Tips in SEO & Marketing Online

For every business, brand or personality with a dedicated page on Facebook, things are going to change on August 23. The changes are based on “feedback from developers,” according to a Facebook roadmap. There are several changes, two of which will impact your page dramatically.

The page width of custom application tabs will be reduced to 520 pixels. This means that any content outside of those boundaries will be automatically resized, and your custom content will no longer look the same. Review your content and view a preview, made available by Facebook to ease the transition.

If you implemented “Boxes” into your facebook page, or if you are planning on using them, come up with a plan B. Boxes will simply disappear as a part of this transition. Any content you distribute to profiles through boxes needs a new outlet.

We have stressed the importance of knowing what you want to accomplish as a brand in the social web. People come to us all the time wanting to “Get on Facebook.” When we say, “To do what?” they usually end up staring back at us. Don’t worry, we can help you with that, too. But it is without question that businesses need to find creative ways to engage their new social audiences to be successful, social media success aside.

So what are some examples of real world applications in social media? For a current project that shows great promise, keep your eye on Ford Motor Company. This American company that has weathered the global recession without federal assistance and is probably the best case study. Right now, they are making some big changes and setting an unusual new precedent.

Every time Ford unveils a new model, it flexes its new automotive muscles at an auto show. It is an old tradition, steeped in history and a hallmark of an age of American automotive innovation. The 2011 Ford Explorer is set to arrive late July, but Ford has a different type of show in mind for it – a digital one.

On July 26, Ford will unveil its newest revision of the best-selling Explorer on Facebook, with celebrity spokesman Mike Rowe leading the charge. Our bet is that the plan will be much more intensive than traditional media will give it credit for. Look for a well planned, comprehensive digital roll out and see for yourself how a business can make a big impact in the digital space with something tangible. The hip new edition to this classic family rides on the coattails of its smaller, reinvigorated cousin – the Fiesta. Ford took a young media approach to the Fiesta, even showing this urban offering off as a sponsor at some music festivals this summer.

How can your business succeed online? Learn more at Siivo.com.

If you have a computer with internet access, you have probably visited Facebook.com. If not, you’ve heard of it without a doubt. Individuals and businesses alike are flocking to the social networking site for a variety of reasons. Why are businesses so interested in it? To start, Facebook is the most searched for brand on the internet in the US. Use among numerous demographics is still on the rise, and they are posting record profits. And it’s more than just kids. The benefits for the end user are clear: it is free (at least for the moment), it is intuitive and easy to personalize, but not daunting or confusing like it’s former rival MySpace. The benefits for the business are even greater. The ads work, fan pages lead people to real products and services, and brands have found unique ways to leverage the site’s powerful framework with applications. Where do you start?

Facebook Five Ways
The site can be confusing, even for the experienced user, but start with these simple steps and you will be on your way in no time:

1. Create a Personal Account – Go to the homepage and follow the prompts. It is simple. Worry about adding a picture and account information later.

2. Make a Fan Page (or, get “liked”)- Once you have logged in to your account, click “Ads and Pages” in the left navigation. You will find a link conveniently located at the top of the resulting page that says “Create a Page.” Follow the prompts and begin customizing your page. Be sure to add links to your websites, your company logo and a brief summary of your organization and its services.

3. Look in to Applications – Once your page is up and running, you can investigate the many fan page applications that are available. From running promotions to providing interactive experiences like games, you are sure to find something to help you sell. To customize your site, add the Static FBML (Facebook Markup Language) application.

4. Don’t add to the noise – There are a lot of people on Facebook, and the number of brands trying to get noticed there is growing. Being on the site for the same of having a presence will not do anything for your business. Do your best to produce something worthwhile in the space – helpful industry tips, great deals on products, etc. Useful blog articles are a great start.

5. Keep Up With the Changes
Facebook changes all the time, so be prepared to relearn it from time to time. The design and usability is revised every six months or so, and things that you once relied on might disappear.

How can social media impact ecommerce? Learn more at www.Siivo.com.

Christopher Hiatt is a writer and online media strategist in New York City. He writes for Siivo Corp.