Facebook states that on Friday, March 30, it will convert all Fan pages to the new Timeline format. The most obvious component of Timeline is the large cover image at the top of the page.
Facebook has restrictions on these images. They cannot contain the following elements.
- Price or purchase information. Examples include "40% off" or "Download it at our website."
- Contact information. Web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for the Page's "About" section.
- References to user interface elements. This includes "Like" or "Share" or any other Facebook site features.
- Calls to action. This could be statements such as "Get it now" or "Tell your friends."
To help businesses prepare for the Timeline change, here are six best practices, with examples, for creating acceptable cover images.
1. Optimize the Size
Facebook says cover images should be at least 399 pixels wide. However, the optimum size is 855 pixels wide x 350 pixels down the page. Some articles I've read suggest slightly different dimensions — such as 850 x 315 — but most recommend 855 x 350.
2. Center or Right-align the Focal Point
Due to the fact that the page avatar — i.e., the icon — is inset in the lower left-hand corner of the cover, it's best to either use an image that has no particular focal point or, if one exists, align it to the center or right-hand side. Here are two examples.
3. Abide by Facebook's Requirements
The cover image may look like a billboard and, as such, the temptation may be to build in promotional elements. I don't know how Facebook plans to monitor the millions of images that are soon to be uploaded, but it's best to abide by the rules from the outset rather than be forced to make changes later.
Here are two examples of covers that may cross the line.
Notice the call to action, which encourages visitors to "get your copy" along with an arrow pointing to the "Like" button. Though no mention is made to Like the page, the inference is obvious and, therefore, questionable. Calls to action are forbidden.
According to Facebook's requirements, the use of a web address — as seen in this cover — is prohibited.
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