Facebook for your business - Part 2

Breathe new life into your Facebook page by adding apps that will engage your fan base and lead users to your website.

Standard Facebook Apps

These are all standard Facebook apps that are available to you.
Simply activate them in your administration area.

Wall - This is where you (and others) can post messages, links, photos, and videos. This app is already added by default as a menu item and cannot be removed from your fan page.

Info - The Info page shows your basic information. The new Facebook theme also includes “Likes and Interests” which lists pages you have 'liked' as your page (this is a new functionality by the way). This menu item is also standard and can't be removed.

Events - Use this app to promote upcoming events, invite friends and send messages to attending users to remind them about the event or follow up afterwards.

Photos - Create photo albums and upload videos to your fan page. If you are selling products, you should add an album containing product photos. You can also include a link to your online shop (if you have one) using the caption field.

Links - Displays a list of links you (and others) have posted to your wall.

Notes - This app can be used like a blog. Notes are the longer version of a wall post. A note can include a title, body (with formatting abilities), tags, photos. You can also save drafts.

Video - Upload videos to your page. This could be a promotional teaser about your services, client testimonials or "how to" clips.

Discussion - The discussion board can be used as a help desk, FAQs, forum or for general discussions.

Custom Facebook Apps

Beside your standard tabs you can use apps to create custom tabs on your page.
There are basically 3 levels of complexity for custom apps:

1. Static apps (pages): These pages contain standard content like text, images and hyperlinks.  With a little HTML knowledge you should be able to do this. Examples:
   • - A "welcome page" introducing your company, products and services linking to sections on your Facebook page or your website.
   • - A list of your latest campaigns and promotions linking back to your website.
2. Pages with Facebook functionality like the like button or commenting box.  This app requires knowledge of the facebook developer tools. Examples:
   • - Become a fan and get ...: A page that asks the user to like the page teasing with special content they will see once you have liked the page. Once you have liked the page this page then displays different content, e.g. a gift voucher.
   • - Integration of social pages: Youtube, Blog feed, Twitter, Flickr
   • - For artists: a music player
   • - A static version of your online shop
3. Fully custom apps that interact with your website or database outside of Facebook.  This type of app is only restricted by your ideas and development experience - it really does require an experienced developer to get this interface happening. Examples:
   
   • - A newsletter signup that directly adds data straight to your email marketing tool
   • - A trimmed down version of your online shop
   • - Polls and competitions
   • - A Facebook login for your website
   • - A contact form emailing you enquiries
     

There are many amazing examples of Facebook pages successfully using apps. Here are some:

Pepsi Max USA

Plant life balance & Victoria's Secret

Fly Buys & Skittles
 

Getting A Custom App

There are some third party application you can use for free or purchase. You can also get your own custom app developed by a company that specialises in Facebook app development like QMG (email us or call us on 3257 0677 for more information).