Not all social media accounts, business pages or personal profiles have them but when we do see them, they can really help set one brand apart from the rest. We’re talking about social media cover photos. The dimensions have recently changed –again and now the first thing that you see on someone’s social media account (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Youtube channel) is a giant cover picture. These cover photos are extremely important to have and can make a world of a difference when it comes to who follows, likes and shares your updates and social profiles and pages.

Image Quality

It’s extremely important to know the proper sizes of the cover images before you upload or design them. Sometimes a Youtube channel cover will require a different size or dimension than a Facebook cover image. You will want to make sure that your photo has the best quality and doesn’t come up blurry or pixelated. Make sure you have a graphic designer you can trust to make the proper revisions if necessary and keep on hand if the sizes of pictures change over time (which they will). Your designer should know the right aspect ration, dimensions, quality and sizes that will fit perfectly snug into your photo section and look brilliant and clear.

Proper Pixel Sizes: (as of recent- Sept 2014)

YouTube Channel Image: 2560 x 1440

Facebook Cover Image: For best quality 851 x 315 pixels

Twitter Cover Image: 1500 x 500 pixels

Google+ Cover Image: 1080 x 608 pixels

Brand Recognition

This is your first impression, so don’t blow it! Images allow us to understand a story, brand or person. It’s imperative that you use the giant cover image space to your advantage. It’s a great way to attract new fans. Get a personal, branded image that will help draw in your target audience. You do not need to create a different image altogether for each individual profile, you will want to keep them congruent so your brand can be recognized across all platforms.

For more inspiration, check out 25 companies with brilliant social media cover photos

Take Advantage

If you have an upcoming event or are focused on selling a certain product then feel to include an image that represents it into your cover photo. Use this valuable web real estate space as a free advertisement. Show off your new fashion line or make an artistic image of the benefits of your latest and greatest product. Feel free to change your images to display what is trending in your industry right now BUT, keep them consistent with the previous image so that your fans are aware that it’s still your business.

If you are looking to get a custom branded cover photo for your business, we can help! Contact us today.

Don’t Forget About Your Profile Picture

Some would argue that your profile picture is even more important than your cover image and here is why. Your profile picture is the picture that shows up when you make a comment, an update, a reply and your newsfeed. For your profile, you should also make sure it is high quality and it’s consistent with your cover images.

So go ahead, get fancy, get creative, but stay professional!

Profit Parrot Marketing and SEO Company