Facebook is allowing members to reserve vanity URLs - that is, customized Web addresses that Facebook followers can easily identify and connect to your profile. The feature went live at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday June 13, 2009. The question is - did yours yet?
What is a Facebook username?
You can personalize your Facebook URL (web address) by selecting a unique username. It will appear in the location bar of your browser after "http://www.facebook.com/" when you view your profile.
What does this mean for your profile?
Facebook usernames are an attempt to make Facebook profiles and pages easily shareable. Basically, usernames affect your profile’s URL. Currently, a URL Facebook profile may be Facebook.com/people/Joe-Smith/496824. Not exactly the easiest URL to recognize or share. After reserving the new URL, the Facebook URL would be Facebook.com/JoeSmith.
This is a much easier URL to remember and share with others. It encourages sharing, friending, and increased activity on Facebook. Most importantly, it follows in the footsteps of Twitter and MySpace, both of which offer the vanity URL.
Where can you claim a username?
Starting at 12:01 a.m. (EDT) on Saturday, June 13, 2009, you will be able to select a username at http://www.facebook.com/username. You can select a username that Facebook suggests or create your own. Select "Check availability" to check for available usernames. If the desired username is available, click "Confirm" in order to confirm your choice.
Can you edit your username, or transfer it to another account?
Once you have claimed a username by clicking the "Confirm" button after checking for a username's availability, it is not possible to edit it, or to transfer your username to a different account on Facebook. Additionally, when an account is removed from the site, its username will not be made available. Facebook does this for security reasons.
Great Resources:
A users' guide to personalizing your Facebook URL
Your Facebook business name: Already reserved?
Best
Denice MacDonald