Same Features, New Layout

You may have noticed some changes to your Facebook page recently. Facebook just fully rolled out a new layout for Facebook business pages. While the PIECES are the same, everything is organized differently.

1. Your profile image is at the top left corner of the page, which means that you no longer have to account for it covering a portion of your cover photo.

2. Ads are no longer displayed along the right-hand side of the page.

3. Your navigation is now along the left-hand side, with more options visible at once.

4. Your call-to-action button is more prominent, and placed below your cover image.

According to a Facebook spokesperson, “We’ve introduced a new design for Pages on desktop to make it easier for people to learn about and interact with businesses on Facebook.”

With all of the changes, now is a GREAT time to reevaluate your Facebook page to make sure all of your graphics and copy make sense with the new layout. Ask yourself:

• Is my profile photo presenting my business in the best way?
• Do I need to make changes to my header now that the profile photo doesn’t overlap it?
• Is all of our copy up-to-date?
• Are all of the links in my navigation working?

Instagram Takes a Page from SnapChat’s Book

If you use Instagram for your business, you probably noticed a change here this week as well. Instagram launched a new feature called “Instagram Stories.” Here is what they had to say about it on their blog:

“Today, we’re introducing Instagram Stories, a new feature that lets you share all the moments of your day, not just the ones you want to keep on your profile. As you share multiple photos and videos, they appear together in a slideshow format: your story.

With Instagram Stories, you don’t have to worry about overposting. Instead, you can share as much as you want throughout the day — with as much creativity as you want. You can bring your story to life in new ways with text and drawing tools. The photos and videos will disappear after 24 hours and won’t appear on your profile grid or in feed.”

Add your own story by clicking in the top left-hand corner of the app.

Users can watch the story again within the 24-hour time limit by going to the user’s profile and clicking on their profile image.

Snapchat users may be feeling some déjà vu, as these new stories follow… pretty much the exact premise of SnapChat. Photos and videos available for a short amount of time. This could mean bad news for Snapchat, which has failed to catch on with older crowds. A whopping 45% of their users are under the age of 24, compared to 23% of Instagram users.

How can you use this new feature for your business? Offer 24-hour discounts. Give a more full story of how you prep and throw an event in your store. Show off a day in your life! The possibilities are endless… as long as you don’t mind them disappearing in 24 hours.

What do you think of the new Facebook layout? Share in the comments below!

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