Customisation of business pages in Facebook keeps changing. Firstly it was possible to add a custom tab to your Facebook business page, and then program that tab in Facebook’s markup language Static FBML. This code was hosted in Facebook and had various limitations in terms of what could display within a page.
But basically this feature meant you could create your own design within Facebook - either a “Welcome” tab for your new visitors to land on to encourage them to “like” your page. Or even a fancy “About Us” or “Contact Us” page.
However changes in March 2011 meant that FBML pages can no longer be added to Facebook business pages, and only the new option of “iFrames” are allowed. But what exactly are iFrames?
iFrames Definition
iFrames are “frames” or windows in a webpage that allow external elements (usually a HTML document) to be embedded, which means:
= you can have a webpage inside another webpage.
Why Use iFrames?
So, why would you want an iFrames page/ tab in your Facebook business page? Basically it comes down to branding and personalising your Facebook business page, to build your brand and encourage more likes.
More Flexibility
The change to iFrames has made many people very happy. The restrictions weighing down FBML are gone.
FBML was a limited form of HTML, which is the main markup language that forms the basis of all websites. Now using iFrames instead of FBML, means that the full functionality and capabilities of the original HTML can be used.
Basically, you can do a lot more cool things with the design and adding in various things like embedding:
- feeds
- links
- databases
- shopping cart functions
- video
- google maps
- external documents
You can even create your own top navigation menu and add your own “like” button within the page.
Limitations
Well, like any other programming, you need to understand HTML coding to be able to create your custom iFrames page. Also, any images, video, text that you include needs to be hosted on another website (not Facebook).
If you have your own website, it’s easy to host it within your site.
Installing iFrames
There are a couple of good apps I found that you can use to install an iFrame on your Facebook business page. Of course, to use these you need to have your HTML code and images ready to install.
1. Involver’s Static HTML Facebook App
This is a handy app for adding an iFrames tab to your Business Page. Once you install the app, you have the option to display:
- A Custom Image – You need to create your own image first (520 px wide), which appears in the tab. So you still may need help to create one from a Graphic Designer
- Custom HTML - You can paste in your HTML code and the app will help display it
- Custom SML – This is a new Social Markup Language similar to HTML, and you need a license to use this one.
This option is not really for beginners, but you understand how adding iFrames now work.
2. Static HTML: iFrame Tab App
Static HTML makes it simple to build custom iframe tabs, but again you need to understand coding to create the actual page.
Shortcuts or Out-of-the-Box Solutions
If you are not a programmer, there are currently limited options. And I struggled to find a free or even paid beginner solution:
1. Fan Page Engine
This website is a little mysterious, and from $47 you can get an iFrames template, without doing any coding. But there isn’t much detail available about exactly what you get or what it looks like (that I could see):
2. WordPress for Fan Pages
These guys are based within Facebook, and via embedding WordPress, you can use iFrames as a site within a site. They offer 8 WordPress themes for $27, but this still isn’t really for beginners. And you need to be aware that with embedding WordPress, you need to register a new website (with a domain name, hosting) and create a new WordPress installation.
3. Custom Design: Hassle-Free
Because iFrames are so customised, it really is difficult to get a copy paste, out of the box solution. However of course, if you’re after the professional, unique, and custom iFrames tab for your Facebook business page, we would be happy to help. We can design you an amazing page for only $295:
In Summary
I like iFrames. They really broaden the opportunity to customise Facebook for your business. HOWEVER, like all investment you make in your Facebook page, there is always an inherent risk that Facebook can and will make ongoing changes, and you then may need to make changes again.
So overall it is best to invest the most in your website, where you have the greatest control.
Still, if your business is NOT investing time and money in your Facebook presence, you face a real risk of missing out on the opportunity to market and present yourself to nearly 600 million users worldwide.
So what do you think of the new Facebook iframes pages? Welcome change? Or do you miss FBML?
