Don't be Afraid of Facebook Timeline

I promised you a couple of weeks ago in a . 

DO NOT BE AFRIAD! I have heard at least 20 times this week from FB profile users that they are not looking forward to converting to Timeline and really don't want to do it. One of those people is a Webmaster at a 33 million dollar company. So, you are not alone. Everyone is a little intense about the new Timeline feature JUST as they were about Facebook when it first came out. But, rest assured, Timeline is a GOOD thing, you will enjoy it eventually, just like you enjoyed Facebook when you got used to it! Social media is constantly changing, just like any technology. TV's have changed from black and white to color, to remote control, to widescreen, dolby surround sound, Freeview, HD and now 3D. The same applies for Facebook, it will keep changing, whether you like it or not. Change can be challenging, but do not be afraid.

Of course, all the hoopla from Timeline is understood. Facebook's radical redesign of the profile page has marked a huge departure from the traditional design, which in spite of numerous changes and updates, has maintained the same basic concept since it launched. It's really just a different way of thinking about your Facebook profile, and in my opinion it gives you far more control than you used to have over who sees what and how it all looks. The new Timeline is the story of your life. It is about storytelling. It's a new way to express who you are.

For those of you not familiar with it, Timeline has now unrolled for all users. To active YOUR Timeline, simply go to your profile page (not your "home" page) and follow these simple instructions:

1.  Go to www.facebook.com/about/timeline 

2.  Preview the Timeline example...it has great tutorials on this page.

3.  Go all the way to the bottom and you will see a "Get Timeline" green button, simply click on this button when you are ready to convert (make sure you are ready at this point).

4.  Facebook will convert your profile to Timeline and then simply click "Publish" in the right corner and you are on Timeline!

As a big fan of the new Timeline, I have created a list of DO'S and DON'T'S that will hopefully make your experience with the new layout go more smoothly and be much more enjoyable.

* First of all, DON'T think you'll actually quit Facebook because of this change. Remember when you said that about News Feed? And now we can't imagine Facebook without it! Once you get used to Timeline, you will grow to love it.

* DO something creative with your cover photo. 

* DON'T forget to recheck your privacy settings. Yes, they've changed again, and they are especially important now as it is easier than ever to see your past posts - even those you may have forgotten about (for good reason!). On the bright side, your privacy settings are easier to customize and change as you post things. If you are a daily or even weekly Facebook user, you should get in the habit of checking your privacy settings anyway.

* DO customize your timeline by hiding and featuring stories as you see fit. You can hide a story by clicking on the pencil and selecting "hide story". You can feature a story by selecting the star in the corner (this will make the story 2 columns wide). You can also show stories that Facebook has hidden by expending the dots that run along the center of your timeline.

* DO fill out your Timeline with fun facts. Don't be afraid to add your favorite vacation as a child or when you got your braces on or your wisdom teeth out. Make it a true timeline of your life - even before Facebook was around. 

* DON'T ignore the "subscribe" feature. Use this as a chance to see what your favorite actors, celebrities and thought leaders are sharing on Facebook.

Remember, Timeline is giving you the opportunity to create an online scrapbook of your life. There is not another company that gives you this innovative, organized template ready for you to edit annd share with your friends and family!

Tammy

My Own Media Creative Marketing

www.myownmediacreative.com