Facebook and other social networking outlets have become a heavily trafficked and easily accessible means of marketing. Previously, ads provided the only reliable means of recognition for branding purposes on Facebook. However, recent implementation of the newest layout has maximized visual space and options.
With the new fan page layout, the space available for branding has increased drastically. More space was allocated to Facebook ads and links in previous layouts, but the current fan pages have only one strip of ads and a narrow Facebook navigation bar at the top. This leaves significant space for design. Utilization of the fan page elements creates a decent fan page presence.
Visual representation is important online and on paper, so the Facebook fan page profile picture is a major element of optimizing the page. Photo uploading currently allows 180px by 540px images. However, the navigation options are located immediately below the profile picture, so designers should bear in mind that tall images could hide navigation from visitors casually browsing the page. Also, the thumbnail should be edited to show a relevant section of the profile picture. The thumbnail appears beside any comment posted by an admin of the fan page, so it is important to have an image that makes sense to other users.
The photo strip is now an important element of all pages, personal and business-oriented. Generally speaking, the profile picture and the pictures viewed in the photo strip should have some relation. Some fan pages actually use multiple images to create banners. Photo strips will be shuffled with the addition of any new images, so one option is to use images that remain relevant regardless of order. A great tool to check out is the website, www.fbanners.com, a cool site where you can customize the photostrip to brand it to your business.
The navigation is now on the left side of the page, immediately under the profile picture. This change allows greater customization because page names can now contain 36 characters. The use of iFrame applications also allows admins to use icons that relate to the content of the navigation tab. With these new options, it is important to remain organized. Tip: Avoid linking to pages lacking in content, and generally avoid linking to too many pages as this can create clutter. Also, place the navigation links in order of importance. In terms of navigation, less is more.
Making connections is important for branding, and the “Featured Likes” option allows brands to link to one another. If admins own other pages or partner with other brands, this feature can highlight those pages. Even better, pages with many “likes” can edit which pages appear to viewers first.
For all of the complaints from individuals with personal profiles, changes in the facebook layout have been positive for branding purposes. Fan page options with the new layout have maximized visual elements, so branding via social media has never been better.
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Rockstar Buzz’s custom iFrames FB Fan Page tabs are still the most popular branding tool for Facebook for businesses, as well as the custom wall graphics. Check out our samples and pricing here.
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