Creating an Eye-Catching Facebook Cover Photo: Best Practices and Design Tips

When it comes to your Facebook page, your cover photo is the first thing visitors see. It's essential to make a positive first impression by following Facebook's best practices for cover photos, including specific dimensions and file size.

For desktop, cover photos should be 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall, while for mobile, they should be 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall. It's also important to keep the file size under 100 kilobytes for optimal loading time.

The Importance of Adhering to Cover Photo Guidelines for Mobile and Desktop

Mobile and desktop screens have different requirements for cover photos, so it's crucial to consider both when designing your cover photo. On mobile, the cover photo is displayed smaller, potentially cutting off important elements of the image. To avoid this, it's best to place the focal point in the center of the image.

• For example, HubSpot's Facebook cover photo looks great on desktop, but on mobile, there is space that is not displayed. To prevent this, make sure to right-align objects and keep important content within the designated green space.

To help you design the perfect cover photo for your business, here are some tips:

• Utilize Facebook's cover photo templates for a professional look.
• Follow the guidelines for cover photo dimensions and file size.
• Focus on creating an eye-catching and visually appealing image.
• Consider using a focal point to draw attention.
• Ensure your profile picture complements your cover photo.
• Highlight the action buttons on the bottom right of your cover photo.
• Keep the mobile experience in mind when designing your cover photo.
• Include a shortened link in the photo description that aligns with your page's call to action.
• Pin a related post below your cover photo to further engage your audience.

Design Tips for a Stunning Facebook Cover Photo

Don't worry about the "20% text" rule - while it was removed in 2013, it's still important to keep your text concise and let the imagery speak for itself. A cluttered cover photo can be distracting and deter visitors from engaging with your page. Keep your cover image simple and focused on a central point.

Make Your Cover Photo Stand Out

When designing your Facebook cover photo, think of it as the first thing people see when they land on your page. Make sure the design is eye-catching and aligns with your brand's color scheme to create a cohesive and visually engaging experience.

Coordinate Your Profile Picture and Cover Photo

Remember that your profile picture and cover photo are two separate images that should complement each other. Use similar color schemes or contrasting patterns in both images while still following your brand's guidelines for a cohesive look.

Right-Aligned for Balance

For a visually appealing design, right-align the focal point of your cover photo. Since the profile picture is on the left, this creates a balanced look. Compare the two Samsung examples - the right-aligned cover photo is more visually appealing and effective, especially on mobile devices.

Right-Aligned: Image Source

Left-Aligned: Image Source

Think Mobile

With the majority of Facebook users accessing the platform through mobile devices, it's crucial to consider the mobile experience when designing your cover photo. Keep in mind that a smaller portion of the cover photo will be visible on mobile, so avoid placing important content too far to the right. By following these tips, you can create a stunning and effective cover photo for your Facebook page.

Take a look at how Cisco's page appears on different devices:

Increase Clicks with a Strong Call to Action

Maximize the impact of your Facebook cover photo by including a shortened link in the description that supports your page's ultimate goal. This way, even if someone only sees your cover photo, they can still get directed to your link. A great example is Adobe Creative Cloud's cover photo, which includes a clear call to action.

Expert tip: Use link shorteners and tracking codes to monitor clicks on your link. Platforms like HubSpot and Bitly offer these features.

Promote Your Most Important Post

Pin a post at the top of your timeline to highlight a specific post and reinforce your call to action. Behance does this effectively with a "Pinned Post" title on the top right. By pinning a post, your call to action will be visible in multiple locations when visitors land on your page, increasing the chances of conversion.

Here's how to pin a Facebook post:

• Publish the post on Facebook.
• Click the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
• Select "Pin to Top of Page".

Create an Eye-Catching Facebook Cover Photo

Your Facebook cover photo is the first thing visitors see when they land on your page, so it's essential to make a good first impression. With the right use of color, showcasing your products or services, and incorporating fun illustrations, you can create a stunning cover photo that represents your brand and engages your audience.

Choose Your Colors Wisely

The colors in your cover photo can have a significant impact on your brand image. Incorporating your brand's color scheme can help create a cohesive look and make your page easily recognizable. Take inspiration from Zelle, who uses a monochromatic purple look in their cover photo to match their brand's colors. They also added a simple tagline that ties everything together.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Black and White

While bright colors can catch attention, using a black and white image can also be impactful. This contrast can help draw the viewer's focus to your product or service quickly. For example, yoga studio Y7 uses a black and white photo of one of their classes as their cover photo, instantly informing viewers what to expect from an in-person session.

Show off Your Offerings

Use your Facebook cover photo as an opportunity to showcase your company's products or services. Create The Culture, an embroidered apparel and home goods company, does this perfectly with their cover photo. They feature their beautifully made products, making it the perfect display for their aesthetically-pleasing items.

Incorporate Creative Illustrations

Adding illustrations to your cover photo can be a fun way to inject some personality into your page. Incorporate shapes, icons, and drawings to make your cover stand out. For example, travel company Going does this by using a scenic photo of a waterway and skyline and adding playful illustrations of someone parachuting and a thumbs up, making the image more eye-catching and unique.

Less is Sometimes More

Remember, you don't always need to include text in your cover photo. Sometimes it's better to show rather than tell. Take Fishs Eddy, a home goods store, who used a photo of their store's interior filled with their products. This image speaks for itself and lets potential customers know exactly what they can expect when they visit.

By following these tips, you now have the knowledge to create a Facebook cover photo that accurately represents your brand and engages your audience on the platform. Use your creativity and have fun with it to make your cover photo stand out and leave a lasting impression.