How funny. Facebook must have heard me telling everyone how annoying and particularly ineffective their idea of not giving us the ability to create our own username was (i.e. www.facebook.com/myname vs. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=12345678). I wonder if anyone actually made business cards with the above address on it....Hmmm. Looks pretty spammy to me.
Or, maybe the fact that a third-party application was invented to help provide at least a somewhat better alternative (http://companies.to/mellot
Either way, it's going to be exciting because tomorrow at 9:01 PM PST/12:01 AM EST you will be able to grab and assign your own unique username to your facebook URL. I remember doing this when I signed up for MySpace in 2005. Why did it take so many YEARS to figure out and adapt? You got me.
So why is this a big deal and why should you care?
Well, for all the Steve Smiths and Jill Jones out there and others who have common names, it will be a mad dash to literally be the first, and only, person to get their chosen name. Or even Steve or Jill alone. It's also a big deal for people and/or businesses who have a branding strategy already in mind. Once you assign the name - it can't be changed. Facebook is pretty strict with making sure you are the person or company you say you are, so this will definitely be enforced. They have already created steps to take if your trademarked or copywritten identity is taken by someone else. They've also prevented "squatting" - where people try to scoop up popular domain names and sell them later for cash. Facebook usernames will be non-transferable. GO, Facebook.
Here's what they don't tell you in the articles you may have read. The following applies to Administrators who run a Facebook Page:
1. If you're ready to go grab www.Facebook.com/Marketing or whatever generic word that describes your business, think again. They won't approve it. Bummer, huh?
2. Do you have under 1,000 fans? If so, your username won't be approved. This is something that people are ranting and raving about. I am one of them. Make enough noise, and we may get the attention of the powers that be.
Creating your new Facebook URL will be a huge opportunity for companies to build their online presence. As a Marketing Coach, I highly urge you to take a look at your strategies for PR, Marketing and Advertising and make sure you have a great plan. I am a big stickler for your brand image to remain consistent. This applies to your URLs. Try to keep them as close as possible, and remember - you only have one time to make a first impression!
Overall, it should be an interesting Friday night.
Post in the comments what your chosen username will be!
