The interface is the first thing that your potential customers see on social media sites, such as Facebook. This includes your profile photo, your posts, and most importantly, your timeline cover. If you are taking care of your own graphic design for your business, you should know how to design the perfect timeline cover.
Start with the right size
851 (width) x 315 pixels (height). Only use this size or larger! If you chose to use a larger image, Facebook will ask you to drag and correctly position the image. It is best practice to use the recommended size. This way, nothing will get cropped out, stretched, or distorted. You know exactly what will show up on it and will not waste extra image space.
Include your business name and logo
You have a perfectly sized blank canvas for your cover image. Now it’s time for the basics: your business name and logo. This customizes the cover and makes it yours. It won’t be stolen or shared, unless it is for promotional purposes. The best place to put your name and logo are in the top left corner, since it is what users see first (since we live in a left-to-right, top-to-bottom reading world). Don’t make either too large or too small, unless it is part of your branding technique. It should be easy to read and easy to recognize when the cover image is scaled down to a smaller size (such as when you hover over your name as a link).
Use minimal text
Your customers do not want to read an essay when it comes to any image, let alone your timeline cover. Keep the text short, and easy to read. You can use your simple slogan or summarize what you do. You can also include sales, specials or calls to action, but keep it short and simple. The text size should be smaller than your business name, but still easy to read. You can also put a URL on your timeline cover, for your website or blog, but stick to only one so the user knows exactly where to go.
Use social media icons
This is seen on a lot of musicians’ covers. They often use a YouTube or SoundCloud icon to show that they can also be found on those sites. That’s a great way to get to the point with only a small icon. Most people recognize them, so it’s a universal way to market your other sites without listing every link. You can also use other icons, such as for your payment options or contact methods, to portray a lot of information without saying it all in writing.
Keep it related your business
If you own a baking shop, use a photo of your cookies. If you own a design firm, show an example of what you do. Use images to portray your business. Keep the colors, text, images, and fonts on the same page as your business. Your timeline cover should represent your page in the best light. Your cover should have the same feel as your business, so your customers see it and relate it with you.
Do you have any experience making your own timeline covers? Do you need someone to analyze your current cover or make you a brand new one? I design custom Facebook timeline covers for only $10. I will gladly give you free advice on your current cover. Take a look at the covers I’ve designed so far, and contact me through facebook to get started.