In case you aren’t in the loop, Facebook has set a date, March 30, for the mandatory switch to timeline for all fan pages. This includes all business and non-profit organization pages. Though this does not apply to personal pages, it’s not too early to start thinking about your own timeline and cover images. There hasn’t been a date set for an official timeline switch for all pages but it seems it could be coming sooner rather than later based on the mandatory switch for fan pages.

I have been trying out timeline for a few weeks now and, I have to tell you, I am really liking it. I know Facebook has a reputation for changing rapidly and dramatically and not always for the better. But, I think this is a great update.

The best part of timeline is the ability to add a large image to the top called the cover image. The whole point of the cover image is to represent yourself; your likes, your personality, your humor. Be creative! Check out these awesome personal page covers and non-profit fan pages.

Cover photo by Fabio Maravilla

Cover photo by Jerome Vadon

Cover photo by Louise Lundberg

Cover photo by Aly Moffatt

Creating your own cover image

Inspired by these awesome examples, I decided to create my own creative cover. There is a great Photoshop template at the end of the personal page covers article from above. You can create your cover directly in the template in order to get a good idea as to how it will actually look on your timeline.

Using the Photoshop template, I decided to combine the following images into something unique and unexpected. Take a look at my Facebook cover.

Don’t have Photoshop?

No problem. There are tons of websites and apps dedicated to helping you create unique cover pages.

My personal favorite was Sumo Cover. It is an app that integrates with your Facebook page. I found that it has a super easy to use interface that allows you to upload photos from your computer, select pre-existing backgrounds, or select from any of your Facebook photos. In creating your cover image, you can add various effects, text, increase or decrease image size.

Beware though. One problem I did encounter with this app was I could not figure out how to upload my saved cover to my Facebook timeline. I alerted the company so hopefully this glitch will be fixed.

It’s always better to create a unique image, but if this isn’t realistic for you, Sumo Cover, offer pre-designed covers for download. However, be on the lookout for cheesy “Myspace-esque” templates and layouts.

Sidenote

I recently created a Facebook cover for the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem program. Take a look!

You’ve seen my Facebook cover. Now, I want to see yours!