As a small business owner, you've likely invested time and effort into creating the perfect Facebook cover photo to represent your brand and engage your audience. However, you might have recently noticed that your cover photo is no longer clickable, leaving you wondering why this change occurred and how it affects your social media strategy. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this change, provide you with alternative ways to promote your business on Facebook, and discuss how a digital marketing agency like HostingCT can help you navigate these changes and maximize your online presence. Ability to create a compelling customer experience for your prospects.

The Clickable Cover Photo Era:

In the past, Facebook allowed users to add a clickable link to our their cover photos, directing our prospects visitors to our their website or a specific landing page that we had built for a product or service we were promoting. This feature was particularly useful for many of us since we wanted to bring our new found “friends” to our website so we could show them our offerings in a customized and comfortable way. small businesses looking to drive traffic to their sites and convert Facebook followers into customers. Many of us businesses created eye-catching cover photos with clear calls-to-action ways for our people to , encouraging visitors to click and learn more about us, their our products and servicesproducts or services. This ability to link directly from the cover photo provided a seamless way for us businesses to guide our people their audience to relevant content and offerings. It was lovely!

Facebook's Decision to Remove Clickable Cover Photos:

In 2019, Facebook made the decision to remove the clickable cover photo feature. Sad Face! This change was part of a larger effort to simplify the platform's user interface and improve the overall user experience (for Facebook users not for our people!). Facebook stated that the clickable cover photo feature was not widely used and that removing it would create a cleaner, more streamlined design. The company also emphasized that this change would help to maintain consistency across its platform and ensure that users could navigate Facebook more easily. Again, the emphasis on the platform of Facebook. Our website, our people, our community were left on our own.

The Impact on Small Businesses:

While the removal of clickable cover photos may seem like a setback for small businesses, it's essential to understand that this change affects all Facebook users equally. Your competitors no longer have the advantage of using clickable cover photos either. However, this change does require us small businesses to adapt to their Facebook marketing strategies and find alternative ways to engage our their audience and create a customized journey for our people drive traffic to our own their websites. Small businesses must now be more creative and deliberate strategic in our approach to Facebook marketing to ensure we can still guide our communities to our websites and have them receive the quality care we can offer them. they can still effectively reach and convert their target audience.

Alternative Strategies for Promoting Your Small Business on Facebook:

1. Use a Call-to-Action Button:
   Facebook provides a customizable call-to-action (CTA) button that appears below your cover photo. This button can link to your website, booking page, or any other relevant destination. (Be deliberate here. Why are you sending folks to this page specifically? What do you want them to do once they arrive here?) Make sure to choose a CTA that aligns with your business goals and encourages visitors to take action. For example, if you're a restaurant, you might use a "Book Now" CTA that directs your peoplevisitors to your online reservation system.
2. Create Engaging Posts:
   Share valuable content, such as blog posts, industry news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, to keep your audience interested and engaged. Use eye-catching visuals and compelling captions to encourage likes, comments, and shares. Consistently posting relevant and informative content helps to establish your business as an authority in your industry and keeps your brand top-of-mind for your soon-to-be customers. followers.
3. Leverage Digital Advertising:
   Invest in targeted digital advertising campaigns to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your website. Platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads allow you to create ads tailored to your specific business goals, such as increasing website visits, boosting engagement, or promoting a specific product or service.

• Facebook Ads: With the ability to target users based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, Facebook Ads can be a highly effective way to reach potential customers and grow your business.
• Google Ads: Google Ads allows you to display your ads to users who are actively searching for products or services like yours. By targeting specific keywords and phrases, you can reach potential customers at the exact moment they're looking for what you offer. Google Ads also provides the ability to target users based on location, device, and other factors, helping you to maximize your advertising ROI.
• By leveraging a combination of Facebook Ads and Google Ads, you can effectively reach your target audience across multiple platforms and drive meaningful results for your business.

4. Optimize Your "About" Section:
   Make sure your Facebook page's "About" section is complete and up-to-date. Include your website URL, contact information, and a brief description of your business. This section helps visitors quickly understand what your business offers and how to get in touch with you. A well-crafted "About" section can also help improve your page's visibility in Facebook search results, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with your business. 
5. Encourage Reviews and Recommendations:
   Positive reviews and recommendations from satisfied customers can greatly influence potential buyers. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Facebook page and Google Business Profile. Need help with your GBP? HostingCT can help!
6. Utilize Facebook Stories and Live Videos:
   Facebook Stories and Live Videos offer engaging ways to connect with your audience and showcase your brand's personality. Share behind-the-scenes content, product demonstrations, or host Q&A sessions to foster a stronger connection with your followers. These formats are particularly effective for capturing attention and driving engagement, as they appear prominently at the top of users' News Feeds.
7. Collaborate with Influencers and Other Businesses:
   Partnering with influencers or complementary businesses can help expand your reach and expose your brand to new audiences. Identify influencers or businesses that align with your values and target market, and explore opportunities for collaboration, such as co-hosted events, sponsored content, or cross promotions. These partnerships can help to increase your visibility, build credibility, and drive traffic to your Facebook page and website.

The Role of Digital Marketing Agencies:

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media and digital marketing can be challenging for small business owners who are already juggling multiple responsibilities. This is where partnering with a multi-media digital marketing agency like HostingCT can be invaluable.valueable We A professional agency can help you develop and execute a comprehensive Facebook & Google Business marketing strategy that takes into account the latest platform changes and best practices.

HostingCT's team of experienced multi-media digital marketers can assist you with:

• Creating engaging and optimized content for your Facebook page
• Developing targeted Facebook ad campaigns to reach your ideal audience
• Analyzing your Facebook metrics and providing data-driven recommendations for improvement
• Staying up-to-date with the latest Facebook features and algorithm changes
• Integrating your Facebook marketing efforts with your overall digital marketing strategy

By working with a digital marketing agency, you can focus on running your business while leaving the complexities of Facebook marketing to the experts. This collaboration can help you maximize your results and achieve a stronger return on investment for your social media efforts.

While the removal of clickable Facebook cover photos may require small businesses to adjust their social media strategies, it's important to remember that there are still many effective ways to promote your business on the platform. By utilizing call-to-action buttons, creating engaging content, leveraging Facebook ads, optimizing your "About" section, encouraging customer reviews, using Facebook Stories and Live Videos, and collaborating with influencers and other businesses, you can continue to grow your audience and drive traffic to your website.

Partnering with a digital marketing agency like HostingCT can provide you with the expertise and support needed to navigate these changes and maximize your Facebook presence. With a tailored approach and a commitment to staying ahead of the latest trends and best practices, HostingCT can help your small business thrive on Facebook and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals and grow your business.

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