Kim Wilson is the founder of SocialNewsDesk, a social media management solution created for newsrooms. Connect with her on Twitter @kimsnd.
In TV news lingo, the cover photo is the lead story. And in the competitive world of journalism, newsrooms are all vying for the best lead. I tell my newsroom clients to think of it as the cold open. You have a short amount of time to get people hooked and wanting more. For news organizations, it’s a special challenge. Facebook is more than a publicity or customer service platform. For them, it’s part of the job. Journalists use social media to gather news content and find sources. And step one is building a large and active fan base.
Viewers are impressed by technology. I’ve never seen a newsroom research study say otherwise. And tech-centric cover photos stand to impress fans with the razzle-dazzle of today’s latest gadget. It’s a great way to highlight the great lengths (or heights) news organizations go to for news coverage. But beware; these images lack a certain personal touch that fans desire.
Here are a few trends we’re seeing as newsrooms use their cover photos to tease viewers into becoming fans. What are some other trends you’re seeing with cover photos on news organizations’ brand Timelines? Which approach do you think works best? Let us know in the comments.
1. The Mount Rushmore
Source: Mashable
In TV news lingo, the cover photo is the lead story. And in the competitive world of journalism, newsrooms are all vying for the best lead. I tell my newsroom clients to think of it as the cold open. You have a short amount of time to get people hooked and wanting more. For news organizations, it’s a special challenge. Facebook is more than a publicity or customer service platform. For them, it’s part of the job. Journalists use social media to gather news content and find sources. And step one is building a large and active fan base.
Viewers are impressed by technology. I’ve never seen a newsroom research study say otherwise. And tech-centric cover photos stand to impress fans with the razzle-dazzle of today’s latest gadget. It’s a great way to highlight the great lengths (or heights) news organizations go to for news coverage. But beware; these images lack a certain personal touch that fans desire.
Here are a few trends we’re seeing as newsrooms use their cover photos to tease viewers into becoming fans. What are some other trends you’re seeing with cover photos on news organizations’ brand Timelines? Which approach do you think works best? Let us know in the comments.
1. The Mount Rushmore
Guess what -- Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln weren’t standing next to each other posing for the sculptors at Mount Rushmore. It’s why their heads are sort of floating in space (that, and the whole carved into a mountain thing). Despite the slightly-awkward composition, this style seems to be a very popular newsroom cover photo option.
1. The Mount Rushmore
Certainly, it’s a great idea to include real people in your newsroom’s cover photo, especially the on-air talent -- the face of the brand. But watch that your photo doesn’t seem too rehearsed or cut-and-paste. In these cases, you stand to forfeit any authenticity you gained by showcasing a personality. And watch your headroom. Some browsers force a slight scroll on the Cover Photo, resulting in accidental decapitation.
2. The Billboard
As most of you know by now, Facebook has strict rules about what can and can’t be in the Cover Photo. It seems that Facebook’s intention with these rules is to push brands into being creative rather than simply uploading a giant version of their logo. Nonetheless, many newsrooms are choosing to take the direct approach.
2. The Billboard
On one hand, it’s an effective, direct representation of the brand. It’s clear and obvious to any user that they’re in the right place. But certainly, these static graphics lack some personality and tend to feel like advertisements.
3. The Tourist
When you’re on vacation, there’s a photo-op around every corner. Tourists tend to appreciate the view much more than the locals who trudge by these landscapes daily. Knowing this, many newsrooms are using the cover photo as a way to reconnect their fans with the beautiful surroundings they so often ignore.
3. The Tourist
Showcasing cityscapes can convey a strong connection between the news organization and the community it’s committed to covering, especially if the cover photo is of a landmark. Keep in mind, though, the image can feel disconnected or even random if the landscape isn’t recognizable.
4. The VIP
Probably my personal favorite (who doesn’t want to be VIP?), this behind-the-scenes approach to selecting a cover photo resonates well with fans who expect a more personal experience on Facebook. Many newsrooms have opted to showcase their talent in action as a way of rolling out the red carpet for fans who want to be treated like they’re part of the inner circle.
This gives fans a unique perspective on the news, an angle they don’t normally see. It features the face of the brand (the on-air talent) but in a new way. And it can become an extension of news coverage by showcasing a photo of a reporter “on the scene” covering a recognizable news event. This style also offers the most opportunity to be friendly or even playful with your fans by showing off a reporter’s candid moments.
This gives fans a unique perspective on the news, an angle they don’t normally see. It features the face of the brand (the on-air talent) but in a new way. And it can become an extension of news coverage by showcasing a photo of a reporter “on the scene” covering a recognizable news event. This style also offers the most opportunity to be friendly or even playful with your fans by showing off a reporter’s candid moments.
5. The Technology Tour
TV stations have a lot of fun toys: choppers, live trucks, robotic cameras and control rooms to rival NASA. So it’s no surprise to see newsrooms showing off their technology using the cover photo.
Source: Mashable
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