Changes To Facebook’s Cover Image Rules
Well, that snuck up on all of us. Facebook is making another change to the way they handle the cover image on your Facebook page.
You probably already know the rules of the cover image:
- No prices or call to action (like “download this free thing now” or “visit my website”)
- No website or other contact information
- No mentions of “liking,” “sharing,” or other things you can do on a Facebook page
Starting tomorrow (January 15) there’s also a new rule:
The cover image can’t be more than 20% text. That includes the text in any logos on your page.
Um, well, I guess that’s a problem for us:
Why? According to Facebook Insider, the old policy was “vague and not always followed or enforced.”
These new rules also apply to *paid* ads in your news feed. (Paid ads in your news feed can contain a call to action or purchase information. The 20% text is the key new rule.)
Think you will never use paid ads on Facebook? With the ever-increasing traffic and challenges getting views on posts even when you have a high level of engagement, an increasing number of non-profits and advocacy organizations are now using or considering promoted posts.
What will happen if your page is non-compliant? Facebook is apparently developing a tool to detect non-compliant ads. It is not clear what will happen to pages with non-compliant images. (I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!)
Because of the nature of our work, we’re in the process of working with an illustrator to help us create new visuals.
How are you going to integrate the new Facebook rules on your page?
Well, that’s annoying!
Molly ~ I hear you! We’re going to need to take a much different approach to our page. I think in the end it will be good for us, but frustrating to make the change just so that Facebook can enforce the rules. Yet another important reminder to not put all of your social media eggs in the Facebook basket! We are all subject to their TOS, which could change at any moment. Facebook is a great tool but should be a part of a larger overall strategy that brings your community to your homebase (ideally, your blog or website). I feel a post coming on . . .