4 resources to create custom Facebook tabs with iFrames

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You’re probably very sad to see Static FBML be laid to rest on March 11 – especially since you’ve just started getting the hang of HTML and FBML (Facebook Markup Language).

But don’t despair, nothing is wasted in the land of Facebook Custom Tabs.

Why iFrames is better than Static FBML

First of all, the good news is that using iFrames for custom tabs means that you can now use any Web technology (HTML, CSS and JavaScript) that used to cause a gag-reflex in Facebook.
This also means that you can use scripts like Google Analytics within a Facebook Tab.
You also can swap out different Facebook tabs simply by editing the tab url in the application settings.

How to get started with iFrames

If you’ve spent time learning how to use FBML and HTML to created custom Facebook Pages tabs, you’ve got a massive head start.

For you, there are two excellent tutorials on creating iFrames applications:

How to Make a Custom Facebook Page Tab With Iframes by Kim Woodbridge. Kim is one of the most respected experts on creating custom Facebook Page Tabs.

How to Add an iFrame Application to your Facebook Fan Page by Tim Ware at HyperArts. Tim is another super-smart developer who has a kick-ass example of his work over at the HyperArts Facebook Page.

What if coding gives you a migraine?

If the thought of dealing with HTML, iFrames, CSS and Javascript gives you an eyeball headache, consider these (not free) tools:

Lujure – A application that enables you to visually create a Facebook Page tab.

iFrameEngine – The makers of FanPageEngine have their answer to iFrames going live on 3/1/11.

What if I hate templates?

If you don’t like what you see over at Lujure or iFrameEngine, consider hiring either Kim or Tim to design a custom tab for you.

What iFrames resources can you share in the comments?John Haydon delivers social web strategy solutions for “the quick, the smart, and the slightly manic.” Curious? Then connect up: Contact John by email, see his profile page, visit the John Haydon blog, follow him on Twitter and Google Plus or leave a comment.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported.

Gabriel

After Facebook forces Timeline on my page, I discovered http://www.propplan.com/#!/propplan/home/Facebook-Fan-Page I contacted them and it's completely free. No limitation on the number of fans your page can have. Easy to admin.

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Many businesses now rely on Facebook pages as a primary business channel. As a part-time freelance, I've had a countless number of fan page projects sent to me. I do not consider myself an amatuer in the realm of programming, but, still, I find these jobs a daunting task. At times, the unpredictability nature of the final output (when viewed on different browsers) haunts me in my sleep... ummm ... ok, I admit... not as much as images of my ex, but still. It's beyond one's comprehension how many startup's are looking to have their pages up everyday. I've seen apps that allow users to build pages by asking them to select page contents from a list of available few features, but that means you're restrained to a limited number of options. I'm not even remotely close to being a world-renowned computer scientist, nor am I Richie Rich, but I still want to dedicate myself to doing something for others. And, that is The Rise of the Empire, oh... umm... I meant this site http://www.propplan.com/#!/propplan/home/Facebook... Now, you can stop worrying about the escrow amount or the total cost of your page. Propplan invites you to create page tabs for free. Design your page on Propplan and have it published as a tab on your fan page immediately. To maximize consumer engagement, all elements placed on your page can be assigned a redirect link and animation. Have fun!!!

Dana

Try this one: iframe from url: http://www.myfbfanpage.com Works and simple. just enter your url

Ludwina Dautovic

Thanks. I just bought Lujure. It's awesome!

Martin Grace

Another great example of an iframe tab builder app is https://apps.facebook.com/buildiframetab/ - i did my tab in 2 minutes. that's a record!

bigdogstudiox

Love the links and thanks for posting John. More people need to know you can differentiate your self on facebook and not just be another while/blue drone.

Laura Gram

Please check out our Welcome Tab application at http://apps.facebook.com/welcometab It has real-time metrics on how many visitors come to your tab and a ton more.

@faceitpages

FaceItPages also makes this really easy. Now with iframes support it will enable us to offer many more features.

David Foster

Hey John! Thanks for the mention. We really are working hard on iFrames and have found that users are going to have WAY more options than we could ever allow in the FBML version. We are now looking at Friday as a launch however due to some development issues and connections...no worries though...we almost have it ready!! =] Thanks again! David Foster | iFrameEngine