Facebook Cover Size Dimensions

We recently received a question via Facebook Messenger from Alicia if we could tell her the ideal size for her Facebook Cover profile - the photos she had been uploading were blurry. Since Alicia may not be the only one with this question, we decided to share with our followers.

The ideal cover photo dimensions for a Facebook cover size (both page and profile) is 851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall for desktop, 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall for mobile.

Available for Facebook business pages is the ability to upload a cover video instead of a static photo. The specifications for this are: at least 820 pixels wide by 312 pixels tall and it can be 20 to 90 seconds long. If you found an image or video that you love and the dimensions are a bit off, you can still use it! You’ll want to choose that image or video (or upload it), and then you’ll be allowed to ‘reposition’ it. With the reposition feature, Facebook is essentially allowing you to crop your cover photo in a way that you think best fits in the space.

Not happy with any of the photos you have on hand? How about a site that offers free images for your blog or other social media needs? Be sure to scroll down past the "invitation to use Buffer's pablo service. Farther down the post are several free for use sites.

We also recommend reading the brief sections addressing Creative Commons and the explanation of Public Domain. Both are important for businesses - and individuals - to be aware of before grabbing an image from the Internet.

Social Media Trends To Watch in 2019

According to current statistics relating to social media trends, by the year 2020 80% of the total global internet traffic will be attributed to videos. There is a growing belief among those marketing companies that utilize videos in their campaigns that messages from videos are retained on the minds of their customers. The proof seems to be in the pudding as 73% of business to business organizations who have incorporated videos into their marketing campaigns are reporting positive results in their ROI.

What makes a successful video? We're glad you asked! Here are a few tips:

Don't overlook the Wow Factor. Creating a unique video something that has that added surprise is always a winner.

Forget creating an epic video. Ditch War and Peace. Shorter, precise and concise videos win the day.

Make a great first impression. Make sure you engage your audience within the first seven seconds.

Yes, you can take it with you. Make your video mobile friendly.

No one size fits all. Create different videos with different content platforms. 

In addition to the growth of marketing trends that includes more video, Snapchat and Instagram stories, marketers are rethinking Twitter as the platform failed to grow its followers in 2017.  In fact, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram all have more social media followers.

In our next blog post we'll explore other social media trends for the coming year including live streaming.

Digital Marketing: Does Your Business Need A Web Refresh?

Bell bottom pants and vinyl are two that immediately come to mind. However you say it, the one thing you can say about trends is that they tend to come and go. There are some that stand the test of time (and eventually earn the term "classic") however most trends have no rhyme or reason and for most businesses, it is important not to hop on every trendy bandwagon that comes along.

Digital marketing trends are no exception. In fact it was only a few years ago that people were sounding the death knell of Facebook - especially following the recent scrutiny over concerns about how the data of its users is shared with third parties. In response to the question "Is Facebook still a good place for businesses to reach customers?" Readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune answered a resounding yes.

While there are many aspects to digital marketing, we would like to give you a couple of ideas to kick around with your marketing team.

Authentic Reviews

The trend for authentic reviews for 2017 is almost impossible to ignore as reported by Bright Local:

• 97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2017
• 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
• 49% of consumers need at least a four-star rating before they choose a business
• Consumers read an average of 7 reviews before trusting a business

"Fake news" has been the catch phrase for 2017 raising the red flag for consumers in placing trust in a business. That same Bright Local study shows that 79% of consumers claim they have read a fake review in the last year and 84% worry about being fooled by a "fake review."

How can your business earn an authentic review

Ask customers and clients for reviews
Never ask for a "positive" review, or suggest what to say, tell them you are looking for honesty
Manage your reviews by responding to reviewers
Contact us about how we can help

Videos

If you don't think a video can help with your digital marketing consider this: 55% of people in the world watch online videos every single day.

mushroomnetworks.com reports that YouTube processes more than 3 billion searches a month and 100 hours of video are uploaded every minute making YouTube the 2nd largest search engine. It is bigger than Bing, Yahoo!, Ask and AOL combined. 

Humans are "hard-wired" to have more honest interactions with visual information. It seems that in addition to our need for face-to-face contact, we love videos.

How can your business begin creating video content

Start small: a 15-20 second video focusing on your product is a great place to start. While your potential customers are looking for quality content with in-depth blog posts, their attention span is decreasing. What? Your customers want more content (and you need that content for higher Search Engine Optimization) but your audience has a short attention span. The way to get their attention is via video.

Know your audience and where they are: Should you be posting video to a YouTube channel or another platform? What might work for your business is embedding video on your website or in email newsletters.

Test: Is that the audience you want and are your visitors watching the entire video. Contact us to see how we can help you monitor the engagement and performance. 

Perhaps it's not in your budget to utilize some of the same solutions that the large businesses are experimenting and using, but there are affordable tools to help you make smart business decisions and personalize the content for your audience. We can help you with all of your digital marketing needs - from web design and hosting to video, product photography, graphic design and copywriting. Let us be your complete marketing source including printing!

Give us a call and we will be happy to help you make the right choice. You may find it's time to donate the bell bottom pants to Goodwill and that Amazon can deliver a turntable replacement stylus. Old is the new New.

Spectra Print Sponsor All-Canada Show; New for 2013 Two Social Media Seminars

Gearing up for the sponsorship season for All-Canada Show. We're all looking forward to offering insight to attendees on social media.

Interested? We'd love to have you join the conversation.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Spectra Print Clients Prepare for the Upcoming Sport Show Season

It's that time of the year when the topics being discussed center around the upcoming run to the Super Bowl, the weird and wacky weather playing havoc with our ice fishing and the start of the sports show season. For our Canadian friends this is the time of the year when they head south of the border to talk fishing and hunting.

For the past few months the pre-press and press departments at Spectra Print have been busy assisting clients with their marketing and promotional material. With the first of the All Canada Shows scheduled to open in a few hours, we wish all the exhibitors on the sports show circuit a successful season.

Spectra Print is pleased to announce the addition of four new accounts to the dozens of our Canadian outdoor accounts: Showalter's Fly-In Outposts, Nestor Falls Fly-In Outposts, Oak Lake Lodge and Arctic Lodges.

Spectra Print has been a proud sponsor of the All Canada Show for the past several years. Working with Jennifer Young and the staff at All Canada Show, we know first hand the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes; it really does take an entire village to make All Canada Show such a success. The 2012 show season kicks off in St Louis, Missouri, January 6-8. The entire All Canada Show schedule can be found here.

As one of the sponsors of All Canada Show, Spectra Print will be again be an exhibitor at the shows and will be be tweeting the event as well as live blogging from the Chicago and Minneapolis shows. We will be posting #hashtags on our Facebook page so you can join in the conversation.

Is This Your Social Media Sign?

A few weeks ago I was discussing the endless advantages social media could offer my friend's volunteer woman's organization: why they needed to be involved and why my friend should convince the organizations "CEO."

"Yup, I can see the benefits and opportunities and it will work for us but only if our leader is smart enough to get it - otherwise social media is more of a liability."

Now that is an interesting observation. Unfortunately, it's the truth.

Every business, regardless of its niche, can find value in social media but that doesn't mean social media is for everyone or that everyone should be engaged.

So … how do you know? If you answer yes to any of these questions: jog, don't walk, away from social media.

You have no social skills. Social media is about people. If you never had friends as a child and you can't deal with people then maybe social media isn't for you. If you don't like to talk to people, get someone else to handle your social media services. Your customers will thank you for it.

You have no sense of humor and can't handle criticism. If you can't laugh at yourself then you don't belong on the Internet. Success in social media means being able to embrace the weird and quirky. You need to show your fun side to get people to like you. You don't want to be seen as the dweeb of the Internet - it will target you as someone who can virtually have their lunch stolen.

Just add water! If your definition of social media is creating a blog or an account on Facebook and then kicking back and waiting for the leads and conversations to pour in, social media is not for you. If you are not going to create a marketing plan and dedicate resources to that plan then don't waste your time setting up social media accounts.

You think social media is the new way to sell. If you don't think it's necessary to create a relationship with someone before you sell them on your company or product, social media is definitely not for you. To be successful at social media, you have to hear what is being said about your company or your brand; that means listening before you speak. How will you know what to give people if you don't know what they want? We've all been target marketed by our friends which is acceptable in the world of social media. However, shouting your message to a room full of strangers is not.

And speaking of Selling …. If you are shouting your sales message, not listening to your audience, chances are you consider success in social media as a numbers game. Your goal is to have 3,000 followers on Twitter, 10,000 Facebook fans and enough RSS subscribers to match your telephone number (including the area code.) If you are this person then you think the higher the number, the more successful you look. Savvy people on social media need only spend a few minutes looking at your list of followers or fans to determine if you have garnered followers because of meaningful content or just casting a net out into the social media waters. It does not make you look like you know what you're doing and it just annoys everyone else.

Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain. When Toto unmasked the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy realized he was incapable of granting her wish to return home to Kansas. Companies who succeed in social media are the ones who don't hide behind the curtain and who bring relevant content, conversation and media to the party. Don't hire someone to blog as your company president or use Twitter to push your RSS feed: that's using social media to be a tool and you're missing the point.

Your Social Media Strategy is Twitter. Twitter is a social media tool. So are blogs and Facebook. They are useless unless you have a strategy about how to use them. You don't decide to enter a marathon and expect to be able to run 15K when the day of the race arrives without any preparation (see "Just Add Water" above.) Social media is not Twitter but Twitter can be used to accomplish your marketing strategy.

Friend, Follower or Linked?

Like it or not, social media is now an essential part of your brand's online identity. A few years ago, adding social media to your company's marketing tool box was as simple as creating a Facebook page.

Do I really need Social Media?

The short answer is: yes. Admittedly we are biased but our experience has proven how social media can positively impact a customer's brand.

Why do I need Social Media?

If your idea of Twitter is countless status updates ranging from your followers sitting on the patio to ordering a double mocha latte while checking-in at the local coffee shop - you aren't alone. Businesses who dismiss sa well thought out marketing plan that incorporates social media and tools such as QR codes (when and where their use is appropriate) quite simply is missing potential sales.

Today's consumers are actively engaged in all aspects of social media, taking part in conversations about everything and anything. These tech savvy people are tethered, if not addicted, to their mobile devices connecting with others who share similar interests: chances are someone is having a conversation about your company.


Are you listening?

Having a presence on social media allows you to join in these conversations. By taking part in these conversations you will be able see what the sentiment is toward your brand - and monitor whether the talk is in a positive or negative light.

Follower, Friend or Linked?

Not all companies will need to have a presence in all social media platforms. The main players in the social network are:

Facebook. One of the better known and most widely accepted network; Facebook is usually a companies first foray into social media waters. Facebook provides a place for organizations and companies to share their brand through status updates, photo albums, conducting polls and "hosting" events that are relevant to your brand. 

Twitter. While Facebook offers a platform for multiple people to manage a presence, Twitter offers a more personal presence with a direct one-on-one conversation with your customers. Customers provide feedback and engage in conversations through succinct 140 character messages. 

LinkedIn. This platform is especially relevant for creating a corporate presence and creating a platform for professionals to network and learn about your company. LinkedIn has had success displaying current vacancies to people who may be interested in filling this positions within your organization.

FourSquare. This platform is relevant for organizations with at least one "bricks and mortar" store. Foursquare is best utilized by providing discounts to users when they identify that they are at your location by clicking on a "check-in." Returning customers who check-in can earn Mayorships, badges and other rewards.

It should go without saying that your website and blog page should share a commonality in design and writing style. Today's consumer has become accustomed to receiving their information in real time; they aren't satisfied to wait while a newsletter is published and a web page updated. Your company web page should be the repository of resident information while your blog is where you regularly share inform and detailed information not suited for Facebook and other social media platforms. Your company or organization should be using Facebook and Twitter to direct friends and followers to your blog and web sites.

OK, I'm sold but who is going to manage my companies social media?

There is no hard and fast answer to this question but it should be someone that is genuinely interested in social networks and enjoys  spending the time needed to help your company build and maintain a social media presence. 

What is just as important is the company providing that person, or team, with information and resources needed to create meaningful conversations and content. 

Social Media: If You Build It, Will They Come?

Bill Schrader is credited with saying, "Almost overnight, the Internet's gone from a technical wonder to a business must." 

During the last two years, businesses of all sizes and categories have come to the realization that social media is no longer something they can choose to engage in, having a social media presence is a requirement. As Facebook and Twitter begin to play a bigger part in the consumer experience, it's important that businesses understand how it can affect their business.

It wasn't very long ago that your customer's comments and complaints were limited to reviews on websites. In today's world, social media reaches far beyond the website into 'real time' customer experience. So how can a company use social media effectively to improve customer service? 

Why Should I Care?

The most important thing social media can do for a company is to allow you to monitor what's being said about your product and customer service. 

Social media sites create an environment for a business to engage in an open conversation. When a customer has left a comment on your Facebook page about a positive experience or encounter, take the time to thank them. Customers prefer to interact with a company that shows it is concerned and takes time to acknowledge a compliment.

Likewise, if someone tweeted about a problem with your products or service, your response may involve sending a direct message to the customer as well as a reply for others to see that you have read the comment, are concerned enough to continue the conversation in an effort to resolve the issue.

Using social media successfully will require effectively listening and engaging with your customers but goes beyond seeing what is being said about you and your services. It will allow you to better anticipate your customer's needs.

So You Think You Don't Need To Tweet

I really don't need to know that Susie is on the deck enjoying ice tea.

Twitter is nothing more than idle chatter.

I text my friends and clients/customers so I don't need Twitter.

Twitter doesn't make sense to me.

I don't know if Twitter is right for me.

Is Twitter for everyone? A good question and one that eventually gets asked by individuals and companies who are venturing into the Twitter community for the first time. As you stare at your Twitter homepage with a few followers and, literally, a handful of tweets to your credit, you find yourself wondering … Is Twitter really for me?

Twitter Don't Get No Respect

There appears to be no middle ground when it comes to Twitter; you either love or hate the blue bird. There are some who say it has to do with your personality type. Some claim the platform favors outgoing people but many introverts are quick to say they love Twitter as it allows them to connect and build relationships on their own terms. It seems that Twitter has become the Rodney Dangerfield of social media but before you dismiss it completely, consider showing the blue bird a little love.

None of my customers are using Twitter so this is just a big waste of my time.

There are many other benefits to Twitter beyond simply making sales leads. Even if your customers aren't on Twitter - yet - the platform is a powerful way to learn, connect with your peers not to mention keeping track of what the competition is up to. Imagine yourself getting in front of the curve, becoming familiar with Twitter before your customers start asking you about its benefits.

Is there a place for Twitter in every organization and company?

It depends.

Lawyers, financial managers, medical professionals, caregivers and defense contractors may have strict regulatory limitations regarding information they can discuss in public so Twitter may not be appropriate. Keep in mind that Twitter is a form of publishing. Which brings an interesting point to consider: Where do your customers get their information?

People are jumping on the social media train in record numbers and are spending inordinately enormous amounts of time there. Ask any business owner what their number one marketing and business issue is and chances are they'll tell you "social media."

Aside from all the window-dressing, at its center, Twitter is a business networking tool - something many companies and individuals don't understand. If you view Twitter as just another way to broadcast company press releases or as your social media sales tool, you're missing the point.

You wouldn't attend an industry conference or a chamber meeting or event and read press releases out loud would you? Of course you wouldn't. You attend these events to seek out people to connect with, discuss subjects that you both have a common interest in and look for ways to work together. There's a reason why a social time is offered following an event.

Welcome to Twitter.

In today's always connected world, the role of social media in the business and personal world is blurring. There are a number of strategies to help you become successful on Twitter, which we'll explore in future posts but I won't leave you without first giving some words of Twitter advice:

• Know your voice and be true. 
• Everything you say on social media should sound like your company or brand.
• Good content isn't fake and it doesn't make promises it can't keep.
• It has personality which is what makes it engaging. Individuals actively engaged and connected on the social media network will sniff you out if you are pretending.
• When networking, the successful relationships are built on trust and friendships, so it is perfectly acceptable - and welcome - to let others know a little bit about what is going on in your life; sports, charity and family.

Tweeting what is interesting to you on a daily basis, as long as its appropriate and professional, will add to your Twitter success.

Do you RSS?

They are everywhere ... those social media icons that direct us into the social media atmosphere.

Twitter - YouTube - Facebook - LinkedIn - Blogger

By now we're familiar with social media logos. You know what it means to "follow" and "join the conversation" and you've overcome your aversion to signing up for notifications.

That is until we are asked if we want to subscribe to RSS?

Huh?? 


RSS, which stands for "Real Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary", is a simple way of bringing content from an outside source directly to you!

The following video will help you understand the mystery behind RSS in Plain English. 

Now you're back on track with another social media tool in your arsenal.


Yeah .. you RSS!

You Know You Want To Go ...

Is it just me or does it seem as if everyone in the world has a Smartphone, is on Twitter and Facebook? Those of us who grew up with Clara Peller's "Where's the beef?" are now bombarded with requests to be added to a network, follow our friends on Facebook and asked to compose our thoughts in 140 characters or less.

While we thought we could avoid the whole social media scene, like my father underestimating the power of rock 'n roll, social media is here to stay.

According to Facebook statistics, more than 500 million active users are on Facebook and Wikipedia estimates 190 million of us are using Twitter, generating 65 million tweets a day. Gigaom has made the bold prediction that by Christmas 2011, 1 in 2 Americans will have a Smartphone. Looks like now would be the perfect time to have your social media for business questions answered.

Enter the Central Wisconsin Social Media Conference sponsored in part by Spectra Print as part of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Continuing Education. The two-day event will be held April 14-15, 2011, in Wausau. Thursday, April 14th events will be held at the Westwood Conference Center; the events on Friday, April 15th will be held at the NorthCentral Technical College.

Who Should Attend?

If your business is looking for information on how you can start using social media to promote your business today - you need to click on this link for registration information or click here to download the form.

Social media is not a fad, but rather a fundamental shift in the way businesses now communicate with their customers. Until you actually join a social media network, such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, its difficult to understand what is so appealing and how it can help your business.

Thursday's schedule consists of a wide range of relevant breakout sessions as well as the keynote address, "Measure This! The No B.S. Guide to Social Media Measurement" delivered by Social Media Explorer Jason Falls.

Events on Friday are made up of hands-on lab sessions in the Heath Sciences Building Computer Labs at the NorthCentral Technical College. These sessions are limited to 25 each session; please contact conference registration for availability.

Save The Dates and Share The Experience!

Wireless Internet access will be available so bring your iPad, laptop and Smartphones. Join the conversation and live tweet and blog the event using the hashtag #cwismc. 

What's a hashtag?? Looks like you might want to sign up for breakout session B3-Twitter for Small Business and ask Phil.

UW-SP Continuing Education asks that all registrations be received no later than April 12, 2011. Any questions you have about the Central Wisconsin Social Media Conference can be directed to the UW-SP Continuing Education Department. Click here for email addresses as well as a personal favorite, telephone numbers.

And The Winner Is ...

The organizers of the 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo couldn't have asked for a better turnout. From a cooperative weather forecast to the enthusiastic exhibitors eager to welcome the steady stream of event attendees.

With so many hands on displays, who wouldn't want to get into the act (and apparently several exhibitors, including Lori Schuler of Central Wisconsin Senior Living, just couldn't resist the urge to show everyone how it's done!)

At the Spectra Print booth, the subject of Smart Printing and social media were the hot topics for the day. Networking via live blogging and event tweets from our booth helped spread the word about the event and engage those who weren't able to attend.

When the time came to draw the winner for the iPod Touch, we were surprised to find the entry box nearly overflowing. At 4:30, under close supervision the winning name was drawn and announced.

Congratulations to the winner of the iPod Touch: Gary Evans, Mitchell's Heating and Cooling Company, N2759 Hill Street, Waupaca, WI. The company specializes in geothermal, hydronic & radiant in-floor heating, air conditioning systems, solar water and space heating.

Gary was not present at the time of the drawing and stopped by the corporate offices where Spectra Print Executive Vice-President Hans Hofmeister made the presentation. Gary will certainly look way "cool" while sporting the "hottest" new iPod.

Spectra Print To Attend 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo

Spectra Print is pleased to announce they will be among the nearly 100 businesses attending the 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo. The event will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011, from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI.

What's In It For Me?

What could be more important to an area business owner than spending an afternoon of networking and business building? Find out what's new in the marketplace and help keep your business dollars in the area.

Four top-of-the-hour mini-sessions will be held on the Expo floor.

The  Smart Printing Buzz

Stop by the Spectra Print booth, #208, and find out how to show your customers just how smart your printing can be.

We will also be Twittering from the Business Expo. You can join in the conversation with the hashtag #spxo11

Do You Really Need Another Reason To Attend?

How about an awesome giveaway … like maybe the chance to win one (1)  8GB iPod Touch? This is the hottest addition to the iPod family with new features such as FaceTime video calling, Retina Display for crisp viewing, HD video and camera. Perfect for scanning QR codes.

To qualify, drop off your business card at the Spectra Print booth #208 for your chance to win. The drawing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011. While you don't need to be present to win - your business card does.

Stop by our booth - we will be happy to discuss the possibilities and benefits of Smart Printing. You won't be disappointed.