Support Articles

How to establish a shortened link for your Facebook business page

28 February 2011

When you create your Facebook business page, you are issued with a very long URL (link), these instructions explain how you can create a shortened version like facebook.com/darwinwebdesign.

What is a pretty URL ?

'Pretty URL's' or 'vanity URL's' are commonly referred to in web design as a short, easy to read website link. For example for my own Facebook page:

  • BEFORE: Original URL issued by Facebook
    www.facebook.com/pages/Darwin-Web-Design/155402357837168
    (It is still usable as a link, but not so pretty!)
  • AFTER: Pretty URL
    www.facebook.com/darwinwebdesign
    (Much much better!)

Both links work the same technically, but the Pretty one looks a lot better!

Pretty URL example

What are the advantages of having a pretty URL?

  • Looks better in print (eg business cards, letterheads and other marketing material)
  • Easier to verbalise to your customers and easier for them to remember (eg over the phone)
  • Search engine friendly (in most cases a pretty URL with key words included is more effective than a long link with numbers generated from a database)

How do I qualify for a Facebook pretty URL?

The pre-requisite (at time of writing) is that you need a minimum of 25 fans on your page before you can be issued a pretty URL or user name. After you have your 25 fans, your link is not automatically generated, you must apply for one - its quick and easy, read on ...

I have at least 25 fans, how do I set up my new link?

  • Login to Facebook, if you haven't already (www.facebook.com)
  • Visit the page where you can apply for the URL: www.facebook.com/username
    You will notice you can apply for a pretty URL for either your personal profile or your business page, these instructions will be referring to a business 'page'
  • Ensure the relevant business page name in the 'pages' section (not the 'profile' section) is shown (if you have more than one business page, you will be presented with a drop down list to select the page you want to shorten). For example, for my page, I ensured 'Darwin Web Design' was showing in the box
  • In the empty box, type your preferred username (this will become part of the shortened URL extension you see in your new address eg www.facebook.com/username). This needs to be one word, all in lowercase, no spaces. Ensure its easy to spell and easy for your customers to remember. Its also a good idea to make it as close as possible to your business page name, for example, I chose: 'darwinwebdesign'
  • Click 'Check availability'
  • If it is available, and you are happy to proceed - agree to the terms (after reading and understanding them) and save your choice
    Be careful with your selection, you only get one chance - you CANNOT change it afterwards!
  • You now have a Pretty URL !! (see screenshot below)
    If your old/long link is already used on your website or elsewhere, these will still work because the old link will automatically be redirected to your new one - there will be no broken links

Facebook username page

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