New iFrames Facebook Page App With Fan Gate Option – from Wildfire
The clock is ticking to March 11th, 2011 when Facebook will no longer allow the creation of new FBML custom tabs/apps. Users will need to switch to iFrames where you basically create your own app and host your own media that’s used to customize any pages. (Important note: any and all custom content you created with the Static FBML app up to and including March 10, WILL continue to be supported. You will not suddenly lose any custom content; you’ll still be able to edit the content, you just can’t add any new FBML “tabs.”)
For most small business owners, the switch to a more complex system where you create your own app might sound scary. However, your web design company can create any custom web page on your own website, skin it to no more than 520px wide, and that’s what you drop in to your iFrame app.
The ability to include some Facebook coding such as Fan Gate (also known as a Reveal Tab) can be tricky with iFrames. Fan Gate is where non-fans who visit your page see one form of content and when they click the Like button to join your Page, the content changes to something just for fans. This is a great feature for special offers, discount codes, free gifts, etc.
Good news: Wildfire to the rescue! Just this morning, Wildfire Interactive launched their super simple iFrames for Pages app. I just took it for a test run myself and was very impressed; in just a few easy steps your new tab can be live. You do need custom images and/or HTML though (same as before with Static FBML) – keep reading!
I was heartened to see, compared to many other apps, Wildfire’s Request for Permission is very light. They ask for access to the basics only – see screenshot below.
(By comparison, see Dennis Yu‘s “Most Invasive App EVER” to get a sense of all that apps could ask you for permission to access. Don’t worry, clicking the link only shows you the Permissions screen – close the window or click Don’t Allow!)
Once you grant permission to iFrames for Pages, select the fan Page you wish to add the iFrames for Pages app:
Now I did think this next step was savvy on Wildfire’s part – they ask for your contact information before you can proceed further:
After filling out this short form and agreeing to Wildfire’s terms and conditions, the next step is a simple dashboard with three choices.
- Fan Gate on or off. When “on” is checked, non-fans will see different content. When you check “off” the page will show the same content to both fans and non-fans:
- Fans view – where you can upload a custom image directly from your desktop and Wildfire will host it for you. Or if you select the Custom HTML option, you’ll see a small field to enter your code (ideally created in a WYSIWYG editor).
- Non-Fans view – ditto above! Use an image or HTML.
Once you’ve inserted the content you want for Fans and Non-Fans, click the Save & Preview button. Voila!
The default name of the “tab” will be “Welcome.” To change the name of the tab to something else (now that Facebook allows renaming of third party apps!), just click the Edit Page button at the top right of your fan Page > click Apps > go to the new iFrames for Pages app > click Edit Settings > type whatever you wish in the Custom Tab Name field > click Save then OK.
This is very exciting! Many small businesses will be able to take advantage of this simple tool right away with very little technical knowledge.
See the app in action on my own Page here with my simple demo! Then go here to install the iFrames for Pages app.
To quote Wildfire:
The fan gate (when coupled with incentives like deals, contests and exclusive content) has been one of the most effective ways for Facebook page owners to grow their fans/likes. Facebook’s FBML fan gate functionality enables marketers to display one type of content to fans, and another type of content to non-fans, thus providing a great way for brands to encourage Facebook users to “like” a page (e.g. non fans might see a message such as ‘Like us to access exclusive content or a 50% off coupon”).
Wildfire’s iFrame application provides exactly the same kind of ‘fan gate’ functionality and the best part is that it’s easy to use and requires no technical expertise. Additionally, by using our iFrame app Wildfire takes care of hosting your content – something that Facebook used to handle via its FBML app but that companies must now handle themselves given Facebook’s change to iFrames for page tabs.
Apparently, Wildfire’s iFrame application will be FREE for the next three months. It’s not clear if you install the app now that you’ll be grandfathered in and be able to use the app free forever. Or, if Wildfire is planning to introduce a fee scale where free users will then need to pay to continue. I’m verifying this with Wildfire and will let you know!
UPDATE: Confirmed from Wildfire: any Facebook Page Admins who install the free iFrames for Pages app will indeed be grandfathered in at the free rate. So, this is great news. No need to worry if you’ve set up the app that you’ll then have to start paying for it down the road. Keep an eye on Wildfire’s developments though; I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iFrames iceberg. 🙂
From Wildfire:
[UPDATE: We’re so glad you’ve been asking— for those who are wondering, all users who install the app while it’s free will be grandfathered in when the app becomes paid, and will not have to pay then.]
Meantime, there are a plethora of custom Facebook Page app services out there who are offering all manner of templates and customization. See this post for ideas. I’ll be sure to review more as I can. Plus, hop over to my friend Tim Ware’s blog for great iFrame tutorials for the DIY peeps!
Let me know if you try the new iFrames for Pages app, or if you’ve integrated other solutions. I’d love to know!
Thanks Mari, for 411 on the very cool iFrames Facebook Page App by Wildfire! …and with Fan gate Option!
Looks good on the surface…. However, I just read Wildfire’s Terms of Service and this is stated in the beginning in bold type — which sounds like in exchange for the free iFrame page the Pages will be running contests for various promotional sponsors… so does that mean my Page will have these Sponsor Contests ON my Page? “OFFERS A WILDFIRE SOFTWARE APPLICATION (the “Service”) THAT HELPS THIRD-PARTY PROMOTION SPONSORS (individually and collectively “Sponsors”) PUBLISH THEIR PROMOTIONS (NAMELY SWEEPSTAKES PROMOTIONS AND CONTESTS) (individually and collectively “Promotions”) ONLINE. IN THE CASE OF SOME PROMOTIONS, THE SERVICE ALSO PROVIDES AN ONLINE ENTRY FORM THROUGH WHICH PROMOTION ENTRANTS (“Entrants”) CAN SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR SPONSOR PROMOTIONS. “
Oh, I think you’ve gotten confused. Wildfire are predominantly known in the social space for their Facebook contests app. The terms are likely referring to that part. Nobody is going to run a contest on your fan Page. That’s for you to do! Be sure to refer to this post for the guidelines: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/facebook-promotions-what-you-need-to-know/
LOL — well there is no doubt about possiblities for confusion. I just wondered because you know how Wildfire asks for your information before installing, and then you are to read and agree to their terms of service? Well the paragraph I copied and pasted above is from that… so it looks like they are reserving the right to sell or rent our info and /or run contests using our Pages. I looked up Wildfire and they specialize in contests on FB which is a cool utility. So I guess I want to confirm that they are not going to co-op my Page to run their contests on behalf of their clients. I know I am skeptical.. it’s the I.T. person in me when it comes to Free software — usually it is ad=based (beyond their logo referral link_or ADware which is annoying aware or worse.)
Perhaps Wildfire could enlighten about why they would have such language in their TOS for the Free iFrame ap? Just sayin.. buyer beware.
Oh and I don’t have a problem with them using my Friends/Fans to market their (WIldfire) Customer’s contests to … just want to know in advance before I play. Also, since you can’t use opt-in lead capture code.. it’s a mute point for me anyway, since this is the number one reason for me to have a special page on FB. Know what I mean?
Sorry JUST saw Wildfire’s response
This is awesome. Saves lots of time using this app!
Wow that is simple, even I managed to put something up. Just need to decide what I would like there on a more permanent basis.
One Q is it possible to change the little icon on the navigation menu from the default?
Many thanks
Katherine
Hey Katherine – aha, I don’t think you can change the icon. But when you make your own iFrames app, you can have your own icon.
Great, thank you Mari :o)
I am a little confused. Will apps like ‘Static FBML’ not be able to be used? I use it the same was as you describe above by hosting my images on my own server and then using code to pull in.
First sentence . . .”Facebook will no longer allow the creation of new FBML custom tabs/apps”
You can keep using Static FBML for as long as you wish. After March 11th, you just can’t add any new tabs with that app and will need to switch to iFrames.
Hi Mari, Are you sure about not being able to add any new tabs after March 11? Facebook has said that Static FBML app can’t be added after March 10, but they also said they’d let those who have the app continue to make edits. I took from that that “editing” would include adding tabs up to the max of 10 per installation.
However, they *have* also said that no new FBML tab applications will be allowed after March 10, but that refers to FBML as opposed to iFrame canvas apps, I believe.
Hi Mari,
helpful info, thanks. But one problem – I didn’t get the “Congrat’s” page and any other pages after that, I guess my faceboook or computer security disable this app. Any ideas how to make it work?
Hm, you might check if you’re using Facebook in https secure mode? There is a bug currently that doesn’t allow seeing iFrame content when in secure browser mode.
Would we be able to use this app to host a contest or competition? Considering the Facebook rules say that you must use a third-party app for a contest, could you put the contest info into an iFrame and use this app to host it on your page?
Hey there! Since you’re interested in contests, you should definitely check out the rest of the Wildfire offering– that’s our specialty! Our application is fully compliant with all of Facebook’s promotional guidelines– in fact we’re one of their Preferred Developer Clients and work very closely with the Facebook team.
Will the custom HTML allow for video code?
I doubt it. It really seems to only allow the most basic HTML. I haven’t yet tested adding the code (such as is provided by Vimeo or YouTube for embedding) but I’ll be it’ll spit back errors at ya.
I tried table and form codes and they are a no go. Victoria at Wildfire confirmed they’re not allowing form code due to complying with Facebook’s data collection – just makes it easier to put the onus on the user. Besides, the app is meant to be a simple solution for the novice or light Page user. 😉
Wonderfully done Mari! (And Wildfire!) Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is cool Mari. After trying it out though I noticed that it still has some limitations, compared to the original Static FBML. I see this as a great option for someone wanting to only have an image as a landing page.
A better option is the Static HTML app developed by Jason Padvorac. Easier to set up and no plans to charge people to use it and offers two options: You can upload the HTML and have it hosted for you or you can point to the URL for the page on your own server, just as you would with the do it yourself app. No limitations doing it that way.
Thanks Hugh, I will take a look at the app. Also, I’ve frequented your site in the past a few times, and like what you’re doing. Feel free to look me up on Facebook if you wish..
Sahweet, thanks, Hugh!! Got a link to the app??
Yes Mari, I posted a link in another comment yesterday that still hasn’t made it through moderation and just posted again in reply to you so hopefully that one will make it through.
Hi there! I just left a reply on an earlier comment, then saw that Hugh was already on it. 🙂
Anyway, I’m the author of that alternative app, and I’d be glad to answer any questions you have about it. And Hugh is right — the app will be free permanently.
Cheers!
Jason
My comment with the link to your app still hasn’t made it through moderation but I have a question since it seems to be a problem with the Wildfire app. Are there any limitations if we use your app or will all code work just as if we’d taken the time to install the app the hard way?
No limitations. Static HTML lets you do anything at all that you can imagine. Except for not breaking Facebook’s rules, of course. 🙂
From what I can tell, the Wildfire app is built so that you can’t use it to duplicate functionality of their paid apps with their free app.
No limitations at all, except for not breaking Facebook’s rules about autoplaying media.
Your code will always work EXACTLY the same as if you installed it the hard way.
Awesome to meet you virtually, Jason! I just started following you on Twitter. Your app is hands-down one of the simplest, easiest apps I’ve seen!! One-click install and no need for the Admin to dig around for the settings – it’s all right there on the tab, including the slideout FAQ. I’m putting some simple content in now!
SILLY BILLY meeeeee!!! Jeepers, I just scoured all my Disqus settings and had unintentionally left the checkbox on to not publish comments with links until approved. Too time consuming to pre-moderate! 🙂 Many thanks, Hugh. All is well now. I appreciate your input here. 🙂
Yeah, I used to have my Disqus settings that way too but moderating got to be more of a pain that the occasional spammer so I turned it off.
Ya! Amen to that – I’m all for a pain-free life. haha 🙂
Hi Dave – ya, I just tried to put in an opt-in email form and I see form tags are not allowed. 🙂 For sure the app is a great solution for certain uses though.
Same thing if you use image mapping tags, they’re not allowed as well. Still though, Kudo’s to Wildfire for the cool app. I’ve set up Facebook apps manually, and having a simplified process for Developers is very cool.
Yes, it has mostly limitations, actually. You can’t use , or tags, so the only way to add any CSS styling is by inlining the CSS into the HTML tags (<p style=”color:red”>hello</p>. It really only allows very very simple HTML and images, unlike Static FBML which allows for some JavaScript, links to external stylesheets, etc.