Facebook is changing and the Timeline is coming.
The Timeline replaces the existing Facebook profile for users.
The idea is that the history of the profile is now a digital scrapbook of sorts.
Users of Facebook can now easily scroll back in time and see what they were saying and what they were sharing previously on Facebook.
The Timeline rolls out this week.
One of most notable change to profiles with the Timeline is what is called the Cover.
The Timeline allows users to upload a large photo or Cover right at the top of your Timeline.
Any picture you add here needs to be 851 pixels wide to display correctly. The cover dimensions are 851px by 315px.
There is still some confusion as to what type of image you are allowed to show here. Many business marketers are keen to upload an image that is basically a company advertisement, but a word of warning.
This is the message people have received thus far when converting to the Timeline:
What exactly constitutes a banner ad or “other promotion” is not clear.
For now, it’s probably safest to choose an image that represents your personality and life, rather than a commercial advertisement for your business.
Your Cover Image is Public
Do remember that this Cover image, being public, can be seen by any Facebook user who checks out your Timeline.
Even if your Timeline is entirely locked down for viewing by friends only, the Cover image is still public.
How to Add a Cover Image to Your Facebook Timeline
To upload a photo, click the arrow beside the Add a Cover button on the top of your Timeline (previously Profile) page.
The notification we showed you above will immediately appear to remind users about what photos are allowed on the cover space.
Click the Okay button and proceed with uploading your chosen photo.
You have two options here – upload a new photo or choose from photos already in your existing albums.
Choose your photo and it will load into the space for your Cover image.
How to Reposition your Cover Image
You can then reposition the photo within the available space to line up the image.
Select Change cover => Reposition. Drag the image to where you want it on the screen.
Save your changes.
To avoid showing your image in pixels, upload a fairly high resolution photo as your Cover image.
Have you see any great Cover images? Leave a link to them in the comments below.
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By Wendy Moore
Copyright 2011 Savvy Web Women Pty Ltd
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Wendy Moore is the founder of www.savvywebwomen.com and creator of the Savvy List Building Blog – the information packed resource that shows business owners and entrepreneurs how to get in front of an audience that wants to buy what they are selling. To receive your FREE Special Report and weekly how-to articles to expand your online List Building toolkit, visit www.wendymoore.net.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
there’s a facebook app that provides a ton of cover images and even gives you the ability to create one on your own with your facebook pictures. the link is https://apps.facebook.com/timeline_covers/
Thanks for sharing Dat.
well done..
Thanks Murat. I hope you found it useful. Wendy
Lot of Covers app and website , now you can also create cover from your friend profile picture.
Also mention the default Max Size of fb cover is 850 x315 , You can also share with your reader about us , we create cover photos using friend profile picture.
How do you make an album on this new timeline thing??
recent cover photos size is 851*315
u better re-correct it
thank you
Thanks for the sizing LuckyFM.
Fancy Facebook going and making a change. Who’d have thought it…
I’ve updated this post to reflect the latest sizing.
Wendy
Lies! There is no drop down list of options to reposition.
Oh. I had to publish it and use a different browser.
Hi Christopher,
Glad you worked it out and I was able to help.
Wendy
Hi Arnyka,
Same as before. Click on the photos tab and then you can load up photos. When you do this, you can create an album (it will automatically start a new album).
Wendy
Great info. Always new little tips and ideas for the huge wide world of online marketing and social media! Thanks for the advice on updating the cover photo! -Daniella
Hi Daniella,
Happy to help.
Wendy
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