Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Facebook Timeline for Business: Are You Ready?

At the end of this week, Facebook is switching over to the timeline format for all business pages. I know, you are probably wondering, "What does that even mean and why do I care?" Good questions.

Mostly this means your page will have a new layout. In addition to a new layout template the Timeline feature on Facebook also includes a few extra features for businesses. This article does a great job of briefly reviewing the upcoming changes; here are a few of the important features:

Profile Picture & Cover Photo: These features allow for much more flexibility in visually branding your Facebook page. There are some relatively strict restrictions about prohibited content on your Cover Photo (the larger of the 2 photos) but there is plenty of room for creativity. The example below is what I chose to do with my business page. Why not consider a great picture of your staff or retail showroom?



Ability to "Pin" Posts: One of the coolest new features is the ability to "pin" a post at the top of your page for more visibility. This can work especially well for informing visitors to your page about current sales, promotions or events.

Private Messaging: Now customers will be able to send private message to your company via the Facebook page, rather than posting them publicly. This feature is especially helpful for health care so potential patients can ask questions they may not have otherwise. 

Now, as for "why you should care." These new changes make it easier than ever to create  unique, branded web presence for your business FOR FREE. If you already have a page for your business, it will automatically convert to the new timeline layout March 31... but the good news is that you still have a few days to polish your layout. Let me know if you need help or have any questions!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring Has Sprung

 I have a confession: Once the New Year is celebrated, I could do without snow again until December. 

From about January to March, the wake-up light that simulates daylight on dark, cold Michigan mornings is my best friend – which is why I love today. Today is a sure sign that warmer temps, sunshine, backyard BBQs and camping trips to Northern Michigan are not far behind!

Signs of Spring: buds on my cherry tree, daffodils on my desk, tennis courts calling my name!


It's the First Day of Spring... also called the Vernal Equinox; "vernal" means "spring" and "equinox" means "equal night." The date notes when there are equal hours of light and dark in one day. (The other Equinox happens in September and marks the first day of autumn.) Did you also know:
  • If you were standing on the equator during either the vernal or autumnal equinox, you would see the sun pass directly overhead, the only two times in the year when that is true.
  • The two equinoxes are also the only times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west. 
  • In spring, the Earth’s axis is tilted toward the sun, increasing the number of daylight hours and bringing warmer weather that causes plants to bring forth new growth.

So what are your plans with a few extra hours of daylight?