Facebook cover images on business pages came into force about a year ago now. They trickled in until eventually we all had one.
With the new wave of changes happening on Facebook – cover images are becoming increasingly important. Why? Well you may have noticed that when your friends like a page it doesn’t just show in your news feed as a blue hyperlink but NOW it shows the cover image and avatar so basically the whole top of the business page.
So what does that mean for you? It means that you NEED to have a cover image – I still can’t believe how many businesses don’t. This is a good opportunity to go over the rules and regulations for cover images.
Facebook Cover Images
- All cover images are public.
- Cover images can not be deceptive or misleading or infringe on anyone else’s copyright.
- Cover images cannot bare images with more than 20% text
- Text including price or purchase information, such as “25% off” or “Download it on joannedewberry.co.uk“
- Website address, email, mailing address, Twitter ID etc are also NOT allowed on cover images
- Cover images should not make reference to any Facebook features or actions, such as “Like” or “Share“
- Calls to actions such as “join our mailing list” – “email me now” – “Tell Your Friends” are NOT allowed.
- Cover images must be 851 pixels wide x 315 pixels tall.
How many of you read that list and thought – “ekk my cover breaks at least one of those” – I see them daily. I usually do just take a minute to email people and let them know as the problem is most people don’t know – this list should be there everytime you go to upload a cover only it isn’t.
***UPDATE 20th March 2013 (typically 2 days after my post went live!) Facebook changed it’s cover guidelines –
Cover
All covers are public. This means that anyone who visits your Page will be able to see your cover. Covers can’t be deceptive, misleading, or infringe on anyone else’s copyright. You may not encourage people to upload your cover to their personal timelines. Covers may not include images with more than 20% text.***
Think about how your cover image will look in this situation. Top of the Shops Poole – their image breaks no rules and the avatar tells you most of what you need to know BUT are you drawn to having a look at the page? So does your cover image SELL your business?? Don’t forget to leave links to your Facebook pages in your comments.
If you are in need of a new cover image then please do get in touch with our design team – design@joannedewberry.co.uk – we charge £20 per cover you can see some of our past designs on Facebook.
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It’s on my to do list to check mine out since I noticed you mentioning this, Joanne. Interestingly both on my phone and desk top I still see the old version when someone likes a page( blue hyperlink). Haven’t seen that new version happening yet but that’s nothing new for Facebook! Everyone seems to get things at different times!
My Facebook page: www. Facebook.com/Boutiquetoyouuk
Facebook cover images are great to help maintain your brand’s image but you need to make sure that the quality of the image you use is consistent with the content you post.
I used to use FB imagery as a way to promote Facebook exclusives e.g. the cover would be used to explain if you liked the page you’d be able to gain a Facebook exclusive discount which would be hosted on an app page within the FB page. The page would only reveal once the page was liked which increased the number of likes dramatically.
Facebook cover images are so important to portray your brand and image. Facebook is almost, if not just as, important as your webpage. If it’s not right or looks amateur then it’s not going to entice people to your site. A great article Joanne. Simon http://www.morethanjustprint.co.uk
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