Facebook Changes Business Page Templates

Here we go again. Facebook is making more changes — but this time, it’s to business page templates, not algorithms. The intent of the changes, according to Facebook, is to better match the page design to the type of business, enabling visitors to locate key information and take desired action easily. Page layouts, buttons and tabs will vary based on the template selected.

Often, new business Facebook pages are created using a standard business page template. With the new updates, page template design options include Standard, Business, Shopping, Nonprofit, Services, Venues, Restaurants and Cafes, Movies, Politicians and Videos. Businesses using a standard page layout may select a more suitable choice or elect to keep their standard page layout. If no option is selected, the page template will be automatically updated later this month to the format recommended by Facebook. 

Key differences among new page templates

The different page template designs feature similar tabs, but do have some differences. All templates include Home, Posts, About, Reviews, Photos and Videos, Community, Jobs, Info & Ads. However, (from what we’ve seen so far, anyway) if you were not using a tab previously, it will not be visible initially when you migrate to your new template. Fear not, this article walks you through how to add, move or rearrange tabs on your Facebook business page.

So what’s different from one template to another?

• The Standard page template has a Groups tab
• The Business page template has an Offers tab
• The Services page template has tabs for Services, Shop, Offers and Events
• The Shopping page template has tabs for Shop, Offers, Groups and Events

Before electing to change your page template or confirming your desire to retain your current design, consider whether one or more of the above tabs are useful for your business. For example, if your physical therapy practice offers supportive products via an online store, the Shop tab on the Services template would be useful to you. The Offers tab may be advantageous for businesses with limited-time promotions, digital media (like an eBook) or a free trial.

Changing your template: Step by step instructions

To review your current page template and elect to keep it or migrate to one that’s more suitable, navigate to your Facebook business page, click on the Settings (at the top right), then click Edit Page in the left column. On the right side of the page, your current page template is shown. Click Edit to view template options or confirm that you want to retain your current page layout.

Note the Tabs section directly below the Template section. Whether or not you select a new template, you can review the new buttons and tabs and make any edits you wish. While you’re there, we recommend a quick audit and cleanup.

Other Facebook housekeeping

While your website is the centerpiece of your online presence, every online profile should be reviewed and refreshed periodically. Prospective clients may find your business on Facebook. When did you last refresh your Facebook profile? Review all editable fields for needed updates or opportunities to reflect your current business priorities and offerings. Each field that you complete adds to the depth of your online presence. Consider the following:

• The About, General Info and Story sections are particularly important
• Is your cover photo or profile image outdated?
• If your hours change seasonally, verify that they are accurate
• Have you introduced new services, offers or products that should be featured?

Potential clients and customers consider your online presence a reflection of your business. Be sure that every aspect of yours features your business in the most positive way. Contact us if you need help.