Improving Your Myspace Page in Three Easy Steps

Myspace has become the communication hub of the Internet. Not just for garage bands and teenagers anymore, Myspace is attracting mothers, sports enthusiasts, moviegoers and anyone who wants to meet people similar interests. Along with the friendships comes the desire to personalize one's profile page. While those with a firm background in HTML can produce more advanced results, there's no reason someone with little to no HTML knowledge can't have a personalized Myspace page that reflects their personality. With a crash course in HTML and a well-planned template or two, the average Myspace page can be turned into something people will enjoy seeing. You can change the entire look and feel of your webpage by simply adding color to the background, inserting music or sharing pictures.

Adding color or a picture to your page's background is as simple as learning a few HTML codes. You may like the white background that comes on your page as a default setting; in this case, don't do anything. If you want a different color, make it an appealing one that meshes well with the text color. If it clashes with the writing, makes things difficult to read or is otherwise just plain annoying, you'll drive people away from your site. Conversely, a pleasant or neutral background tone will encourage visitors to stay and read what you have to say. The same rule holds true for background images: a picture with clashing colors or depicting something controversial will result in viewers fleeing your site, so choose something that will either please a large majority of people or the group of people you're specifically trying to reach.

To add color to your background, search the Internet for "HTML color codes" and find a color you'd like to add to your site. Copy the corresponding code, then log into your Myspace account. Under "edit my profile" enter the code where indicated. The color should now show up on your page. For a background image, do a little research on the web about adding a background image to a website. Copy the corresponding code with the name of your picture (blank.jpg or blank.gif) in the appropriate area. Under the "edit my profile" section of Myspace, insert the code with your picture's name in it under the "About Me" section. Images are a little trickier than solid colors, so go to your page after you place the code in your profile to see if you achieved the result you were aiming for. If the picture is hidden behind your text or otherwise detracts from the page, go back and pick another image (or go with a solid color background instead.)

Adding music to your webpage is in some ways easier than adding an image or background color on Myspace, mainly because music is how Myspace got its start. Bands use Myspace to showcase their work and gain a following of fans. If your favorite band is on the list of groups who have signed up, chances are you'll be able to use one of their songs on your page. Go to http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music to find that list. Visiting the band's page through that link will show you what songs are currently available to be used by Myspace members. When you've found a song you want (assuming you're logged into your account) just click the "add" button that's beside the song. Myspace will automatically add the song to your page, and viewers who have elected to hear music will be treated to your choice. You can only have one song attached to your page at any given time, so choose wisely; if you try to ad a second song, the second one will just replace the first. (This is probably a good thing-who wants to listen to two songs at once?) Sometimes the band will also replace your chosen song on their page, in which case you won't have access to it anymore. In this situation you can always go back to the band's page and choose another song.

Pictures are the lifeblood of Myspace. They're how people communicate, show off and make friends. These days it seems people share more photos with the online community than they do their real-life friends and family. If you'd like to share your photos, just make sure they're in .jpg or .gif format and are under 600k. Also, the file name shouldn't have any spaces and can only contain letters and numbers (so no @ sign, dollar sign, etc.) A word of caution: although I'm sure the temptation for children to share their pictures with others on the internet is huge, it's important not to include any personal photos of the child's face or anything that gives away where he or she lives. We all know the Internet is a haven for those with less than innocent intentions, but child safety just isn't stressed enough. Parents, always know what your children are doing on the web-and what photos they're uploading.

There you have it: some quick, simple ways for the Myspace user without a degree in computer technology to spruce up their page. If you have the desire (and determination) to get really fancy with your profile you can always learn some Flash and more advanced HTML, but a little color and music should help your Myspace page match your personality.