Get All Access for $5/mo

Facebook Timeline and Business Pages, Perfect Together Facebook's Timeline becomes mandatory for all Pages tomorrow. Here's how to use the format to your best advantage.

By Mikal E. Belicove

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Facebooks Timeline is a Boon to Business Pages Study SaysFacebook told marketers that its new Timeline interface would improve consumer interaction with brands. Timeline is living up to that promise, according to a new study.

The study, by Seattle-based social engagement analytics firm Simply Measured, focuses on 15 large brands, including Toyota, Ben & Jerry's, and The Humane Society. It compares each brand's engagement rate with its fans both before and after Timeline was made available earlier this month.

The results indicate that brands are enjoying an average 46 percent increase in engagement per post.

One reason: Timeline is conducive to larger photographs and videos. What's more, the Timeline user interface is starting to behave more like a website, by offering more control over the look and feel of content.

The new format becomes mandatory for all Facebook Pages tomorrow. Here are some suggestions on how to use it for your business:

  1. Experiment with photos and video. The brands in the study that took advantage of multimedia content fared the best.
  2. "Star" and "pin" your status updates, photos and videos. When you "star" a photo, it calls attention to the post by doubling its size and expanding the width of your Timeline. "Pinning" a post keeps a story or article at the top your Timeline.
  3. Create an editorial calendar. Use it to guide your content on Facebook and to experiment with the frequency and timing of your posts. Stick to your copy deadlines. Visually, the new format is pleasing to the eye, but stale content is likely to turn off fans.
  4. Conduct your own study. Measuring your Page's performance will give you a better handle on the impact of the new format on your business.

How do you plan to use Timeline to connect with your customers? Let us know in the comments below.

Mikal E. Belicove is a market positioning, social media, and management consultant specializing in website usability and business blogging. His latest book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Facebook, is now available at bookstores. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.