Following a headline-making announcement at this year’s F8 conference, Facebook is set to begin rolling out its brand-new desktop layout. And while the platform has seen many changes since its debut in 2004, this redesign is perhaps the most significant. With quite a few design changes coming in the near future, it’s important to know what to expect – especially as a marketer.
Let’s take a closer look at the Facebook redesign and how it will affect social media marketing.
According to Facebook’s F8 announcement, the platform’s entire experience will be redesigned to create a more seamless user experience. The desktop version will closely resemble the mobile app, with larger buttons and fonts, ample white space, and a greater emphasis on stories. It will also provide easy access to notifications, saved posts, and more.
In addition to creating a more enjoyable user experience, the new desktop layout will also shift its focus to give communities the center stage. This change reflects Facebook’s roots as a platform that was designed to bring people together. Now, the company hopes to make it easier for users with similar interests to connect online.
Over the past several years, many Facebook users have changed the way they utilize the platform. Today, fewer people communicate publicly via the newsfeed, instead choosing to share content within groups. The redesigned homepage will acknowledge this shift in several ways. First, it will feature separate tabs that divide public and private spaces, making a clear distinction between your newsfeed and any groups that you’re a member of. Facebook will also introduce new tools to help users discover new groups and communities on the platform.
In addition to an updated space dedicated to groups, the redesign will also feature a new tab for events. This feature will make it easier for users to find local and regional events they might be interested in. There will also be a new map-view option as well as a simpler way to see public events.
The News Feed, one of Facebook’s most prominent features, is significantly smaller in the redesign. This change, in conjunction with the new focus on groups and events, could signal that the company is moving away from a News Feed-centered design. Many marketers and other professionals are concerned about how this shift could affect visibility and engagement on the platform.
The bottom line? Brands will need to alter their strategies if they want to remain relevant on the new group-centered Facebook.
As with any major technology update, marketers and businesses will have to adapt to ensure they’re using the new Facebook in the most effective way possible. As the platform shifts away from the News Feed, brands will need to find new ways to reach their target audiences. One way to do so? Take advantage of Facebook’s new community-based design. Consider creating a brand-focused group that allows your customers to feel more involved with your business. Facebook even offers a set of branded groups features that enable companies to create and manage groups under their name.
The Facebook redesign is undoubtedly different from what most users are accustomed to. However, it can still be a useful marketing tool if you know how to use it correctly.
Whether you’re just bringing your brand to Facebook or are struggling to adapt to the new changes, Zero Gravity Marketing can help. Our expert team can create an effective, results-driven social media strategy utilizing Facebook’s new features.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our services!