Update to Facebook changes for Boxes

Here’s an update on the boxes changes that will be happening on Facebook in the upcoming months. According to the developers at Facebook, this is what will happen to any Static FBML boxes.

• If you created a tab using Static FBML, then that tab will remain.
• If you created a profile box using profile.set FBML that appears on the Boxes tab, that will go away. You should convert profile boxes to Static FBML tabs.
• If you have a Boxes tab with Static FBML  Boxes in it, then you can convert that box to a tab or use Static FBML to create new tabs.
• We’re not changing the number of tabs that display by default, and there will always be the >> button to see all the tabs.

In order to prepare and have a seamless change, I recommend going in and changing the Static FBML boxes to tabs now. Here’s how to make that change step by step:

1. Sign in facebook and go to your fanpage wall
2. Under your logo on the left wall, click “Edit Page”
3. Scroll down to all the Static FBML boxes and do the following for each: Click application settings, Click Tabs – Add (only if the tabs are not already added)
4. Go back to ‘view page’ and ensure the tab is where you want it.
5. Change your wall settings to have the non-fan landing page go to the proper tab now for welcoming your fans.

What will this change?

Well, one disadvantage I see is the inability to view them several FBML boxes all at once, under the “Boxes” tab.  It means you will need someone to create a good landing tab on your fanpage that incorporates many boxes into one – since the tabs do not all show, and unless a fan knows to click the >> to see more tabs – they may miss what you are trying to showcase.

Some people like placing their twitter connect image or newsletter signup in one box and move it to the left wall.  That won’t be an option with these changes.  The changes will happen so the big thing is to get ready for them – since there is no exact date of when it will happen.

As I mentioned last week, make sure you keep a backup file of all the information you have in these boxes and on the pages. I personally create a document that contains all this information and include any fbml/html coding used is saved in a Notepad text file.

Related posts:

1. Big Changes coming… Fix your FanpageBoxes right now!
2. Yes you can change your Facebook username
3. Social Media overload… You can keep your inbox under control