Just some ramblings for today...
If you do not know yet, Facebook is going through a lot of changes. I first heard news about their change into Facebook Premium Ads and now I just turned my Fan Page into the traditional Timeline. This transition will take into effect by March 30th and all (to my understanding) Facebook Fan Page will switch over to the Timeline layout.
There is a lot of drawbacks for marketers because there are limitations. For example there is no way you can use tabs or have a default page when a non subscriber finds your page, they are immediately introduced to your Timeline. It sucks because I am able to monetize the traffic from that simple strategy.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KinZkIOW6w[/youtube]Another problem I have is there is no use of Like Gateways now. Meaning you can not force someone to like your page and then reward them for that like. Expanding users was simple because it becomes viral action. Now this is gone. One attribute you also can not do is with your cover photo. You know that HUGE real estate at the top of your Timeline.
Somethings you can not do with your cover photos is basically use it has marketing real estate. You can not have arrows pointing to the subscribe button. You can't have explicit text of your websites nor can you even have your name. I think Facebook is trying to only prep themselves for only big brands.
It seems policing Facebook is becoming a little bit real. Remember the times of Google until Google Adwords broomed away all the affiliates. I think Facebook is taking the same route. I remember back in the day when Facebook welcomed affiliates and helping affiliates gain traction on their ad platform. Now they are rarely seen at trade shows and they turn their heads when an affiliate wants to talk to a rep.
For me, Facebook marketing via Fan Page may not be an option anymore. I can not utilize default tabs or even use gateways. The only way I can utilize the new Timeline is to literally interact with users and create a brand and recognition within my space. This is the goal of Facebook, to create more social awareness and integrate users within their community into yours.
I know that my other business will slowly have to adjust because we target audiences specifically brands who utilizes Fan Pages. Knowing that this change has an affect on different aspects of my business I have to adjust. I do not see myself utilizing Fan Page as much as I do.
How are you adjusting to the new Fan Page Timeline?
