Key Theory Web Design

There has been a lot of interest in the custom Facebook pages that I had mentioned in an earlier post. Here is a bit more information about the Custom Facebook pages and the pros and cons about them.

Reasons to have a custom Facebook page:

1. Stick out of the crowd of other Facebook pages.
2. Create a branded experience and establish consumer recognition.
3. Break free from the restrictive layout and design choices of Facebook.
4. Increase the pull to drive traffic to specific destinations by changing site hierarchy.
5. Make your page look fun and interesting.
6. Create the tabs you want, with the names you want.
7. Use Flash to create a unique user experience for people to want to share.
   http://www.facebook.com/target#/target?v=app_4949752878**
8. Your competition will eventually get around to doing it, beat’em to it.
9. Make your Facebook experience more engaging.
10. Having an interesting page will help people remember your page from others.

Drawbacks of Static FBML:

Although there are definite advantages of creating a custom Facebook page with Static FBML there are some drawbacks as well.

1. Static pages do not have the same dynamic functionality that core pages do.
   The wall, discussion, photo gallery and a few other tabs have functionality built into them that are easy to use and dynamic.
2. Changing elements on the static page will not be as easy, it would be recommended to create static pages for things that will not change frequently. http://facebook.com/sunkistsoda**
3. You can not add much actual functionality to the pages as they do not allow connections to scripts, for this you may need to develop an application.
4. Flash elements must be clicked on first to enable. http://facebook.com/artizanmetal
5. Creating links out of Facebook will take users to a warning page before they will go to the new link.
6. Not all elements of the Facebook are customizable, this isn’t MySpace. Look at the examples provided here for an idea of what can be accomplished. http://facebook.com/wenourishhope

Deciding if you want a really custom Facebook Page:

1. Do you a Facebook page already created?
2. Can you provide admin access to your Facebook page?
3. Do you have a need for a branded page that will be static, for the most part, and not change very often?

Custom Facebook Process:

• The first thing to be done is discuss what the goal of the Facebook tab(s) will be.
• A wireframe (blueprints) will be created to outline the layout and functionality of the page.
• Once the wireframe is approved a design will be created based on the wireframe.
• Once the design has been approved the page will be developed in XHTML and be deployed in Facebook.

How much does a Custom Facebook Page Cost?

Everyone wants to know the cost but it all depends on the scope of the work. Think of it this way, if you asked for construction company how much to build a new house, the answer would depend on what type of a house you’d be looking for. The same goes here. Before giving a price quote the job must be fully specked out.

Prices range from $500 and up depending on the goals and requirements of your particular project. This may seem like a lot of money to some people for a custom FB but I have made the decision to only work on projects that I can put enough time into to be proud of and be a success.

Cost Break down:

• Discovery
• Strategic Planning
• Wireframe Design / Content Hierarchy
• Graphic Design
• XHTML / CSS Development
• Facebook Implementation

Price Influences:

• How complicated is the project. (Simple layout text and images vs Complex layout page)
• How many pages / tabs will need to be created?
• Do you have an existing brand (look & feel) or will you need one created.
• There is time allocated for a couple rounds of revisions in the cost of the design but revisions outside the allotted amount may increase the cost of the project.

How long does a Custom Facebook take?

Depending on the current volume of work and the scope of the project a custom Facebook page can take anywhere from a few weeks to two months. Once your project has been fully specked out a time estimate can be provided.

If you have decided you are interested in creating a custom Facebook tab feel free to contact me.

** I did not work on the Sunkist Soda or Target Facebook pages used as examples above.