15 Creative Tips to Rock Your Timeline Cover Photo for Facebook Pages

Last Updated on June 5, 2012 by Wong Ching Ya

UPDATED 20/03/2012: Visit Part 2: 18 More Creative Tips to Fire Up Your Facebook Page Cover Photo.

Facebook Pages are going through drastic changes to embrace the Timeline layout. One of the most critical tasks is to design your cover photo (851×315 pixels). Unfortunately, Facebook had laid down strict rules to prevent all promotional links, call to actions, contact information to appear on the cover:

This made the transition even more difficult and daunting. We’ve seen the big brands with their visual compelling cover photos. Just how shall we, the (smaller brand) page owners can make full use of that visible spot for brand awareness? I’ve compiled about 60+ cover photos from non-big-brand pages below, hopefully we can be inspired by their amazing effort.

Disclaimer: Below pages are mentioned due to their creative use of cover images. It has nothing to do with affiliation or promotion for the products/services they offered.

 

#1  To Announce an Event or Product Launch

 

Kim uses the cover image to announce her exclusive webinar while the image description (after clicked) includes the link to the event registration. Smart idea.

ShortStack informs everyone that their facebook applications are now Timeline ready – a message that is hard to miss on the cover. Their custom app images are nicely designed too.

 

#2  To Show Appreciation to Supporters/Fans

 

What a wonderful gesture to showcase your loyal fans by adding them to your cover photo, Mari has done it again!

 

#3  Creative Design of Company Name and Logo

 

These brands are incorporating colorful and impressive background designs to match their company name and logo. Some of them have customized their custom app images to match their brand identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4  To Capture Attention with Catchy Slogan & Images

 

You gotta love the name and slogan – very catchy,

Fresh Art uses a cover photo that resonates with all of us – who doesn’t have a silly moment?

Another smart use of tagline,

Yes, it’s obvious how much you love art.

All the questions will be answered within the page, I hope?

 

#5  “A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words”

 

Sometimes a clean photo represents a lot more than texts or phrases. In this case, relevancy is vital. Be smart in selecting the best image that says it all:

 

 

 

 

 

#6  To Add Positive Elements in Your Timeline Cover

 

Everyone loves to be inspired and greeted by a positive message. These Pages are using the positive elements to entice visitors wanting to learn more about their brand.

 

 

 

 

#7  ‘Behind the Scenes’ Pictures (or ‘People Behind the Brand’)

 

Give your Facebook Page a personal touch by showcasing your team members. It’s great to be welcomed by bright smiles and (real) people who make things happen. You can amplify your brand awareness by allowing ‘Message’ option and Admin subscription button.

 

 

 

 

#8  To Tell Your Story via Photo Collages

 

Sometimes you may need more than one picture to express your brand. Iexpress2explore is using texts and photos to showcase their activities.

The ‘before and after’ pictures are equally interesting,

And of course, who doesn’t love kids’ photos!

 

#9  To Use Own Portrait or …

 

These are some familiar faces we’ve seen across the social media networks. Some of them are using own portraits while some, well, you got to admire their creativity.

 

 

 

 

 

#10  To Include Service Information

 

Use short descriptions to explain the type of services your brand provided.

Take note of Brankica’s ‘Like me!’ image on the photo app – great idea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#11 To Showcase Your Art Work

 

Cover photo is a great bonus facebook app for photographers. Even writers/authors can benefit from showcasing their work too.

 

 

 

 

 

#12  To Showcase Your Product

 

Let your visitors aware of the products or merchandise you offered.

 

 

 

 

#13  To Add Testimonials (from Clients or Industry Leaders)

 

Win your first impression from visitors by displaying testimonials from industry leaders or clients. However, don’t flood your cover photo with dozens of testimonials. Remember, less is more.

 

 

#14  To Show Positive User Experience

 

Use picture that shows positive user experience of your brand, but remember to not fake it. It will be ironic to have all the negative posts or comments underneath a ‘I’m-a-happy-customer’ type of cover. If you are able to find real-life customers who are willing to help out, that’s even more convincing.

 

 

#15  To Define Your Website/Blog Type

 

For bloggers or site owners, you may use photo that best describes your site genre. For example, Michael Aulia owns a tech blog with gadgets reviews:

Or you can explain your site with a short paragraph,

Or bullet points,

Or anything you feel matches your web design or personality.

 

So there you have it! Hopefully these Timeline brand Pages gave you enough inspirations to design your own. Since default landing tab is no longer available, you need to use all possible assets to entice visitors to Like your brand before all the engagements could take place on your Page.

Want more examples? You may visit here.

 

Don’t forget to read Part 2: 18 More Creative Tips to Fire Up Your Facebook Page Cover Photo.

Now Is Your Turn…

 

Have you published your Timeline Page yet? Do you think Cover photo has a great potential for brand visibility? Share your thoughts in the comment.

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