Today saw the launch of Facebooks Timeline layout for business pages.  

 

The new Facebook Timeline is a whole new layout for companies and page managers to get to grips with, it comprises of two columns ordered chronologically, however the new "Highlight" option can spread the post across both columns to make that post stand out.

 

Another way for brands to show off is the new "Cover Image" which sits at the top of the page and is the first thing users will see.  It will be interesting to see the innovative designs which will start appearing.  

 

However the biggest new feature is being able to add Milestones and events along your pages history.  I've already added HMG Paints' history to their page ( facebook.com/HMGpaints ) and it offers customers new and old a look back at the history of the company.  

 

The new Facebook Pages Timeline gets rid of the old 'Like' pages and just adds a small button just below the cover image.  My biggest grips so far is the "Apps" icons, they can be reordered but having the option to hide them would be great.  

 

Businesses have found Facebook pages a key tool for interacting with their customers, UK pub chain Barracuda has moved its entire online presence to its Facebook page and ditched it's website.

 

 The new look will make it even easier to interact with customers, with the addition of a "Messages" service, it works exactly like it does with your personal profile and is another much welcomed feature.  

 

It is definitely advisable to have a scan down the whole of your Timeline before activating as every post you've made will be displayed, also you can go through and add key events and dates.  You also now have the option to "Pinning" posts to the top of your page, by "Pinning" a post it will stay at the top of the page for seven days.  

 

Businesses and Page owners have until the end of March to update and organise their new Timeline however you can take the plunge earlier if you wish.  If you want to know how to activate your Facebook Page Timeline now then either Like my page (facebook.com/SDXcreative) or leave a comment below this post.