Watermarking photos individually can be a huge task. There are various software programs available that are capable of batch watermarking your images; however, I tend to be wary of small, nearly unknown software developers. Plus, who needs another program taking up space on their harddrive?

Most, if not all, photographers have Photoshop installed already and are fairly familiar with its use. Did you know that Photoshop can be used to quickly and easily watermark your images using your actual logo? No text-only watermarks here!

Watch this video to take watermarking your photos from a stressful, lengthy task to a few clicks of the mouse.

Please leave a comment and let me know if this helped you or if you have a suggestion regarding preparing your images for the web.

Research shows that there are two ways to increase response to any online marketing endeavor. Creating a solid landing page, or a special page related to your offer or promotion that contains clear calls to action, can entice visitors to respond favorably.

Did you know that you can apply this same technique to increase your Facebook fans?

By controlling what new visitors (non-fans) see when they visit your fan page for the first time, you can persuade them to “Become A Fan” instead of simply viewing your page and moving on. This will then, of course, allow you to reach them with updates, special offers and so on.

A Facebook application called Static FBML allows us to add HTML webpages to our fan pages. Then, by simply changing a few settings, you can direct new visitors (non-fans) to your sparkly new landing page, and entice them to become a fan of your business.

So, lets get started!

Step 1. Customize your Landing Page

This is the fun part! Use Photoshop, Illustrator or another graphics program to create your landing page image. This is simply a PNG or JPG image that will serve as your landing page. Remember to include a clear Call to Action near the top of your image to entice visitors to click your “LIKE” button. The power of your landing page depends almost entirely on this Call to Action so don’t leave it out!

Be sure to tell your visitor why they should like your business. Do you offer fan-only discounts? Do fans get updates on new blog posts, your latest work or your latest pricing changes? All of this is potentially important to a non-fan and would entice them to go ahead and click that little “LIKE” button at the top of their screen.

Your final image should be no wider than 520 pixels (the limit used to be 760 pixels, then 540 pixels but was changed by FB again August 2010) and should be saved in a web-format such as PNG or JPG. Use the “Save for Web” option in either Adobe program to create the smallest file size possible without losing too much quality.

Upload your final image to your website server and make a note of its location. Ex. http://yourdomain.com/image.png

Notes:

1. You may realize that we will not be adding any external links to this landing page. The primary purpose of this page is to get the visitor to “LIKE” your page. Adding links to the page could potentially send them away before they click your “LIKE” button.

2. Photobucket is an optional hosting tool but the quality of your landing page image will be decreased.

3. You can create a completely HTML page without the use of images but we are going the “photographer-friendly” route for this tutorial.

Step 2. Add the Static FBML Application

If you do not already have a Fan Page for your business this is your obvious first step. Facebook provides a great tutorial.

In order to create a custom landing page inside of your Facebook page, you must first install a Facebook Application called Static FBML. This application will allow you to add HTML to your page.

First, go directly to the Static FBML Facebook Page or enter “Static FBML” into the Facebook search box. From there – click the “Add to My Page” link found directly under the Static FBML logo in the left column. There is no need to “LIKE” the application, adding it to your page is all that is necessary. Once you click the link, a new window will open containing a list of all of your pages. Simply click the “Add to Page” link next to the desired page.

Step 3. Bring Them Together

Now, go to your fan page on Facebook and click the “Edit Page” link directly under your profile image.

Find the FBML application and click “Edit”.

Change the Box Title to something relevant for your landing page title. This will show up in your Fan Page tabs so keep it short and sweet. “Welcome” is a common option.

Now, put on your geek hat and enter the following html code into the main box:

<img src=”http://yourdomain.com/image.png”>

Replace “yourdomain.com” with the correct website address and “image.png” with your image filename.

Click “Save Changes”

Step 4. Point Them In The Right Direction

Now that your landing page is set up all we have left to do is to add the tab to your fan page and to tell Facebook to send all “non-fans” to your new page.

From the FBML application, click the “(edit)” link found to the right of your fan page title near the top of the page. (You can also return to your Fan page and click “Edit Page” under the profile image.)

Scroll back down to the FBML application. Make note that it’s title will have changed to reflect the “Box Title” you entered in the previous step. Click “Application Settings”.

Under the “Profile” tab click “remove” next to “Box:” and click “add” next to “Tab:”. You will basically be reversing the default settings. Click “Okay”.

(This step may become obsolete in the future as Facebook is discussing removing the “Box” feature from their system)

Scroll back up to the top of the page and find “Wall Settings”. Click “Edit”.

Under “Default Landing Tab for Everyone Else” select your newly created tab. (Hint: The name will be the same as the “Box Title” you entered earlier.)

Return to your page and click on your newly created tab. That’s it! You should see your facebook fan numbers start to increase.

Now that you know how to add new tabs to your fan page you can really get creative with the information that you include on your page. How about a new tab for pricing, contact information, or an image gallery? With a little bit of HTML knowledge the options are endless!

After you create your new landing page post the link here so we can check out your work!