4 Major Tips to Personalize Your Twitter Background
Posted by Ching Ya | Posted in How To, Social Media Tool, Social Networking, Twitter, Web Application | Posted on 08-04-2010
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It has been a year since I last modified my Twitter background. While inspecting my own social media sites for improvements recently, I couldn’t help but noticing how cheesy and uninformative my Twitter background was! It was created when I wrote about personalizing Twitter background with Free Twitter Designer. It’s time for a change!
#1: Why Should We Personalize Our Twitter Background?
Understanding why we need to personalize our Twitter background is vital. It is not about decoration but to:
i) Manage Personal Branding
People will visit your Twitter page from your social media links and search engines. Be ready to impress at first sight.
ii) Maximize Exposure with Limited Background Space
Blend in your intro with relevant background design. Provide social contacts for others to reach you.
iii) Show your Brand & Personality
An unique background attracts, it should say something about who you are, your passion and niche.
Another good reason is you might get a free promotion from a post about Twitter background, exactly like this one! (Good for @mashable and @marcome)
#2: How to Personalize Your Twitter Background?
After knowing the purpose, now it’s time for the real challenge – to personalize a Twitter background. Here are some options you can choose from:
a) Use a Twitter Background Generator
For those who are not into crafting their own images, tons of template selections can be found from Twitter background generators. Some setbacks are the duplicate designs and their brand name on your wall. Usually a minimal payment is involved to modify, for example, $4.99 to remove Twitbacks brand while Twitrbackgrounds will charge $9.99 for personalized backgrounds. Login is required for both services.
Tweetbacks, on the other hand offers free templates for modification (.psd). Personalized your information and photo before upload it to Twitter page.
Another service I love is Free Twitter Designer – a background generator and image editing application. A Twitter stream box is given so your design will not run off on the actual page. You can tweak the image settings, blend in the effects and colors, view the final results in different resolutions:
b) Personalize Twitter Background with Image Editing Application
My favorite method so far as it gives you:
- Full control over designing and positioning.
- No distracting brand name on the background except your very own.
Photoshop:
I created my second and third Twitter background with Photoshop. The dimension for the canvas size is preferably 1600 px x 1200 px so it will fit in fine for most screen resolutions. Keep the important information close to the left of Twitter stream. As of right, use non-essential designs as mostly they won’t be visible on regular screen resolutions. Apply Twitter Background Checker to monitor your background designs:
Resize the image to less than 250kb to optimize page load time (maximum file size: 800kb).
I created a blank template to fix for resolution 1280 x 1024. You can tweak its opacity level to adjust text/background image freely. If you interested claim it via the contact form and I’ll send you the file in .psd format.
Suggested Read: Twitter Background Design How-To and Best Practices; Build Twitter Background with Adobe Fireworks
Gimp & Pixlr:
You can download Gimp (for MAC & Windows) or try the web application Pixlr to customize your background image:
PowerPoint:
Not my top-pick for complicated designs but Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 is competent to create a simple and colorful Twitter background. Save your final result as .jpg to be uploaded as your Twitter background. PowerPoint is not a designing program so there will be limitations, such as cumbersome process with measurement and positioning:
Extra Tools:
Some amazing tools to assist your background designing:
- MeasureIt – A FireFox plugin to measure width and height for a web page.
- Peekr - On and off feature that gives you a clear overview of the entire Twitter background without the stream, control panel etc.
- Twitter Background Checker – Twitter background viewed in high and low resolutions.
If personalizing a Twitter Background is too time consuming for you, you can:
c) Outsource to Professionals and Graphic Designers
Everyone’s definition of ‘quality’ may differ in art. Understand your own needs is important before finding the best designer that fits you. Make sure you are providing enough information so the designer knows about your expectations. Be communicative and respectful for both sides.
#3: How to Upload Your Personalized Background to Twitter?
Let it be a picture or a neatly designed template, it’s time for the final results. To upload it:
1. Log on to your Twitter account.
2. Go to Settings > Design > Change background image
3. Browse to locate the image file you’re ready for.
4. Click Save and see the magic appears before your eyes.
#4: What Makes a Good Twitter Background?
Last week we had a discussion over at the Facebook Fan Page about my second Twitter background. Ricky’s commentary about the font visibility brought my attention of how ignorant I was about my Twitter background.
I did not take the design seriously so instead of just the font, I changed the whole Twitter background. I prefer a non-business-like, harmonious background with nature elements. It may not be my best design yet but I’m happy to keep it for awhile.
For a Twitter background to serve its purpose, we need to refer to why we need one in the first place. Following these designing guidelines will be an added advantage:
- Make sure the background is none distracting for your main info.
- Clear and readable fonts (for example Arial, bold). Avoid spindly text for important messages.
- Use contrast colors for text & background.
- Make full use of the blank areas. Ensure main info are visible regardless low or high screen resolutions.
- Complex does not mean elegant. Keep the K.I.S.S principle in mind unless you have a different purpose for your background design.
There is no right or wrong, but the impression and friendliness you would like to portray to others. Think of it as your name card, but with personality.
Now Is Your Turn…
When was the last time you personalized your Twitter background? What makes a presentable Twitter Background in your opinion? Share it all in the comments below.
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Wow, what a blast of information.
I agree a twitter background is essential for your brand.
It took me forever to design it, even though it’s quite simple. I love it nevertheless.
Do you think there’s a possibility to include links in your background
I’d love that…
Mars Dorian´s last blog ..If there’s one thing you have to be, it’s this…
Mars,
Thank you for dropping by.
Unfortunately, for the time being there is no alternative to include a click-able link at the background. The only method is to make the link visible, memorable to your visitors.
I like your Twitter background, you’re tiling your image but keep the information well presented at the sidebar. ^^
Actually there is an alternative, although not a perfect one, and it only works for people who have installed the browser app. http://clickablenow.com/
Hugh,
That’s a good info. I just checked it out, pity that my FF3.6 couldn’t support it. It says it only worked for older versions. Still, it’s great to know you, added you on Twitter. See you there!
Indeed a very good How-To-Guide for Beginners & Tweeples who want to customize their background on their own.
At the moment i use a background picture from http://www.twittergallery.com because it was the first website which didn’t provide the disturbing URL on its picture.
I guess i have to change it with a branding box so that it looks like in you and Mashable’s profile.
@cornyman
Martin@Cornyman’s Money-Blog´s last blog ..Is Moneza (now: Hubze) a scam or THE new hype in Social Media?
Hi Martin,
Great to see you, nice of you to drop in.
Thank you and I’m glad you like the tips shared here. You have a really nice looking Twitter background, to add in some profile info would be an added plus – good for branding. Looking forward to your new one, let me know.
Hi Ching Ya.
Some nice tips with great illustrations here.
One of these days I will get Adobe Photoshop. Our oldest sons girlfriend has the CS3 student version, so see what I can do there.
But I might end outsource my Twitter Background design.
At the moment I use a free service that I like: FreeTwitterDesigner.com. It allows you to do some basic addons that is really cool. Works for me at the moment.
Cheers.. Are
Are,
Yes, FreeTwitterDesigner is indeed handy, would be my second pick next to the editing software. Outsourcing is a good idea if it saves time and leave the experts to handle the designing matter for you. I would love to get my hands on CS4, but gotta work on the budget first.
This is something that I haven’t put much thought into but that is about to change! Thanks for all the helpful information Ching Ya!
Kevin M.´s last blog ..What’s the best vacation you’ve ever had?
Kevin,
I love the call to action effect!
Thank you and I would really love to see your new Twitter background once you’re done with it. Let me know. Thanks so much for the RT too. 
Pixlr is a neat online alternative to photoshop. I’ve fiddled with it a couple times and was pretty impressed for it being a free service.
Josiah@Tumblr Themes´s last blog ..Flourish
Josiah,
I was a little surprised with Pixlr’s functionality too. Very impressive.
For someone who’s used to Photoshop Pixlr is a good option, easy to work around with the control panel. Thanks so much for supporting this idea.
As usual, I’m amazed of how much work you seem to be putting into most of your posts
This one was really informative and extremely helpful to those not savvy enough to figure it out by themselves.
I’ve always wondered about your Twitter background actually. To be honest, it didn’t look that good
But then I noticed your new background today when I went to retweet you and I like it.
Maybe I should consider doing something to mine – it’s really boring, but it’s the same color (a gradient) as my website wallpaper. Simple branding, I guess, hehe.
Klaus @ TechPatio´s last blog ..Review: Sony MDR-NC300D Noise Canceling Earbuds
Klaus,
ha.. thank you my friend.
To be honest, I always have this ‘less-urgency’ attitude towards my own ‘personal’ design, this is bad for I should be working hard on building the image. I’m happily working on client’s headers/landing pages but I didn’t put much effort into mine, which is kinda absurd when you think of it.
I learned a good lesson with the Twitter background this time. Next, I’ll be learning more about Thesis for I plan to make a shift and this time, I’m going to fix up a header for my own blog. Excited about that!
I love it when you say – simple branding!
But undeniably, your Twitter page loads a lot faster than mine, which is a good thing too. Maybe in time you’ll feel there’s a need to add some info up there too, which I hope you would for you’re such a knowledgeable web developer AND an avid photographer! ^^
Thanks so much for making me ‘microblogging’ here. lol.. You rock!
Wow! You are so generous in providing this wonderful content, great illustrations, easy to follow steps! Keep up the good work! Thank you for helping us all.
You’re most welcome, Elizabeth.
I’m glad a learning process can enlighten everyone. I appreciate your uplifting comment here, hope to see you here again.
Yeah it always makes me wonder how long did you take to write every single post you make in this blog lol
Great tons of info. I normally can’t be bothered with my Twitter page – chuck in one background and that’s it..oops
Michael Aulia´s last blog ..Logitech Harmony 300 Remote
Thanks for dropping by, Mike.
Welcome back from the camp by the way.
To be frank, I usually spent days on an article like this, researching, testing out and writing.. that’s why you see I’m not a prolific writer. lol! I need to reserve some time for other tasks, time consuming due to my limitations but I hope to provide as much value to readers as possible. Hope I’m doing right up till now. *finger crossed*
You have a nice Twitter background at the moment. For an amazing tech blogger like you, I think you deserve extra exposures with the background. (If only we get to place and track clicks for background that would be incredible) ^^
Great tutorial, Ching Ya. I can always depend on you to set me straight in things like these. I admire your talent. Wish I had it
Anne Lyken-Garner´s last blog ..Write Your Own Children’s Book
Anne,
You do have a special gift in writing which I can’t really do that well.
We’re in different niche and be assured that you’re doing fantastically with yours. I’m just glad a little info shared here can help you to extend your brand and career further. Thank you so much for visiting.
Terrific post – I’ll definitely check these out this weekend. I’d never had Photoshop but recently bought Photoshop Elements so can start having some fun with it once I learn. Thanks for the great tutorials!
Christie´s last blog ..Top issues for introverted students!
Christie,
That’s terrific! Great move and I would love to see your work! Indeed, moving up as an authority in your niche I think a new Twitter background can do wonders to you, think of it as an added element to up-level your branding.
I’m just happy that you’re in a new project now, excited to see how things turn out for you! Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it.
Ching…great post as ever. So much useful information over here. btw, I’ve never been so active on Twitter and so I never cared about the background image and all. I am still having a customized background for my twitter. The background looks nice though I was looking for much better background.
I have seen that most of the free background designs available for twitter are quite simple and lack customization. So, it finally comes to you get into some designing mood and create the best one for you. Or you can simply outsource it to some professional designers.
Now, I will do the same thing. I will get it designed by myself. It looks quite easy from the way you have explained it here. I think I am a good designer anyways…time to test my skill with this
Aswani´s last blog ..One more chance !
Thank you Aswani,
Go for it! It will be an added advantage to your brand and network. Looking forward to your new Twitter background. Appreciate your visit!
Hi Ching ya, This is great information. However, I must admit, I use HootSuite so I rarely see people’s Twitter backgrounds. I just follow them right from HootSuite. I try to avoid going to the Twitter homepage when possible.
I created a simple one for myself using Photoshop though.
I do agree that most people look at the backgrounds so I’ll be sure to share this.
I look at the avatar, the recent tweets and finally the website if I’m still not convinced.
Ileane @ Blogging´s last blog ..SEO Site Tools Finds Google Page Rank
Hi Ileane,
That’s one of the main reasons why I only changed my Twitter background a year later. ^^ It’s common to feel that no people would ever bother about visiting Twitter page anymore, but if someone is looking for us from other sites/search engine then at least we can be prepared for that.
Thank you so much for dropping by. It’s so nice to see you!
Thank you. This article will absolutely be my first stop when I rejoin and make my background.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Will DEDC Comments Remain Do-Follow? It’s Up To YOU!
Dennis,
Looking forward, would love to see you benefit from this little experience. Thanks so much for your support, Dennis.
Oh don’t thank me yet sweets. I suck design no matter how step by step…I may be back! lol
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..DEDC Remains DoFollow – BUT…
You could easily spin off each of the sections in this article into articles as long and detailed as this article!
I’m going to start really simple and just load up one easy custom background.
Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Basic Blogging Business: Do you know what you don’t know?
Dave,
I thought about making this a series, maybe I should.
It seems more informative and SEO friendly that way. Better decision next time. A simple background can be good as a starter, I’ll be looking forward to it.
Thanks so much for your comment, Dave. Nice seeing you.
Love it Ching. Now that I am in “change” everything mode, might as well do the complete shebang:) Do really need to revise my Twitter Background. Been somewhat “dead” for a while. Way to go…
DiTesco´s last blog ..How To Migrate From Blogger To WordPress: Part 2/3
DiTesco,
I think I could be the second ‘change everything mode’ next to you, Francisco. You probably know what I was referring to as I mentioned about it on your blog awhile ago.
Will be anticipating for your new background launch!
This is great information Ching and your illustrations are well put together , all I need is a lovely weekend off to put all these tips into practise . Thanks
Fatibony´s last blog ..Body Languague Secrets-How to Spot a Liar.
Fatibony,
Thank you so much for visiting. Have you been able to make some changes for your Twitter background during the weekend? Hope all things are well for you. See you around.
Stunning and detailed article. Thanks a lot Ching Ya! Right now my Twitter profile BG is some wallpaper.. need to tweak them..
Glad to read your articles buddy.. really helpful! Kudos to your hard work for such long posts!
S.Pradeep Kumar´s last blog ..NameCheap April 2010 Discount Coupon
Thank you Pradeep,
Yup, another long article isn’t it? ha..you know me. Some tweaking will be great for your background, let me know when you’re done.
Great post, Ching Ya!
This is very helpful for anyone wanting to design their own custom background, which I surely recommend.
As you have pointed out, this is a great branding tool.
Custom backgrounds work best when they utilize the same colors and styles as the individual’s main site, a detail sometimes overlooked. Consistency in the brand presentation is very important.
Now… off to vote on this wonderful piece.
Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Personal Branding – You Should Own Your Name
Jimi,
That’s a good point! Thanks so much for highlighting on consistency in brand-making. I can relate to your opinion, more or less like the use of a gravatar – familiarity & recognizable. Off to visit your site soon, I have lots of readings to do this week. Appreciate for the support, always!
Nice one Ching Ya twitter is definitely one of the best way for expressing you and brand yourself
Nice and detailed work Ching Ya:)
Rathnakumar´s last blog ..Tips to increase RSS subscribers
Rathna,
Many thanks to your kind remark. See you around in Facebook fan page too.
Well! I’m yet to play with my Twitter background. I think coming Sunday will be a good day for me. Your article just remind me the issue and give me some decent idea. I really wonder, how each of your article get that much retweet. Are you a member of any retweet club?
Arafat Hossain Piyada´s last blog ..Cluesify: Another fun travel game
Arafat,
Glad this article gave you something to ponder – a blog post idea maybe? Good for you, keep up the good work.
I have been wondering for a while how to put info on either side of my twitter stream, and put my URL out and big, maybe put in some nice images too. Well, I should’ve known Ching Ya would have the whole scoop on how to do that.
I do have a personalized tiled background on my Twitter, but need to step it up.
I have downloaded a trial version of Corel Paint Shop ProX3, but want to look at Photoshop too before I buy one. I hear there is a version of Photoshop that is smaller than the big expensive one.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Funny Typos 16 (the lo-frills edition)
Jannie,
Wow, that’s really great! I haven’t get to try Corel Paint Shop before this, how did it go for you? I’m not aware of the smaller version of Photoshop, is it something from Adobe too? Let you know if I found out anything.
If there’s something I can assist you with the Twitter background, let me know. I’ll be glad to.
thank you very much ching,..you truly cleared my confusion,.as i was wondering how they can do that..i was previously using website background on twitter,..and i had to tile it,..but now am gonna make one professional background,.. i hope it comes out to be small in size.,..thanks again.
hacker9´s last blog ..how to install keylogger on remote pc ?
I swear… Practically, whenever I have something I need to do to amp up my blogging presence you pluck the very idea from my head and write an informative article about the subject. A cool personalized twitter background 1200X1600 crafted carefully in Photoshop is in my future.
~@SimianZ aka Jason
Jay Zuck´s last blog ..Mon’Stah Head
I really appreciate what you said, Jay.
The pleasure is mine. Just followed you on Twitter. You’re a great artist, I can’t wait to see what you’re going to come up for your background! ^^ Be sure to blog about it too.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
Personalised twitter background is actually on second on my list of twitter do’s and dont’s, and it’s great to find more information on how to create them.
Remember that not everybody has the same screen resolution, so make sure that the important information you want displayed is visible on 1024 by 768 and up
Tom@Net Accountant´s last blog ..Twitter do’s and don’ts: 16 DO’s to get the most out of Twitter
Thanks for visiting, Tom. Hopefully by now you’re all set with a new Twitter background and it’s getting you lots of visibility from random visitors.
Some pretty unknown points here..
I can see various twitter profiles with their URL hidden below the Twitter logo..It really gives a bad impression. Also, thanks for informing about the resolution of the Images to be used!
Rohit Sane@Tech Stuff´s last blog ..Play Pranks with Shady and Suspicious Email Addresses and URL links
Welcome Rohit,
At least now we can all try to find the best positioning for our important info, despite of the resolution differences. Thanks again for visiting.
Very interesting article and tips on personalizing Twitter. I still have the default background which I admit is sad, but I’m so used to just using Twitter from within a client so I never see it.
Chris@Money Making Ideas´s last blog ..Cash Crate Review
Chris,
That’s alright.
Now you know it can be a chance for extra exposures, especially for social profiles. Can be a project to work on someday for you. Best wishes and I appreciate your visit.
A very well though out and presented post. Losts of usefull information.
I did my personal Twitter background a while back. But found a few spelling/typos. Have to go back and fix it.
I wonder though, how many people actually visit your profile so that you can actually take advantage of that.
Would be interesting to see some stats.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..$100 000’s Worth of Free software from Microsoft – BizSpark
Hi Ching Ya. Thanks for this post. I am aware of complete boredom on both my own and the company one. I will use this post as a helper to sort them out over the coming week or two!
Cheers for sharing
Barney
Barney Austen´s last blog ..Follow Friday – Chris Brogan Style
Thank you Barney,
It’s great to see you here. Hopefully you manage to fix up a Twitter background that fits perfectly to your personal and company profiles.
Appreciate your comment.
This is a great How to Guide. Sadly I haven’t been on Twitter much due to Family issues.
On another note: I miss you.
Rose´s last blog ..Automatic Dog Washing Machine