Do you have a date with Facebook on Saturday at 12:01 a.m.?

On Saturday at 12:01 a.m. EST Facebook will allow users to secure a unique username for their Facebook accounts on a first-come first-serve basis. This will make it easier for consumers and brands/companies to make their Facebook pages more memorable.

So rather than the long profile ID URL users were given when they signed up (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=123456789), you might have something like www.facebook.com/john.doe. All users have to do is go to http:/www.facebook.com/username starting at 12:01 EST on June 13 and hope Facebook doesn’t crash and that someone didn’t already take their name.

The rules for public Facebook pages are a bit different. An individual, company or brand with a public page has to meet two requirements. 1. Have started a public page prior to May 31, 2009 and 2. Have more than 1,000 fans by May 31, 2009.

I personally see this opportunity more beneficial for public pages – brands, companies/organizations and individuals. And get ready to see a lot more brands promoting their Facebook URLs… “visit Victoria’s Secret on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/victoriassecret.” Seems to me like there is more in it for Facebook than the brand or company itself… more Facebook promotion should translate into more visitors and more users.

While I do plan to get a username, I will not be on a date with Facebook this Friday night! After all, I don’t want to make my husband jealous.

Jennifer Manocchio

President

After starting her career with Edelman in Chicago, Jennifer joined Sweeney and quickly established herself as an exceptional industry innovator. In 2004, she opened Sweeney’s first full-service office outside of Cleveland and quickly rose through the ranks to become agency president. Jen leads by example and without fear. She has been critical to agency growth throughout the past decade and continues to lead the agency into the future.