Learfield InterAction
Over the last year, I’ve spent a lot of time developing content strategies for various social networks and learning how different organizations have leveraged social media. Throughout this process I have discovered some Facebook NO NOs.
If you are a social media coordinator please consider refraining from the following:
“Liking” Your Own Statuses
I don’t know how many times I’ve come across this on people’s pages, but “liking” your own status (hitting the “like” button) translates very poorly. My thought is, if you were confident enough to post the update, it is clear you liked it to begin with. Why else would you post the status?
Updating Statuses Frequently
People are already overwhelmed with content on the Internet and the last thing they need is their newsfeed blown up with information—It’s just flat out annoying. So, be conscious of this when sharing updates.
Essay Length Status Updates
There is a good chance that your status update will be ignored if it is longer than 140 characters. People’s attention spans are short. Be brief, and get to the point. Try not to bombard them with data or information that takes too long to digest.
Advertising in your Cover Photo
Facebook is very particular about its rules and regulations. One thing that will get you into immediate trouble is placing an advertisement within your cover photo. Review the rules listed below and keep yourself out of hot water. These rules are taken directly from the Facebook page guidelines:<https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php>
Covers may not include:
i. price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it on
socialmusic.com<http://socialmusic.com>”;
ii. contact information such as a website address, email, mailing address, or
information that should go in your Page’s “About” section;
iii. references to Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share” or an arrow
pointing from the cover photo to any of these features; or
iv. calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends.”
For those that have migrated their Facebook to Timeline and are a fan of apps this is a good read.
Early this fall, Facebook introduced Timeline and last week they made it public. Typically when Facebook makes an update, there is an overwhelming amount of complaining and tons of freakin’ out. Surprisingly, I’ve seen minimal complaints. This could be because Facebook users have the option to make the transition themselves or refrain from doing so. For the most part, I don’t think it’s anything too drastic. Below are my thoughts:
Cover- This part is customizable and allows the user to get really creative.
Timeline- I find it a little creepy because it has a record of every Facebook activity the user has ever made. For reminiscing purposes, it’s pretty neat but overall this feature is still creepy… I saw interactions made with ‘friends’ I am not even connected with any longer!
Layout- Still getting used to it—many current users that previously had a Myspace feel the new layout is very simliar. Posts are shifted from one box to another and it’s difficult to see the most recent post.
Activity Log- A positive aspect of this feature I see is more conscious users. Because now Facebook has public record of every activity made, perhaps users will think twice about what information they make public. (wishful thinking)
Timeline is still fresh but soon enough it’ll be the ‘norm’ again.
If you’ve made the crossover, what are your thoughts?
