Have you heard about Facebook deprecating FBML and forcing page owners to upgrade to the new iFrames interface? Are you angry and confused about what this means for your MLM business?
I feel like there has been a lot of hype and scaremongering going around and A LOT of people trying to cash in on this change. It’s actually NOT as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be. Before you rush out and purchase any products consider this:
If you worked out Facebook’s clunky FBML you will most definitely be able to work out iFrames
What is an iFrame anyway?
iFrame is an HTML tag used to replicate content from another location.
Youtube has been using them for a while now. Have you noticed when you go to embed a video the code is now based with <iframe>? Did you find this hard or scary or did you even notice at all?
In the case of Facebook you don’t even have to use code, you just use the developer platform in Facebook to configure WHERE your content will be pulled from, in most cases it will be a HTML page you host on your blog/website.
So Why iFrames on Facebook?
With the increase of businesses building custom pages on Facebook, it’s quite possible that Facebook’s servers are getting weighed down. So quite likely iFrames is merely Facebook’s way of unloading their servers of all our marketing pages.
Guys, we should be jumping for JOY that Facebook has switched to iFrames! Facebook has lifted the restrictions that FBML presented such as autoplay videos and animated images. You can do all sorts of amazing things with iFrames including making a mini-website or blog to display right there on Facebook. Now that’s a little more complex, so today I’m just going to talk about how to make a welcome page or landing page as it’s known in the internet marketing arena.
Components For Creating A Custom HTML Landing Page To Use With The iFrame Application on Facebook
- 520px wide background image (create in Photoshop or similar) 800px high is optimum
- Youtube video code
- Aweber form code
Assemble these components in your favourite HTML editor (such as Dreamweaver) and upload to your website using your favourite FTP program (such as Filezilla)
If you want an extra swanky tab don’t forget to create a custom icon 16×16 to upload when you configure your application on Facebook
Create Your Own Custom Application To Show Your Page on Facebook
- Go to www.facebook.com/developers (make sure you are logged in)
- Click on “Set Up New App” in the top right corner
- Name your app, agree to Facebook’s terms and “Create App”
- Pass the security check
- Give your new app a name, description and if you want it to be super cool upload an icon
- Select “Facebook Integration”
- Under “Canvas”, set the iFrame size to “Auto resize”
- Configure your tab under “Page Tabs”
- Enter your tab name and tab URL (where you uploaded your page)
- Click Save!
Now on to the important part…
Install Your Custom Application to Your Facebook Page
Once you have created your app you will be directed back to the Overview page.
- Click “Application Profile Page”
- In the left navigation bar click “Add to My Page” and select your page from the popup
View Your Facebook Page To See Your New Custom Tab!
Converting Your Existing FBML page to iFrames
Your existing FBML code can be copied to a HMTL file in a matter of minutes and you can set up an iFrame application just as fast.
- Create a new HTML page in your favourite HTML editor
- Paste your existing FBML code in between the <body> tags
- Upload to your domain
See, really simple, 3 steps! If you had a video on your page, you will need to replace the complicated FBML video code with the regular YouTube code.
Some Resources That Helped Me On My Path To iFrame Mastery:
- http://www.hyperarts.com/blog/adding-iframe-application-to-facebook-fan-page/
- http://www.hyperarts.com/blog/customizing-facebook-iframe-application-signed_request_reveal_tab/
- http://www.kimwoodbridge.com/how-to-remove-the-scrollbars-from-the-facebook-custom-tab-iframe/
Time To Upgrade To Facebook iFrames?
iFrames is actually better and easier to use than FBML. Goodbye FBML, hello iFrames and increased flexibility for not only marketers and small businesses but everyone on Facebook. What do you think? Will you be giving iFrames on Facebook a go now?
~Elle
Hi Elle, this is so self explanatory. You’ve made creating a fanpage so simple.
Thanks for sharing.
Ruth recently posted..MLM Blog – 5 Reasons Why You Need One For Your MLM Business
A really helpful post Elle, thank you – I haven’t tried this yet, but will certainly give it a go!
Nicky recently posted..MLM Training – Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse!
Wow…you are quite talented and I think I would rather just pay you to do it! You rock!
Michelle Alpha recently posted..Ask The Right Questions to Find Quality Recruits
Really good post for this facebook change, Elle:) Love the information you contained in the post and will look forward to more good informative posts coming!
Wow Elle! A very in-depth and helpful article. This is the first I’ve read on iFrames and you helped de-mystify it for me (and I feel much less nervous now). Good idea to wait and learn before running out and buying a product etc.
Hey Elle,
Thanks for sharing this. I always wondered how everyone was getting their fan pages to look the way they do!
Sherman
Sherman Smith recently posted..Confused about SEO Then you need to look into SEOpressor!
Thanks everyone! I hope to see some killer Facebook pages from you all very soon!!