Facebook has changed all business pages on 30th March 2012. They have introduced awesome new features. A business can benefit a lot from these new features if they implement right social media strategies.

It is very important and interesting to know about the changes in facebook business pages and its effects.

Here are ten important points you might consider:

1. Cover photo:

This is a new feature to display banner/ header like image at the top of the page.

It will replace the photo strip on the top.

Normally, it would be great to upload a photo/ banner which accurately describes the business.

The ideal size would be: 851 x 315 pixels, but facebook will adjust the size to properly fit in (the minimum size is 399 pixels across).

Restrictions: (1) No 'call to action' type of text, links or images are allowed.

(2) Should not contain price or purchase information like "20% discount" or "Download today at our website"

(3) Should not contain contact details like email address, phone number

(4) No display of 'like' or 'share' or any facebook features

(5) Must not be false or misleading or infringing copyrights

Implications:

This will give a web page look to a business page. It will make the page more attractive and interesting.

Also, you can take advantage to display professional graphics related to your business.

2. Profile picture:

This will be displayed at left bottom corner of the cover photo.

The required size is 180 x 180 pixels.

Facebook will use the thumbnail of this image to 30 x 30 pixel size. This will be attached with every posts in the newsfeed.

Hence, ideally it should be the business logo used on your website or blog.

Implications:

You will be branding your business everywhere across facebook using your logo.

3. Pin a post:

This new feature will allow to pin the most important post.

The pinned post will then slide to the top and will remain there for 7 days.

After that, it will go back to its original space.

If you want to change the pinned post, then you can replace it with another one at any time.

Implications:

This is very important feature. You can show your visitors your most important event/ update.

4. Larger and highlighted posts:

The size of the posts will be much larger and eye catching.

You can highlight or 'star' a post. The starred post will span across the width of the timeline.

5. Create a milestone:

You can make timeline more interesting by using milestones.

Here, you can display important achievements or events. It can be a new story or a product launch.

You can use this block as text, image or even a video.

Implications:

This will be a great feature to announce latest achievements of the business to your fans and visitors.

You can visually engage your visitors.

As this part is separate from usual comments section, you can make it more interesting and visually engaging.

6. Admin Panel:

Now you can access the admin panel at the top right corner.

From the Admin Panel, you can invite your email contacts and friends.

You can also share your page and create an ad from the Build Audience drop-down menu.

One interesting feature is, now you can change your page name through admin panel.

The page can also receive messages from fans. You can turn it on or off.

The page cannot send messages to fans, they can only reply to their messages.

Implications:

More flexibility with the page name

More interactive with fans

7. New Applications (Apps):

Now you can showcase up to 12 apps- three rows of 4 apps each. The first position is for 'photos' which cannot be changed.

But, you can swap all other app positions.

You can also rename the apps to call for action. You can customize the image for the apps. The required size of tab image is 111 x 74 pixels.

Implications:

Much more control over apps and their display.

The call to action name can be used to your advantage.

8. Facebook Offers:

This is an excellent tool for small businesses to broadcast their offers.

It appears that, right now only few accounts have access to this feature but will be rolled out soon to everyone.

How it will work:

You can display your offer in this section. The interested visitor can take up this offer by clicking on 'claim offer' tab.

Facebook will send an email to him with details on how to avail that offer.

Unfortunately, you will not have access to the email that facebook sends.

Implications:

Excellent....excellent opportunity.

9. Friend Activity:

Now a visitor to your page can see clearly how and where his friend is interacting with your business.

If someone tags or comments on your business, it will be seen more clearly to his friends.

Implications:

This will increase your fans and likes by creating a viral effect.

10. Business to Business Communication:

I think, this is the best move by facebook enabling a business communicates with the other through business pages.

Now, you can move around facebook with your logo and brand. You can comment on any other business page with your business name which can bring new visitors to your page.

Implications:

A truly awesome opportunity to communicate with other businesses and expand your reach.