You may have noticed MySpace, LinkedIn, and others allow you to create a username. The username allows you to name your link something memorable. Most times it is the user’s name to easily send friends to view their profile.
Not only that but people rely on their names as part of personal branding. In the past Facebook did not have what they like to call a Vanity Name. When realizing this flaw instead of making it sound like they were missing something they turned it into an ocassion. As little as this change may seem to some, for online marketers this is a big deal.
Facebook made a smart move. They created a buzz. When logging into Facebook everyone had an accouncement about the the launch of the “Facebook Vanity Name.” The best part was the timing. They had people like me sitting at my laptop on a Friday night in anticipation for the clock to strike Midnight.
Everyone was online tweeting about their desired names and creating free press for Facebook.
Geek New Years Eve
All the geeks gathered and had their New Years type countdown to the launching of the Vanity Name. It was a race to who could get the rights to their name. The most sought after names were first names only but sadly Facebook employees had first dibs. I was not worried about someone stealing Lichtenstein from me but a Facebook employee already had Stephanie. So I settled for second choice. My Facebook Vanity Name is http://Facebook.com/StephanieLichtenstein.
Countdown to Facebook Vanity Name
If you have not logged in and snagged yours be creative or insert a middle initial because chances are the name is long gone. Keep in mind the names are permanent so make sure to be consistent with your brand when you pick it. Also for now it does not make a difference if there is a . or not between the first and last name they work just the same.
Mashable announced that there were 200,000 Facebook Usernames created in 3 minutes. While I waited to get my username I felt like it was a big moment as silly as that sounds. Facebook can get hundreds of thousands of people to sit by a computer in anticipation on a Friday night; that is called Power. I am also impressed that the system did not crash and all the users could log in. Right after the time passed you could see everyone announcing their new usernames with excitement.
What’s Your Facebook Vanity Name?
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http://www.facebook.com/john.carcutt
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Great presentation the other night thanks
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