How important is Facebook Cover Photo?

This 851 pixels width and 315 pixels tall image portion which will be the first thing to be noticed as anyone visit your business page is definitely not to be neglected. With recent uplift of strict rules by Facebook on cover photos of pages, this should be utilised to maximum in order to grab the viewers attention.

It is proved in multiple studies that viewers look at cover photo for more time than wall posts. So, lets look at the few questions which cross the page owners mind
1. What should we have as a cover photo?
2. How frequently should we change?
3. What points should be considered while making one?

First thing to keep in mind is it should be relevant to the page. It should speak about the page, latest updates or upcoming announcements. With recent uplift of the rules, you can include Call -to-Actions (CTA's) giving more details of how to contact ..etc How frequently is, it should be synchronised with the events, season, holidays, campaigns happening around or on your page.

Few points to consider for cover photo:
 - High quality image
 - Perfect right size as mentioned by Facebook
 - Text shouldn't go behind the profile pic. If possible keep it right aligned.
 - Purpose should be reflected - Do include call to actions
 - Do add perfect description with click-able links and hashtags

Below are few examples of how brands are using this space
 
1. Coke

Coke - Which has always been in the toppers list, Though there is no text nor faces, it nicely captured the emotion Friendship - which the brand always talks about.

2. Oral-B

Oral-B used its cover photo to talk about its product. It made both pictorial representation as well as text. Showcasing the quality of its product.

 3. Dairy Milk -

Cadbury Dairy Milk, synced its online marketing with its latest TV commercial. And it mentioned the hashtag which it uses to engage its online audience.

4. Titan

Titan, used the space at its best. It synced the colors of the profile picture with the cover photo. Which is appealing.  Also, included call-to actions. Its running offers along with showcasing the elegant watch.

5. Helios

Helios - Again by Titan, perfectly used the white space to convey its ongoing offers and the purchase options it provides. All the information a buyer want to know is readily there at the first glance.

6. Tata Housing Development.

Tata Housing - Made its cover photo reflect the coming season. Where the whole country unites to celebrate the freedom. It is touching the patriotic Indians.

7. Make My Trip

MakeMyTrip, here again used its space capturing the patriotic season with contest. It is brand for holidays made the contest asking its fans to win a trip.

These can be the examples to show that cover photos plays a important role in spreading the purpose and branding. So, utilise this space in the best way possible.

Never to forget that facebook explicitly said two points:
1. Cover photo can't be deceptive, misleading or infringe on anyone else's copyright and
2. you may not encourage people to upload your cover to their personal timelines. T
This are the only rules Facebook kept regarding the cover photos as of now.