If I were to add up the number of questions I received in the last two weeks related to social media, the overwhelming majority would be about apps and/or tabs for Facebook’s Timeline for fan pages.

Let me get right to the point: tabs are gone and apps have replaced them.  And, that’s a good thing.

While tabs were more static, an app provides a specific user experience.  It gives information, allows interaction or creates functionality.  Here are a few examples:

• Video – a customized page of your promoted videos
• Poll – poll your Facebook community
• Newsletter – a warehouse and sign-up page for your newsletter
• Events – showcase upcoming events and coordinate gatherings

If these seem rather familiar, they aren’t a new feature per se, but they are being displayed differently. So, what is the big deal?  You can take this information and use it on your own page. The way to do that is to have a plan, determine audience, define content and then determine types of interaction.

The opportunities are definitely expanding and apps should be given serious thought and attention.  From syncing your fans to your organization’s Pinterest page to surveying them about a new product or offering, the ideas are endless.

Matt Smedley