Facebook Pages will offer a more readable and cleaner look soon, as a new design is being tested for selected users. The social media company is testing how users would react if the "Like" count is removed with only the "Follow" button left just below the name of a page.
Currently, Facebook is testing out the feature with public figures, including content creators, bands, authors, and some actors. If included in the test, Page owners will be given an option to opt-in and try out the new design when they are logged in on their mobile devices.
According to Facebook, it has since expanded the test to include a handful of English-language business Pages.
Facebook's aim in redesigning the layout of Pages is to make it easier for visitors to view key information, such as posts and the owner's bio. The company will remove the Like button, leaving only the Follow button and follower count.
This change, according to Facebook, reflects the Page's true scope. A lot of people in the platform have Liked many Pages over the years only to unfollow them from their News Feed once they lose interest or get turned off by a Page's content. Many people also Like a page because of a certain friend's request and unfollow it subsequently.
Leaving only a Follow button, on the other hand, is a true indication of people's interest in a Page's content.
Indeed, having both a Like and Follow option brings quite the complication. A user can Like a Page, which then creates an automatic Follow. But that person can opt-out of news and updates by simply unfollowing the page, leaving the Like. Page owners find this to be confusing and unhelpful because they want to engage with followers who are actually interested in the Page and its contents.
Additionally, Page owners will be able to connect better with their followers by browsing their News Feed, and then quickly switch between their public-facing Page and personal Facebook profile should they want to react or comment to posts.
Facebook is also attempting to make Page management more efficient. Owners will be able to easily assign and manage admin access permission in accordance with specific roles or tasks. This can be done via an Edit Access screen that owners can easily toggle on and off certain management tasks.
For the time being, the redesign is only a test. Facebook has not announced when or if a global rollout is being planned.
