Series of numbers in Facebook URLs to be removed in favour of profile names
Facebook users are being given the chance to create their own personalised web address.
Members of the social networking site will be able to sign up for a username using their name and surname this weekend.
From 5am on 13 June, Facebook users will have the option to select the name of their profile address on a first-come, first-served basis.
It will be the first time the social network’s URLs display the same information as its profiles.
Industry rumours recently circulated that Facebook would be charging for the URLs. However, as with social network MySpace, the new URLs will be free.
Bosses at the social networking site say the Facebook URLs will make it easier for people to search for common names.
The Facebook
blog said: "Your new Facebook URL is like your personal destination, or home, on the web."
Instant online visibility for businesses
The new URLs will be valuable for search engine optimisation (SEO) and businesses looking to increase their digital marketing profile. By giving a company or sports team such as Real Madrid a clean and distinctive URL, it should enable the Facebook page to appear higher up in search rankings.
Also, upcoming businesses which have Facebook pages will enjoy an instant brand identity with the new URLs. Clean URLs are also easier on the eye, to the point and simple to remember.
For example, theEword’s
Facebook group could be called www.facebook.com/theEword - this would remove the string of numbers which currently appear at the end of the URL.
