When anyone stumbles across your Facebook or Twitter page, the first thing they see is your cover photo. On Facebook, cover photos are 851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall, located above and around your profile picture and name. On Twitter, these photos are technically referred to as “header photos” and are 1500 x 500 pixels in size.
Facebook was the first of the social media giants to implement the cover photo. Twitter and Google+ weren’t far behind. Although there are different size configurations, shown below, practices for maximizing the cover photo space for your business on social media are generally universal.
Infographic by Design Roast
Follow the steps below to maximize your cover photos:
Pay Attention to Other Page Elements
When designing or searching for the right cover photo, knowing the default size dimensions for each social network is essential. However, it’s equally important to recognize that some parts of the cover photo will remain obscured due to the layout of Facebook or Twitter. For example, on Facebook the ‘Like’, ‘Follow’, and ‘Message’ buttons are located on the bottom right of any cover photo you upload. The buttons exist within the 851 x 315 frame, in addition to the user’s profile picture and name text.
Similarly, one’s profile picture on Twitter takes up a chunk of the cover photo’s left side. A business should avoid having their logo or slogan obscured by page elements like these. It’s recommended to design around these elements and, if possible, edit an image so the placement of text and graphics are fully visible. Some flashy cover photos even work around the ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ buttons to bring attention to them.
Maintain a Consistent Theme
If your business’ brand is centered around a particular color or logo, then be sure to keep that theme consistent throughout your entire social media appearance — from the cover photo to your business description and profile picture. To avoid using the same color repetitively, use a color scheme designer tool like Paletton to find a cohesive and appropriate theme for your cover photo and general social media appearance. In the example above, notice how Apfelbaum, Inc’s profile image blends seamlessly into their cover photo.
Cater to Your Demographic
It’s important that your business’ cover photo aligns with your customers’ desires and general likes. For example, a cruise company like Red & White Fleet may use a picture of a gorgeous sunset or balmy beach day to reinforce their customers’ desires to travel with a sunset in mind, which their business can certainly accommodate. A tactic like this will result in increased leads over time. Another example would be a bakery using pictures of fresh-baked treats to help develop a craving for dessert among their followers.
Use Cover Photos as a Showcase
For businesses that rotate products and create new ones, the cover photo location on Facebook and Twitter makes it an ideal location to display something new. Most of your followers are likely accustomed to your well-known products or services, so a large and prominent display like a cover photo — which can display a picture of the product alongside a price — can show them something new that may pique their interest. For example, an apparel company may use their cover photo space to showcase what they have on sale for back-to-school, like girls’ uniforms or socks. Service companies can showcase their top-notch employees, like WebpageFX does.
Rotate Images Frequently
Don’t hesitate to change your cover photo several times per month to accommodate certain events or new products. Just make sure to keep the tone and design scheme consistent with what visitors will expect. This reinforces your brand, while still showcasing new products, services or events that will pique their interest. ModCloth does this frequently, changing up their cover photo, profile, and more as often as once a week to keep their customers interested.
Making the most out of your business’ cover photo involves paying attention to other page elements, maintaining a consistent theme, catering to your demographic and using cover photos as a showcase for new products or events. Your cover photo should be for your followers’ convenience and entertainment, so a positive memory of your business will become ingrained in their memory.
Images: Unsplash | Facebook