I finally went ahead and made the big switch for Global Strategic Management Institute’s (GSMI) Facebook Page. Now when you Like GSMI’s page or check it out for conference updates and events you will see the page looks very different. More and more brands are switching over to the Timeline and eventually, this month in fact, the switch will happen whether the page owner likes it or not. Here are my Top Ten Facebook Page Timeline Covers:
#1 Global Strategic Management Institute
The first thing I did when switching the page over was select a cover. The photo I selected was taken at our recent Social Media Strategies Summit in Las Vegas, NV. I felt this picture embodied what it is we do, provide top-notch, educational conferences and summits. In this picture you can see our keynote on stage and the audience taking in his presentation. A cover should be more than just an advert but really give people a glimpse into what it is your organization does.
#2 Virgin America
I’m about to get on a plane in just a few hours and unfortunately I will not be flying Virgin America. As you can see their planes are BEAUTIFUL, clean, spacious and provide all the entertainment your little heart could ever hope for. Flying on Virgin is an absolute treat and their Facebook cover puts that fact right in your face! This is one of my favorite uses of the new Facebook cover because it does a couple of things. 1- They show you the inside of their plane, the most important place in the eyes of the traveler. 2- Its a beautiful picture with purples, reds and just a little black. 3- It’s simple and clean and not pushing products, sales or features. Well done Virgin!
#3 Nike
Nike’s Facebook Page Cover makes the #3 slot for a very specific reason. They have utilized this valuable space to share a timely message. For those of you who attended SXSW Nike wanted you to know they had a very cool mobile app and were awarding really cool access to a special few who “earned NikeFuel”. This message is intriguing and leads me to want to know more. What kinds of cool things can I earn and how. Great use of space and messaging! Well done Nike
#4 Starbucks
Simplicity! Starbucks is a well known brand because they have done a fantastic job at branding and marketing without overdoing it. I was a fan of their branding strategy to remove “Starbucks” from their cups and just leave us with their logo. And it appears they are following this same strategy with their Facebook Page cover. Back to the beans, simple, honest yet still giving a strong brand message – were about the coffee!
#5 NCAA
I simply love this photo! The colors, the message, the blurred background – fantastic! This is a photograph I could see hanging in my local coffee shop or even on a friends wall. In my very humble opinion this is art. Yet it is simply a picture of college track kids at a meet and that embodies what the NCAA is. That’s why the NCAA’s Facebook cover takes the #5 slot.
#6 Volvo
If you have a beautiful product, like the Volvo V40, why not show it off. Volvo is known for their beautifully made cars and it was a smart choice to feature the Volvo V40 as the cover of their Facebook Page. The image is sharp and enticing and certainly makes me want to jump in that car and drive through the mountains.
#7 Tasti D-lite
I love this cover because it is “real” and “authentic”. This picture was not taken at a photo shoot with lights and props all set up in advance. No this image was taken on the street with real people buying a yummy treat in the middle of the day. Tasti D-Lite is a fun and accessible brand and their Facebook Page cover embodies that.
#8 Stella & Dot
One of my favorite jewelry brands is Stella & Dot, and for two reasons. First, I love their jewelry. Second, I love their marketing! Stella & Dot has put their Facebook cover to great use by featuring two of their models wearing two stunning pieces. If you visit the Stella & Dot website or have any of their magazines you will notice their Facebook cover falls in line with the branding perfectly. Branding is key and to miss the opportunity to build your branding via Facebook covers is not something you want to do.
#9 Facebook
Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Their Facebook cover shows their mission coming to fruition with beauty. It’s a simple yet powerful message!
#10 Jeffrey Hayzlett
I saved one of my favorites for last, Jeffrey Hayzlett’s Facebook Page cover. For those of you who have attended one of my Social Media Strategies Summit’s it’s likely you’ve had the pleasure of hearing Hayzlett give an amazing opening keynote! He is brilliant, funny and honest and a true cowboy! I love Hayzlett’s Facebook cover because it embodies who he is and what his passions are! There is no “selling” of his two best selling books or showcasing his standing ovations. This cover is simple and real and for those of you who have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Hayzlett, who he really is!
What Facebook Page covers do you love? I would love to hear from you! If you’re interested in learning more about how to use social media platforms to grow your brand, build business and stand out from the rest consider attending one of our Social Media Strategies Summits or conferences. You will hear from brands like, Tasti D-lite, Volvo, Facebook and much much more!
Social Media Strategies Conference, Chicago April 18 & 19
Social Media Strategies Summit, Miami June 12-14
Social Media Strategies Summit, Boston October 23-25
Social Media Strategies Summit, London November 8-10
