Don't be afraid of the Big Bad Cover Photo

Crazy Mutt searching for some Cover Photos

I was on a mission this past week.  I was determined to find some cool new Cover Photos and feature them on my Facebook page for Crazy Mutt. I was also determined that I would feature local businesses and non-profits. Little did I know, I had my work cut out for me.  Sometimes, I forget that I am "Social Media" fanatic (my 13 yr old's words).  The day the new Timeline came out for our personal profiles on Facebook, I was all over it.  Same goes for my Crazy Mutt page.  I love the way it looks.  I get to feature my photography.  The Cover Photo is a like a billboard.

Do you know how much Billboard advertising costs?  Okay, so I can't tell you that.  It's been a few years since I've priced them (yes, I really have).  The Cover Photo is a unique way to show your business' character and it can cost very little and for many can be produced for nothing but your time.

So, why was it so hard to find local Cover Photos to feature?  Is everyone planning some fabulous unveil?  Actually, that may be true for some.  More realistically, the business owners and non-profit staff are stretched too thin and this is just one more thing to worry about.  It will be unfortunate if they don't think of something to feature before the switch over by March 31.  I've seen a few who did switch but didn't have a Cover Photo.  Such a waste of prime advertising space!  I hope to find more this coming week.

Here are some facts about a Page's Cover Photo:

• Size your Cover Photo to 851 x 351 pixels.  If you don't you will have to slide it around and you may cut off something you want to include
• Don't just post a larger image of your page's Profile Picture or logo.  Your page profile picture will be in a smaller square on the lower left portion of the Cover Photo.  Use the Cover Photo to say "Bazinga!" look at us! (If you caught my "Big Bang Theory" reference, you just earned extra points).
• Speaking of your Profile Picture, check the size.  Does it fit in your the space?  Make sure you are using a high quality image that scales from 180 x180 pixels to 32 x 32 pixels thumbnail image.  This is the image that follows your business or organization's Facebook posts on news feed stories, ads, and featured stories.
• Use original or royalty free photography or graphic design to which you own the rights.
• Do not include any "call to action", such as "Like Us" or "Donate".  
• You also need to leave out any contact information.  The new timeline design has "About" directly below your profile pic.  This is a great time to check your about information and edit as needed.
• The Cover Photo is not the place for offers like coupons, prices or product information.
• Have some fun, be creative!  Like I said, this is your Billboard.  A great thing is that you can change it... believe it or not, change is a good, good thing.

Need some inspiration?  Mashable has a great slide show of some larger brands new Cover Photos.