Timelines, Pages, and Cover Photos (Oh My!) Why the New Facebook Brand Timeline Isn't So Scary

Social media is an ever evolving entity and Facebook is notorious for never hesitating to make drastic changes to layout or functionality. In the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, a tornado blew into Dorothy and Toto's quiet Kansas farm town and literally hurled them into the unfamiliar Land of Oz. Some Facebook users feel similarly displaced whenever Facebook introduces a new change or update. To them, it's as though they've been swept up in an unavoidable social media tornado. Facebook executives have every hope that their users will follow the yellow brick road and feel at home in their new layout 'Land of Oz.' The designers send out tutorials and previews, but unfortunately, while Facebook is hoping to come across like the Lollipop Guild, many users see only menacing flying monkeys.


How Facebook Perceives Timeline Transformation 


How Business Owners Perceive Timeline Transformation


Whatever your perception is, on March 30th all Facebook Pages will convert over to Timeline automatically. The Wizard has spoken and change is inevitable. The good news is that Facebook and many other social media savvy companies, such as Constant Contact and Mashable, try to make these times of transition easy on us - kind of like sweet little Toto showing Dorothy and her friends that The Man Behind the Curtain isn't so scary after all. 

So don't start clicking your ruby slippers and chanting, "There's no place like home," just yet. Many brands are already forging down the yellow brick road and setting up their new Timelines for one good reason: Facebook retains and engages customers, employees, and strategic partners by encouraging them to share their love for your brand with friends. Escoe Bliss recently entered the gates of the Emerald City and went live with our own Facebook Brand Timeline. Our initial thoughts are that the Timeline really does do a better job of expressing the look and feel of our culture. (We'd love to hear your feedback as well.) Transitioning from Facebook Page to Timeline was not very complicated (you might even call it fun) and we'd like to share some of the insights and links that we found helpful, so that you can get your brand ready for this new era in social media branding.

Mashable's Facebook Timeline for Brands: The Complete Guide is exactly what it sounds like. This article does a wonderful job of explaining the ins and outs of the new Timeline. You'll find video links, examples of other great brand Timelines that have already gone live, and more links to a variety of articles on the new Facebook layout.

Constant Contact is another favorite source of ours. Their blog, Facebook Timeline is Coming to Brand Pages...And We Love It!, takes a comprehensive look at the change, how it will affect your brand, and explains how to make the most of the new features.

One piece of the new Timeline that really gives the brand a chance to shine is the new cover photo. Browse the photo album 20 Striking Facebook Brand Page Cover Photos (courtesy of Constant Contact) to get your own creative juices flowing. 

Begin thinking about your brand's Facebook content in a new way. Your brand Timeline will tell your customers a story. Social Media Today outlines Eleven Ways Facebook Page Timelines Change Your Content Strategy. This article makes valuable points as to how a new content approach can really be in the best interest of your brand.

There are a few new things to learn, but remember that Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man were also afraid of an unknown that they grew to love. Their chant of, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" led them to meet their treasured friend the Cowardly Lion (who, in fact, was very brave). There are some new features to learn about the Facebook brand Timeline, but if you're willing to take a little time and learn your way around, you might discover that your Facebook Timeline is the new marketing companion your brand has been looking for. Facebook Timeline can bring your product or service down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City of success.