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Mar
14

Design trends in the new Facebook Timeline cover image: what works, and what doesn’t.

Since the announcement of the new Facebook Timelines, I’ve been spending time looking at what the big brands are doing – how they’re utilizing the change in layout & more importantly, the new cover images.

After searching through over 200 brands that have already updated to the new timeline, I noticed while many of them are spot on, there are quite a few that missed the boat.

Based on what I’ve seen, here’s 4 examples timeline trends that absolutely work – and 4 examples that fall a little short:

The 4 types that work:

Bold. Simple. Powerful.

Combining the avatar into the photo for a complete experience.

Providing an emotional connection to the brand through a recognized building.

Showing an understanding your market & consumers with the right messaging.

 

And the 4 that don’t quite make it:

Replication of the avatar. Creativity: missing.

Trying to be conceptually clever and failing.

Really, really, really (did I say REALLY?) bad Photoshopping.

Using a brand image that is un-inspiring. Un-interesting. Un-everything.

What are your thoughts on the trends in cover photos? Has your brand started working on the new layout?

Related posts:

  1. Have 35 seconds? You can change the date of a story or image on your timeline on Facebook.
  2. Facebook Timeline has arrived for brand pages!
  3. The New Facebook Timeline + Old Facebook Posts = Potential Problems.

Category: Creative Visuals, Graphic & Website Design
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  • http://www.effectivemarketingmedia.com/ Marketing Expertise

    I agree with your “positive” examples, particularly your observations about making an emotional connection and understanding the target consumer.

    But so much with your supposed “failures.”

    Madonna

    Yes, it’s a reproduction of the the avatar, but the image is so bold and vibrant and exciting – my eye is immediately draw in and I love it!

    American Express

    AMEX has build its entire brand on elitism: “Membership has its privileges.” And their cover image says it all.

    Kodak

    First of all, I’ll offer a little disclaimer, I own this printer and it’s fantastic! The cover image is not great, but it’s fun, and by no means a failure.

    Macy’s

    This is an iconic image of Macy’s flagship  Manhattan location – this is MACY’S! The Parades, the fanfare, it’s American’s Biggest Store! (I mean, it says so right on the sign!?!)

    I think your perspective is too analytical, you’re approaching this with the attitude of “I’m a marketing pro,” and not the typical Facebook user who would be dazzled by Madonna, in addition to making the emotional connection with AMEX and Macy’s.

    • http://wrightcreativity.com/ Kirsten Wright

      You’re right, I did look at them from a marketers standpoint (hard not to when that’s who I am). However,

      Madonna: I don’t see the creativity I would expect from the queen of pop, even from a consumer standpoint

      Amex: Yes, but the line feels so incomplete. Member since…since what? If you aren’t someone who knows their tagline, it wouldn’t make any sense.

      Kodak – sorry, the absolutely horrendous photoshop job can’t be overlooked. And a less than stellar image? That is unacceptable with a brand that size.

      Macy’s: While the image may speak to some people – personally, I think it is a failure since I had zero idea of where this store was or why the image was ‘iconic’. Iconic images should be recognized by their target market, which I am. (I am a huge shopper!)

      As far as being too analytical…that was the point of the post :) Analyzing what brands are doing in social is part of who I am.

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