{How to...} - Claim your domain/username on Facebook

You've made the leap to put your business on Facebook and you're posting photos and information and have gained some followers. There are many other things you can do with this social application, but one really simple thing to do is claim your domain (or username as Facebook calls it).

What does that mean? For example, if you visit the Take Root Creative Facebook page and look in the web address box of your internet browser, you will see http://www.facebook.com/takerootcreative. For pages that have not created a username, it will have your page name with dashes in between and a bunch of numbers at the end.

Why do you want to do this? Well for starters, it makes it easier to direct people to your Facebook page - especially if you don't have a website for your business. You are probably thinking that people can just search your business and find it that way. That is true, but since people are always looking for simplicity (especially when doing anything online), it is best to make it as easy as possible.

Another good reason is to boost your standing on Google. This will help Google to direct people to your business when they search your business name. When you see the example below, you'll notice that we weren't able to get the first choice this client wanted, so do it now to ensure you get your business name! Plus, this is one of the easiest things you can do with Facebook.

(You must have at least 25 people who have clicked "Like" on your page to be able to do this. If you do, proceed with steps below)

We are going to use the Facebook business page for Mallory McGrath (singer/musician) as our example:

1. Log in to you Facebook account and go to http://www.facebook.com/username/

2. The top box is where you can pick a username for your personal Facebook profile. Feel free to do that as well if you wish. The second box below is where you manage your page usernames. Click on 'Page' to get the dropdown menu of pages you manage (you may only have the one option of your business page, but some people manage multiple pages)

3. Select the page you want to create a username for

4. Where it says 'Enter desired username' type in what you want your username to be. Don't use spaces and only use '.' (dots) to break up text if necessary. Think of a website address because your username will end up being a web address (www.facebook.com/yourbusinessname)

5. If you type in a username that is taken already, it will prompt you to pick another one. Once you pick something that is available, a window will open up to make sure you want that username. This is very important because as you'll see when you read the warnings, you cannot change this name EVER. So make sure there are no spelling errors! Then hit 'Confirm'.

6. The last window that pops up just tells you that your username has been set and gives you the link once more so you can share it with all your fans. Now you're done! See? That was easy!