First impressions are lasting. So naturally it’s important to make a good one.
What does this have to do with Facebook? Well, a lot actually.
When your followers land on your page, the first thing they notice is your cover photo. According to this study by EyeTrack Shop, visitors spend more time focusing on the cover photo than anything else on a Facebook page. This is perhaps one good thing about the changes that Facebook made a few months back. With the cover photo, you get the chance to show your fans what you’re all about in one big picture.
These cover photos set the tone for your entire Facebook page. These rectangular frames (dimensions of 851 x 315 pixels, to be exact) are an opportunity to portray your company’s personality, campaign, mission, photography skills, etc.
Now you probably want to jump back to your page to analyze the quality of your cover photo. But before you do, here are 6 ways to make a great first impression and express your brand’s message with an amazing cover photo.
1. Set the mood.
No, you don’t need to dim the lights and add some romantic music. What you can do is show people what your company is all about in the blink of an eye. But make sure you set the mood you want. Whether it’s peaceful, hectic, colorful, humorous — you decide. Give an uncomplicated message that shows visitors what they can expect from your page.
CNN’s Facebook cover photo says, “Hey, we’re hard working people here.”
The Cooking Channel is all about keeping it “fresh”.
And the Yankees are inviting you to their playing field:
2. Showcase your latest campaign.
You can promote seasonal items, topics, ideas, or milestones on your cover photo. It keeps your visitors up to date with what is happening at your company, and showcases your work. I mean, that is why they were following you in the first place, isn’t it?
Ray-Ban’s “Never Hide” campaign is artsy and intriguing, much like their products.
Adidas’ latest campaign is invoking engagement and has gotten more than a thousand likes.
Burberry uses their latest deep and mysterious editorial ads. Doesn’t it make you want to buy their coats? I know I do.
Breaking Bad shows what is to come in its next season by setting up its main character in what looks like a difficult situation. It draws you in and makes you want to watch—oh and they remind you the airtime in the bottom right hand corner without distracting from the big picture.
3. Use high resolution images.
Don’t use low quality, grainy images. They are an immediate turn off from your page and can make it seem like you have no idea what you’re doing. If the cover photo sets the tone for the rest of the visit, make sure you use quality, professional-like material.
Tiffany & Co. uses a beautiful shot of their nature brooches.
Canon made a collage from colorful and vibrant pictures.
4. Be creative, but keep it simple.
Play around with the design of your cover photo. It’s impressive and it adds a “wow” factor. However, don’t take it to far. The cover photo should be aesthetically pleasing, not overwhelming.
Facebook’s Cover Photo shows what they do best: connect people all over the world.
Crumbs Bake Shop shows its followers what it does best: bake cute, mouthwatering cupcakes.
Rock star Steven Tyler’s cover photo embodies his work and style.
5. Put a face on your company.
Cover photos with people adds humaneness to your company’s image. Robots do not run your company. However, a community of hardworking people that make important decisions on a daily basis, do.
Take The New York Times for example. They just began a new cover photo campaign that showcases their journalists working in the field. Each photo reads, “Over the next several months, we’re going to update our Facebook cover photo with pictures of Times journalists at work in the field.” And they then link to the journalist’s topic page.
This is a great way of showing what your staff does and shows appreciation for their work. Plus, the pictures truly set the tone that the journalists are bold and hard working.
Here’s a photo of their star photographer, Bill Cunningham, taking pictures on his bike in the middle of Times Square.
The clothing company H&M uses its surprised models.
Animal Planet showcases its favorite animals acting like humans.
If community is very valuable in your company, make sure you show that through your cover photo.
6. Make your profile picture and cover photo match.
This trick may take a little more effort, but the end results are aesthetically amazing. The top of your Facebook page looks sleek and it shows you took the time and effort to make sure the images matched.
Nike did it.
And so did Sprite.
And Kate Spade New York.
Don’t you think these all send a clear message? So can yours.