You may have come across MySpace layouts that look completely different to the standard MySpace layout, and have wondered how the layout was created.
These profiles were created using a technique called “Div overlay” or “Div layouts”. If the profile uses a lot visual effects, more than likely Flash has also been used.
Let’s first of all look at Div layouts.
In a nutshell, how a Div layout is created is that the existing MySpace profile is hidden or covered up, and then a new profile is built over the top. That’s why you’ll see so many weird and wonderful layouts. The only real constraints are that you’re not allowed to cover up the MySpace advertisment, and you need to add back the MySpace contact functionality, in particular the Block User button (the MySpace folks don’t like profiles that can’t be blocked).

So how do you actually create a Div profile?

The best way to get started with Div layouts, is to take some Div layout templates (you’ll find plenty here) and then start experimenting. But before you start, let me explain what it’s all about.
The key to hiding the standard profile is a computer language called Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). CSS allows you to set up a stylesheet that specifies what your web page looks like, and the MySpace people have used CSS to specify what a standard profile looks like.
The interesting thing about CSS is that the CSS code you place in your profile over rides the CSS code placed by the MySpace folks. What this means is that you can use CSS is redefine existing MySpace profile elements. Using the “visibility” and “display” properties you can stop these elements from being shown altogether.
Once the existing profile is hidden, the next step is to start building a new profile over the top. This is where the “Div” comes in. In HTML div tags mark out “logical divisions” of the web page. You can think of them as a container for your content. You can place text and images inside a pair of div tags, and then use the position property to position your content on your profile.
You do need to add back MySpace functionality, and this is simply a matter of creating HTML links in your profile to the various MySpace functions, such as browse, search, invite, etc, as well as the contact box functions, such as Send a message, Add to friends, etc.
As I said, the best way to learn how to do create Div layouts is to start experimenting with premade Div templates, and you’ll fnd plenty of free Div templates at various MySpace groups. My suggestion is to start with Free Divs.
There’s only so much you can achieve by coding your own Div layout, which is why many MySpace customizers move onto Flash.
Macromedia Flash is a multimedia authoring program, which is now distributed by Adobe. Flash is specifically designed to allow you to create web sites with animations and other visual effects.
Multimedia files created by Flash have a .swf extension. It’s possible to play Flash files directly from your profile, as long as you (and people visiting your site) have a Flash player installed—which 98 percent of people do because Windows XP comes bundled with a Flash player.
To create a Flash-based profile, you would need to cover the existing profile using the techniques discussed in this article, and then launch the Flash animation from within a Div, which you would need to size and position appropriately. For more information about Flash profiles, visit the MySpace group Copenhagen Tutorials

credits go to John Pospisil

Step 1: Host your photo. Your picture must be hosted on a webserver - it wont work if the picture is on your hard drive. To host your picture go to http://imageshack.us/ (it's free) and upload your pic from your PC to their server. After you upload your picture, find the "Direct link" URL and save it or write it down. The link will look something like: http://imageshack.us/yourphotonamexxy1.jpg

Step 2: Copy the code below by highlighting it, selecting EDIT, COPY from the menu, or right-clicking on it and selecting COPY (while it's highlighted):
<div style="float:left; margin-right: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.layouts4myspace.info/">
<img border="0" src="http://yourhostedphoto/here"></a><p>
<font face="Arial" size="1"><a href="http://www.layouts4myspace.info">myspace utils & help</a></font></p></div>

Step 3: Go to the page (or profile) where you want your photo and paste the code from step 2 (select EDIT, PASTE from the menu)

Step 4: after pasting, replace the line that says "http://yourhostedphoto/here" with the URL from step 1

Step 5: Save your changes - Test how your page looks in both Internet Explorer AND Firefox to make sure it displays properly in both.

Learning how to add music to MySpace is as easy as pie. First, go to MySpace and log-in to your MySpace profile.
Once you're in your profile, click on the Music link. You'll be taken to the MySpace music area, where there is a small box of drop-down search menus you can use to find just the right MySpace background music that you're looking for. All musical genres are represented here; you can search by artist, style, sounds like, etc.
Once you find the artist you're looking for, click on the artist's picture or name in the search results. If it's an official MySpace music page, there should be a red header across the top of the page with the words "MySpace Music."
You should see a big gray box with music selections playing or ready to be played at the artist's MySpace profile. In order to add this artist's song to YOUR MySpace profile, click on the Add button right under your selected song.
You'll be asked if you really want to add this song to your MySpace profile, and if the answer is yes, then click Add Song To Profile.
You're all set! Now, when people click on your MySpace profile, they'll get a nice bit of MySpace background music.

Myspace.

Many people have the impression that such sites are for teenagers and fun only. And yes, there are millions of teens on myspace. But there are also all other kinds of humans and interests represented. It is a «mini» world and whatever you are selling, there will be thousands of potential customers on myspace. It can serve to aid the knowledge of your business website and/or product(s).

The first thing you should do is to register on myspace and put an effort in making a really good profile. The registration is free and simple. All you need is a valid e-mail address and some spare time. You need to fill out all details and make your site look attractive. You should also consider changing your profiles design to give it a more personal look. Include photos and business logos. It will not hurt the case if the photos are a little attractive and nice. Face it. A bald 50-year-old salesman is not attracting customers to your page. Sorry! On the other hand, a young, half-naked woman in your profile photo will not attract the right people if you are selling stamps. So think it through and try out a few alternatives on your friends for different opinions. Do NOT overdo it with colours and flashing banners as it will make your site look messy and it will distract viewers from your content.

Make your profile exciting, interesting and easy on the eye. That will increase your chances on making a successful and large «friends-list»

If you do not know anything about designing sites and coding then there are loads of free sites on the net that will guide you through the process. A quick google search will help you find those sites.

You should also keep in mind that myspace have strict commercial rules. They will not tolerate active use of advertising and they will ban you for life if you get caught. Therefore, although very effective, you should be very careful with fancy links and advertising.

There are however ways to avoid the strict non-commercials rules if you want to promote a product.

As mentioned earlier, it is very important to make an exciting profile-site.

When your site is ready, you should start looking for «friends» to add. You should search by very strict definitions and only add persons inside your business «niche» That way all your «friends» will be potential customers and the risk of being reported will be much smaller. Spamming is illegal at myspace, and adding and sending out mails to all kinds of people will get you banned.

Once you have gathered a few «friends» you can start taking advantage of the free commercial opportunity you now have. Bulletins (will be seen by all friends in your list) is a great way to spread the word easily.

Blogging is another important way to advertise. You should write in your blog at least twice a week and you should write about topics where you can use links to your sites and products. However, try to make the blog interesting and funny as well. That will attract more readers.

It is very important to maintain your profile, site and blog at all times. Never let it get outdated or old. «Dead» links are also a big no-no. That would be crucial for your business.

I would also strongly recommend browsing through all the groups on myspace that could be within your «niche». Here there can be thousands of potential buyers. Add yourself to the most interesting groups. However, remember to be careful with mass posting of mails and ads as it is illegal. Try adding them as friends instead.

You should also take the time to answer all questions that you may get and on a regular basis make comments to your «friends». That will maintain the conversation between you and you avoid being seen as a «professional advertiser». That would certainly give you a bad reputation.

If you follow these simple rules, you will soon see that a tidy site, a good reputation and some hard work will start to pay off. The word of mouth will help you further if you have happy «friends». You now have a group of people, small or large (depending on your product and the effort you have put in), that are interested in your products and you have easy access to free advertising towards them.

This article is written by Stian Cantona Farovig, a 30-year-old commercial adviser. He can be found on http://www.psreturn.com