Finding the perfect Facebook cover photo can be a challenge. The cover photo is one of the first things people will notice on your profile, so you want it to properly represent you or your business. In this article, we will discuss where you can find quality Facebook cover photos and how to choose the right one.
Stock Photo Websites
One of the best places to find Facebook cover photos is stock photo websites. These sites offer a wide variety of high-quality, royalty-free images that you can use for your cover photo. Some popular stock photo sites include:
- Shutterstock – Over 200 million royalty-free images, including many designed specifically for Facebook cover photos.
- Adobe Stock – Get access to over 90 million photos, graphics, videos, templates and 3D assets.
- iStock – Search their collection of over 25 million creative stock photos.
- 123RF – Features over 100 million royalty-free stock photos, videos, audio files and graphics.
- Dreamstime – Database of nearly 200 million images uploaded by over 1 million contributors.
When searching on a stock photo site, be sure to filter your search by selecting images that are the correct size and aspect ratio for a Facebook cover photo. The ideal dimensions are 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall.
Tips for Choosing Stock Photos
- Look for eye-catching images that will stand out in the news feed.
- Choose photos that relate to your brand, industry or interests.
- Consider using text overlays to make the photo more unique.
- Make sure any text is clear and easy to read.
- Pick images with good lighting and resolution.
- Search for photos that feel bright and uplifting.
- For businesses, opt for photos that connect emotionally with your target demographic.
The great thing about stock photos is that they are inexpensive to license, usually costing only a few dollars. Many sites also offer free stock photos that you can use without attribution. Just be sure to check the licensing terms first.
Custom Photo Design Services
If you want a Facebook cover photo that is totally unique, consider hiring a graphic designer to create a custom design. Services like:
- Fiverr – Hire freelance graphic designers to create original artwork.
- 99designs – Get dozens of design concepts submitted based on your project brief.
- Designhill – Custom designs created by their team of professional graphic designers.
- Design Wizard – Upload your own images/logos and customize template-based designs.
The designer can incorporate your brand colors, logo, images and other elements into an eye-catching cover photo. Although more expensive than stock photos, custom designs guarantee you’ll have a one-of-a-kind cover photo tailored to your brand.
Benefits of Custom Designs
- Completely exclusive artwork that won’t be used by anyone else.
- Ability to match brand guidelines and convey your desired image.
- Option to reuse/modify the design for other marketing materials.
- Design can be tweaked until it’s perfect.
Social Media Image Sites
If you want a cover photo but don’t have a big budget, check out free image banks specifically designed for social media. These sites offer templates, graphics, and photos optimized for platforms like Facebook. Some top options include:
- Pablo – Create stunning social media images with their collection of templates.
- Canva – Access over 60 million stock photos and illustrations right within their easy-to-use graphic design tool.
- Photos.com – Download free Facebook cover templates in a variety of styles.
- Piktochart – Make pro-level infographics using their template library.
All you need to do is pick a template or image you like, customize it with your own text/logos if desired, and download for use as your Facebook cover photo. The images are free to use for personal and commercial projects.
Pros of Social Media Image Sites
- Completely free to use.
- Requires no graphic design experience.
- Massive libraries of stylish templates and graphics.
- Great for amateurs or small businesses on a budget.
Hire a Photographer
For a truly one-of-a-kind cover photo, hire a photographer to take original photos specifically for your Facebook page. This could be:
- Product photos featuring your business’ goods or services.
- Candid office shots highlighting your work culture.
- Staged lifestyle photos relevant to your brand or niche.
- Outdoor environmental portraits of team members.
Photographers can set up shots to get the perfect framing, lighting, and creative composition. Make sure to communicate the 820×312 pixel size needed for the cover photo. This route takes more planning and resources but enables full control over the visual branding on your Facebook page.
Tips for Custom Photo Shoots
- Scout locations that fit your brand aesthetic.
- Give the photographer examples of styles you like.
- Plan shots that showcase your products or workspace.
- Schedule when lighting will be ideal for photography.
- Provide any props needed for product or lifestyle shots.
- Hire a pro experienced in commercial/marketing photography.
Create Your Own Photos
If hiring others is not in your budget, create your own Facebook cover photo using these DIY tips:
- Use your phone camera: Phones like iPhone and Android have amazing cameras. Watch some tutorials on taking great product or brand photos with your phone and then snap some shots. Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help perfect them.
- Style a setting: Turn a desk or shelf into an aesthetic product display. Use props, interesting textures, cool lighting, and moody backgrounds to create an eye-catching vignette.
- Grab some friends: Have your friends or coworkers model for lifestyle candid photos that showcase your brand personality and company culture.
- Raid your archives: Look for unused lifestyle photos, product shots or nature photos in your files that could be cropped/edited to fit a Facebook cover photo.
- Design your own: Use Canva’s pre-sized social media templates to design a graphic cover photo featuring your logo, brand colors, images and text.
DIY Tips
- Study photography and design principles to make polished images.
- Edit photos in apps like Photoshop Express to perfect framing, color, etc.
- Use props and settings to match your brand identity and industry.
- Add text overlays to turn photos into inspirational quotes or branded messages.
- Snap lots of shots and batch edit to get some winning options.
Conclusion
Facebook cover photos represent a chance to convey your brand, products, culture or mission in an eye-catching way. You can find quality stock photos, hire designers for custom graphics, use social image banks, work with a photographer or DIY your own photo shoot. The most important tips are to use high-resolution, well-composed images that dynamically represent you while fitting the 820×312 pixel size for cover photos.
Some final recommendations:
- Change your cover photo regularly to keep your page looking fresh.
- Use relevant images for holidays, events or seasons.
- Test different images to see which ones perform best.
- Make sure important information is not obscured by profiles pictures.
- Use Canva’s free Facebook cover photo maker tool.
With an eye-catching and effective cover photo, you can make a great first impression and get more from your Facebook presence. For additional guidance on optimizing your Facebook marketing, consult with one of our digital advertising experts!