose which graphics appear but may not choose which order they appear in. Thus, some creative thinking is necessary to make the most out of it.
The graphics used should not need to be in a particular order to make sense. An ironic presentation that mixes things up may work depending on if your business relies on out of the box thinking. Another choice is to use power words and graphics that represent your business. Even graphics utilizing product placement can work wonderfully.
Ultimately…
There is quite a bit going on with Facebook Fan Pages and their use for your business. Explore the various elements to find the right approach for you. A template can be a great way to personalize the layout of your Fan Page. An innovative presentation coupled with quality content will keep your visitors coming back for more.
Jeff is an internet marketing consultant and a part time blogger. Jeff is also a consultant and content contributor for Queens new homes community.