How to create Facebook Timeline covers for your nonprofit (Photoshop template included)
By now you’re probably aware that your Facebook profile has automatically been upgraded to the new timeline layout, which features a large cover at the very top.
Many organizations, like the Ocean Concervancy, are creating covers that supporters can use on their timeline (see the example Beth is using above).
Dave Connell, of the OC said they’re “offering up these covers is a way for our supporters to express their personal support for the ocean.”
Notice that there is no hard-sell pitch for donations (which could violate Facebook’s TOC). Rather, the OC covers are “lightly branded” beautiful photographs of various ocean life.
How to create a custom Facebook cover for your nonprofit
The easiest way to create a custom Facebook cover is to get a designer to create one using Photoshop.
Have your designer use the dimensions shown below, or download the Photoshop template here (zip file) which includes three layers:
- Background color – Which can be deleted or edited.
- Profile picture box – This is intended to show you exactly where the user’s profile pic will appear on your cover. You want to know where the profile pic will be displayed so that you don’t block an important part of your Facebook cover. You can also use the profile pic to make your Facebook cover stand out.
- Dimension layer – This layer is informational only and should be hidden or deleted.
What if you don’t have Photoshop? If you don’t have access to a designer or Photoshop, you can use pixlr, which is an online photo editing website that allows you to upload and crop photos at any dimension.
How to upload your new cover into Facebook
After you or your designer have created the images, create a Facebook Page photo album and then promote these covers via email, news feed and any other means.
Let’s see your Facebook Covers!
Post a link to your Facebook covers on the Nonprofit Facebook Guy wall.