Tips for designing a new Twitter background

Have you tried the new twitter?

A few weeks ago twitter started rolling out a new layout with the aim of boosting performance and providing a more user friendly experience.

[If you are new to Twitter and Social Media read our article “What is Twitter?" - How to turn a simple tweet into an effective business tool]

Visually there is a big difference as the new dashboard has doubled in size, making our current twitter background redundant! However apart from that we really like the new layout.

As you will see on the left there is now a series of tabs for @Mentions, Retweets, Searches and Lists, all within easy reach.

The left panel displays your vital twitter numbers…. followers, following, tweets, lists, etc.

Of course this meant redesigning our current background to fit the new dimensions, so here are our tips for designing a new background plus what makes a good twitter background for a small business.

Tips for designing a new Twitter background

When redesigning your new twitter background you need to make allowance for the reduced space available on the left and right side when a user is logged into twitter.

If not logged in then the old dimensions still apply, which means you need to come up with a design that works whether the user is logged in or not.

Secondly you will need to allow for the bar across the top which is now a consistent feature in the layout, handy but will impact your background design.

Also the right panel is now transparent, so a good place for repeating your logo or marketing message. However remember this will only be visible to users logged in, who scroll down to read their feed. You also need to allow for people viewing your page when not logged in. As the example below shows our new background looks great if logged in but not so great if you are not, this can be easily remedied by simply decreasing the size of the graphics on the right .

What makes a good twitter background for a business?

Keep it simple, space is limited so your design needs to bold and visually impacting.

Do not use both the right and left spaces on either side of the panel, as this makes it very crowded visually and in our opinion messy.

Make sure you add your web address and contact details [if appropriate]

Use images, company logos, brands, etc. Stick with your website colours where possible, so it fits in with your overall branding.

Include your USP’s; keep them short and to the point.

Use the transparent panel to repeat your USP’s or logo or website address.

Need a twitter background, why not try our design service?

Tags: twitter background
Posted in Twitter | No Comments »
Author: Equilibrium
Time: November 5th, 2010