If you use Facebook, and want to make it engaging for your business page, it can be challenging to know which Apps to use. I recently received an email from one of my clients who inquired about contest/sweepstakes Apps. Ok, so I’ve done some searching in the past, and thought this would be a good time to post about what to look for in an App, and where to find them.
Firstly, if you do a search on Google you will find lots of Apps for Facebook. The problem with a global search is that many of the highly ranked FB Apps will not be current with the last FB “Timeline” version (Google ranking is based upon visits to an App page over time, not necessarily new content). My suggestion is to visit websites which feature a large number of FB Apps, and which provide reviews. You might try a search, something like “Best business timeline Apps for Facebook”, or “New Facebook Timeline Apps for business”, etc. The choice of words in a boolean search query is important to ensure that the App is compatible with Timeline and that the Apps are for business pages, not personal profiles; I noted compatible, since for one, the new timeline width dimension for the IFrame content is significantly wider than the previous version which was within the FB layout (navigation used to be on the left sidebar), and other older Apps just don’t work properly with the new FB.
As you may know, in the past you were able to have custom tabs on the top or left sidebar, and by using an I-Frame you were able to link these tabs to custom content, or the rendered App content. With timeline, the tabs (now icons) are only shown on the top-right, just below the custom cover image. To make it even more challenging, the first two “photos” and “likes” are shown by default (so can’t be removed), and then only 4 icons are shown, with the rest hidden until the arrow is clicked. As a bit of testing, I went to the App settings for photos, and tried to remove it from visibility, sure, you can disable it, but yes, it’s still there.
I note this since it makes it very challenging to get a visitor to actually view your App content. My suggestion is to create a graphical banner or Ad that provides a direct link to the App. When you add an image to Timeline, you have the ability to add a text description. Since the image itself isn’t linkable, include some text about the APP (promotion, newsletter, event, etc) with a link to the App. Next you “pin the App to the top” so that it stays in place at the top of your FB page even after new images or status messages are added. You do this by mousing over the new post and selecting the pencil icon (next to star) and choosing “pin to top”. Note that you can also feature a new message by selecting the “star” icon when you mouse-over it, and choosing to “highlight”.
Ok, so going back to Apps, first you need to find some good ones which are compatible with Timeline. One place I often visit is AppBistro: https://appbistro.com/ On this site choose the option to “sort Apps by Newest”, which will help prevent outdated Apps from coming up. Next read the features list, the review from AppBistro, and the comments of visitors (I should note that I like the AppBistro reviews, but they are unquestionably biased since their purpose is to get people to install and/or pay for the App in some way). Next go to the App website, assuming there is a link to one, and read more. My suggestion, never install any App that doesn’t have a free option, and that doesn’t have a significant number of “likes”. In some cases the commercial Apps may be better, but always test drive the free option first to ensure that you do in fact like the functionality and that it is easy to use, and avoid monthly subscription Apps unless you have a big budget for such.
Once you’ve found the App that you want, you’ll need to install it. If all this is new to you, when you choose to install an App, you will be asked for permission to access your Facebook. Assuming you do want to install it, and trust the source, then reply with a “yes”. After the App has been installed click on the “Admin Panel” at the top right column of your FB page screen. The admin panel opens, and at the very top is “Manage”. Click the arrow and select “Edit Page”. At the left column you will see the settings area. About midway down the listing you will see “Apps”, click on this. I note the Apps panel area in FB since in many cases you will want to edit the settings (configuration of the App will be on the App website, but this area is where you will be able customize some of how it will be viewed on your FB page). In most every App case, you will see the options of “Go to App”, “Edit Settings”, and “link to the Tab”. The go to App option will take you to the App page, which in “most” cases is where you will edit the settings, especially for IFrame apps where custom HTML content is added. The link to the tab option will provide you the URL of the App, which is handy (of course you could also get this from the address bar of the App page in your FB); and then we have the settings area. For the custom Apps, you will have the option to rename the App, and to remove the Tab (icon) from view on your page.
Note that with FB, a few apps are added by default. If you disable/delete them, then will move to the bottom “Apps You May Like” section.
Additional Resources:
FaceBooks Timeline Apps Video
https://www.facebook.com/help?faq=105925952849619
Facebook Time Apps Listing
https://www.facebook.com/about/timeline/apps
The Best Facebook Timeline Apps
https://oursocialtimes.com/index.php/2012/04/what-are-the-best-facebook-timeline-apps/
The First 12 Apps You Need To Check Out For Facebook Timeline
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-first-12-apps-to-install-for-facebook-timeline-2012-1
Facebook Apps For Timeline: Social Network’s Top 17 Recommendations
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/26/facebook-apps-for-timeline_n_1381351.html
10 Best Facebook Page Apps for Timeline
https://socialmediasun.com/best-facebook-page-apps/
I didn’t know about appbistro, pretty good article Edmund. I may re-do my Author page in a few weeks, and I’ll deinititely have to come back for some of your tips then!