Facebook’s New Cover Page – 7 Cool Features of Facebook’s Business Timeline Part 3

Facebook has finally rolling out Timeline for Business fan pages. By now all of your fan pages have converted to the new March 30th format. The first thing people will notice when visiting your new business fan page is the new cover page. This is part three of a seven part series entitled “7 Cool Features of a Facebook Business Timeline.” If you missed the first parts you can start at the beginning… “Highlighting a Post”.

The New Facebook Cover Page Dimensions

Facebook has increased the real estate and now allows a massive 815×315 pixel cover page. They still use on your Wall tab, your business 125×135 logo profile square. I recommend PhotoShop or the free Paint.NET to help you design them. Bonus Tip: Consider working your Fan Page icon into the mix and remember Facebook will default to the bottom 850×115 first, before visitors scroll up to see the entire 815×315 cover page. Very creative pages may take advantage of this subtle visual change I’ll explain more below.

Tide’s Cover Page Example

Walmart’s Cover Page Example

Walmart’s Shorter Facebook Cover Page Example

Notice in the second Walmart example, the the entire cover page is not seen initially. Keep in mind, most visitor will see the second image without scrolling up. You’ll want your most important information towards the bottom of your cover page. Additionally, there are a few Facebook required rules I must mention.  For a more detailed list click here. I am aware that there are many businesses that do NOT following these rules, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

1. Cover pages cannot be deceptive, misleading, or infringe on any copyrights.
2. Cover pages are completely public information and can be viewed without being friends. In short, they must be G rated.
3. Cover pages cannot contain pricing, purchase information, discounts or promotions of ANY kind.
4. Cover pages cannot contain a business address, email or url links.
5. Cover pages cannot contain call-to-actions such as “Like,” “Share,” or any arrows.

Many will consider this list constraining; however, I think it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Nevertheless, let me end by giving you some GREAT cover page suggestions:

1. Do put your business name and a creative representation of your products. Look again at Walmart’s above. Remember the cover page is very much like the header section of a website.
2. Do change your cover page frequently. I know some travel companies that change it weekly to subtly display different places to travel.
3. Do limit the words on your cover page. It’s the words that usually get businesses in trouble with Facebook.
4. Do be creative and have fun. Don’t let the restrictions restrict your creativity!

What creative ways are you using the cover page? What is your favorite new Facebook feature?

Fred Campos is Chief of Marketing at FunCitySocialMedia.com. Like this post? Make sure you subscribe to our blog!

Tagged as: Facebook, facebook marketing, Facebook Tips