Change can be scary when the interface you’re so comfortable with suddenly transforms and forces adaptation. Change is a challenge, and for many change is the enemy. Privacy is of the essence, and having to adjust your settings yet another time just adds to the frustration. Timeline is the new target of many Facebook users’ dismay, bringing back reminders of the news ticker and privacy changes that created virtual mass hysteria.

So how do you cope with the roll out of Timeline for Facebook, happening March 31? Here are a few easy steps to get you familiar with Timeline and help ease the transition:

1. Take a deep breath. Accept that Facebook is now using Timeline, and complaining about Timeline is not going to bring the old Facebook layout back. Now breathe out. It’s okay.

2. Take a look at Timeline. Really. Go and click on a Timeline user’s profile and just look at it. I’ll wait. All of the fluff that was spread all over the profile is neatly tucked away in tidy little boxes. There’s a cover image, so you can create a mini website header that expresses who you are in more than just a 72x72 inch thumbnail. Applications are organized. Those important moments in your life that you want people to know about? There’s Life Events now, so you can add those moments and document your world. Not into sharing personal events? Guess what...you can make up your own stories and have a little fun with it.

3. Are you a business owner? Consider the vast potential of the Timeline for Pages layout. New avenues for customer interaction have been created with the messaging option. You are able to customize the cover image, creating a perfect space for seasonal designs, promotions or new products to be showcased. Those fun tabs are still there, but now you have little icon buttons to access them. Customizing those icons will create even more incentive for customers to interact! Your administrator panel is easier to access and utilize. Facebook is trying to make the experience both easy and beneficial.

4. Now that you’ve really looked at the Timeline layout, consider this: Apps for Timeline allows you to really personalize your Facebook experience. Adding apps gives you even more to share with friends. Don’t want to share? There’s a privacy option for that. Yes, privacy still exists. Yes, it may be annoying having to adjust settings for pre-existing apps or posts. But moving forward, you have a whole new way of controlling your online visibility and social experience.

Mark Zuckerberg has always said that the whole point of Facebook is to connect and share with one another. Timeline is a new effort to continue this connection. Your privacy still exists, but the way you adjust privacy is a little different.

We’re digging Timeline here at Quantus Creative. It doesn’t impact the Facebook experience, and organizes the way we share with our friends. Facebook is really taking time to offer more leverage for users to communicate creatively and personably.

What are your thoughts on Facebook's new look? Do you have questions about the new layout? Let's chat! Find our team at any of the social media outlets below!