A quick post to let everyone know that Facebook is making a change to size of your fan pages soon. If you have any customizations on your page you should get them updated as soon as possible.

The width of the pages are been shorten to 520 pixels, that’s down 240 pixels. You will more than likely need to do some redesigning to fit this new width. You or your fan page manager should make these changes right away.

For more specific information visit: http://wiki.developers.facebook.com/index.php/Roadmap_Profile

Please let me know if you have any questions.

I often hear new business owners seeking a way to check their brand name availability on the social networks. With the high activity of social media it is important to check your potential branding. Here are two easy tools that will check the social networks for any name you may be considering.

User Name Check

and

NameChk

When you are thinking of a new product or new business you should run them through these easy tools and see if they are already in use. If they aren’t in use then go sign up and retain the names for when you are ready to use them…or they be gone before you get the chance.

As everyone knows, networking is very important for any business. Both on and off line networking will bring an audience or following to your business. But have you thought about representing your brand during every opportunity?

Online Branding

First and most importantly your website must show your branding. From colors to logos,  or slogans to business keywords, and all the inbetweens. All of your online profiles need to be branded as well. There are so many opportunities to get your brand out there, don’t miss any.

• Facebook: You may not be able colors, but don’t stop there. You can create a branded statement below your picture, add your web real estate, add business images in your photos. Add useful applications to help you branding even more. HTML Profile Box is a widely used one that allows you to add a tid-bit of custom HTML code to your profile. Want to add your LinkedIn information? There is a application in for that too.

• Twitter: Have a custom background created to match your branding. You have one chance to show what you have…do it right. Take advantage of this fully customizable feature. Also you have a short bio space here so make the most of it. Hashtags anyone? Create a hashtag for your business. Use it for tips to your audience, business news and more. People can then track everything related to your business with one easy hashtag.

• LinkedIn: Show your expertise, don’t be shy. Remember this; You aren’t bragging if you can back it up! Also link your blog to your profile, adding more quality to your profile. For your website links do not chose the options; my blog, my company, etc. Instead use this small opportunity to brand them. By selecting other you can type in your URL or even your slogan.

Offline Branding

Here is the where you can fun! Talk and walk your business. I don’t know about you but I love my business and when someone asks me what I do I tell them with more excitement then ever expected.

• Talk in understanding terms. Be sure you talk in a language they will understand, do not use industry specific jargon they may not be familiar with.

• Talk slowly. Your excited I know, me too, but they need hear everything you’re saying.

• Be interactive. By engaging them they have the opportunity to say ‘oh ya I know how that feels’ or ‘yes I wish I had the time for that’. There is your chance to give even more information.

• Talk benefits not processes. People don’t want to hear about how you do what you do, instead they want to know how it will help them.

Take the business you love with you everywhere, on and off line. You never know when your next client is going to be at the coffee shop or on Twitter. Be ready for them with open, and kind words that represent you and your brand. Be passionate but give them a chance to talk too. Have fun and build your brand recognition.