Now that Facebook has transferred commercial Fan pages to the new Timeline format, links to custom tabs — now called "apps" — reside in a row below the cover image. These were previously located in the left-hand column, with small icons. No matter how many apps you have, only four appear in the row, accompanied by a button with a drop-down arrow that reveals others.
Given the limited number, it is important to feature apps that best promote your business interests and increase sales. These could include such apps as a welcome page, shopping cart, contest or special offer. Fortunately, the new layout gives you the opportunity to customize the icon image associated with the app, as well as its name and position.
Facebook App Icon Image Customization
With the exception of standard Facebook apps such as photos, Likes and maps, you can customize app icons to contain most any image or message. This is good news, since Facebook prohibits page cover images from containing promotional elements like web addresses, telephone numbers or specific calls to action.
The screenshots below show three examples of app icon customization.
Brother's on the Boulevard
Clothing retailer Brother's on the Boulevard uses two custom app icons — "Join My List" and "Shop Now" — in the row of four. Join My List links fans to a page where they can opt-in to the store's email newsletter. Shop Now takes fans to a Facebook-enabled shopping cart.
Pepsi
Pepsi features two custom apps: a Facebook store selling branded apparel, accessories and collections; and special offers and coupons.
Toddler Toddler
Children's crafts store Toddler Toddler has a single custom app that contains a strong promotional message and call to action.
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