Facebook 101

Profile Images

The profile image is the smaller, square image that sits on top of the banner/"cover" image. This is the image that will show up in people's feed when you make a post–it identifies you as you.

  • Profile images should be the SU interlock on white background for official Seattle University departments, centers, schools, and colleges. Please do not use the official Seattle University seal as your profile image.
  • The profile image should identify you directly and quickly so that users know which Seattle University Facebook page/area they're looking at immediately. It should build your brand!
  • Profile images should not change. Change the cover image, not the profile image.

Cover Images

Cover images are banners for your page. They’re wider, horizontal shots. They should: 

  • Tell the story of your area/department
  • Promote academic excellence school spirit and pride or set a relevant tone
  • Build the brand of Seattle University using relevant content
  • Generate return visits

Choosing a Cover Image

Tell the story of YOUR area with a great visual

  • People who land on your Facebook page should know that it's YOUR page, just like with the website. 
  • Example: Though our chapel is beautiful, it could be confusing to someone to see a cover image of the chapel if the page is, for instance, the College of Arts & Sciences. This doesn't mean no area other than Theology & Ministry can use the chapel, but just use your best judgment. Will people know what page they're looking at? Alumni, Admissions and the Seattle University main pages can get away with a lot more flexibility in terms of the images they choose for their cover images than some other areas.

Promote an upcoming event or occasion related to your area.

  • If your area has an event coming up or something you're really hoping to promote, or something you’re excited about, the cover photo is a great opportunity to "advertise that." In many cases, it may be appropriate to use the same banner or centerpiece image that's in rotation on the website. You will probably see our Seattle University Facebook page mirroring what's on the website more often now that we have this cover image to work with. I encourage other areas to do the same, and to contact us for assistance and brainstorming.

Use a great image to tell your story.

  • Choose high-quality photography
    • The quality of photo you choose sends a direct subliminal message to your audience about the quality of your program. Just like with our website, aim for crisp, sharp images (nothing grainy, pixelated or stretched) that tell a clear and relevant story. That said, it’s a great place to get a little artistic and a little bit creative. Use your best judgment–does it tell a clear and relevant-to-you story? Does it look cool?
    • Make sure the photos you use are optimized for the web and will load quickly. Users don't like staring at a blank screen for too long!
     
  • UsePhotoshelter to your advantage
    • Many beautiful and recent images are available to us thanks to our campus photographer, Yosef Kalinko, via Photoshelter. Browse the site for photos and you can request images from Marketing Communications.  
     
  • Be unique
    • Be aware of your neighbors’ images–try not to duplicate images.
    • Be cautious of branded images or logos–a good thing to avoid. See us for questions.
     
  • Change it up
    • Cover photos shouldn't be static. Your profile photo (the smaller, square photo) should always stay the same, but the cover photo can change as much as you'd like. Consider changing it at least once a month, and more if you have sufficient photography.
     

Facebook Pages vs. Facebook Groups vs. Facebook Events

When Creating a Page:

Facebook pages are typically used for company accounts and are public-facing. For example, Seattle University has a Facebook page. Facebook pages should:

  • Represent your department, school, college, or organization, not a single event.
  • Share content related to your department, school, college, or organization, such as event pages, news, and general Seattle University content.
  • Post content at least 3-5 times per week, focusing on key publishing times like 9am, 12pm, and 5pm.
  • Build the brand of Seattle University using relevant content.
  • Drive clicks back to your organization's website on seattleu.edu.

When Creating a Group:

Groups are an official space to ask questions, mingle and start dialogue with fellow students. 

Add the following description:

  • “Welcome, (Insert Group Name Here). This is your official space to ask questions and mingle with fellow students. Please review our social media guidelines and policies here. Seattle University reserves the right to remove any offensive posts or commercial postings. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Seattle University."

When Creating an Event:

Facebook event pages are hosted by a Facebook page or Facebook group, and these event pages can be either public or private. Official Seattle University Facebook events should: 

  • Be created within an official Seattle University Facebook page, not as a standalone user profile.
  • Be connected to an official Seattle University department, school, college or organization.
  • Use hi-res, relevant imagery in the cover photo portion of the Facebook event page.