I’ve just started making my own graphics for the profile picture area of the Facebook pages I manage. Do you think they make a page look more professional? Would you be more likely to “Like” a page with “professional” graphics?

@amyhallbiz – I definitely use all the real-estate for fb page profile images.  You can easily create multiple images with the same look and feel but highlighting some “special” item or event that you want to market, and then swap the images out accordingly.

Do you think they make a page look more professional? YES

 Would you be more likely to “Like” a page with “professional” graphics? – I don’t know on this one, I think like any website or blog that “content is King” and if you offer content they’re looking for that’s more of a deciding factor. I do think that “welcome” pages or tabs do convert to more likes. Mostly because they (1) remind the user to like the page (2) they usually offer an incentive to like the page.

I’ll be curious to see what other responses this question gets….

I think the graphics definitely add to the page.  Also, it is really important to put the main contact info you want people to see on that left banner.  Regardless of what page a visitor is on in your business page, that graphic is always there and provides a quick and easy way for someone to contact you.

Will the images make someone like the page more than one without???  I don’t have the statistics to prove it but I know that I am always impressed when someone has added them because they have taken the time to extend their branding to their Facebook page.

Hope that helps.

As a graphic designer I would have to say yes, it would make it look more professional, but as far as hitting the “like” button, I would have to agree with what @juleswebb said about “content is King”.
Here’s an interesting article about a webcam eye tracking study conducted for Mashable: Here’s What People Look at on Facebook Brand Pages

We recommend custom profile images for Facebook Pages as well as Like Gate images and custom tabs with your content. They really grab attention and allow people to understand what you do without having to leave to go out to your website. Here are a few examples:

BuyEfficientBoise Hotel & Conference CenterUnion Station HotelLos Angeles Marriott Downtown

@amyhallbiz  Thank you.  I really like how we can use our profile covers to combine the business and personal pages.  I like the custom look.  I know many people are doing it themselves, and it shows…  But, at least it is a good start.
My graphic artist charges me $50 for my Facebook banners.   I paid $100 (or was it $75) for the Facebook profile cover.  This has made such a big difference in the image that we present.   You can see my current banner (I change them…)  at
HTMYHB banner   If you would like to connect with my graphic designer send me a message.  

I was going to do the gate, and have the programs (and others like it), but am not sure if I want to now.  I have an opt in on my Welcome Page   and in my tab area as well as on my website.

@shanekeener  How have your results been with the gates?  I see everyone is recommending them now, but also hear that there are people who refuse to join a page because of it. (silly people-they usually get a free gift with a gate)

Amy, I totally use the profile image in a variety of ways for my clients.  Whether it is a contest they are running, promotions they offer, featuring a fan, etc.  I also like to use the pics at the top as a call to action.  Once sized properly they can look very cool, but more importantly when people click on them you can put a great deal of information in the comment section under the photo.  Here is a video blog post I did about Holiday campaign marketing.  You will see here how we used this concept to promote the campaign with different types of images.  Holiday Campaign Video Post.

@amyhallbiz  I use my company logo and I’ve gotten tons of positive feedback on my logo.There have been other times that I’ve used pictures of my cards to draw in new “likers” There are some people who will argue that its unprofessional for a business not to have business graphic though.