If you’re a Twitteraholic like I am, you may have noticed that some people have these nifty Twitter pages. Much like your blog design, your Twitter profile page design is the first impression many people have of you. You want to make it your own!
It’s not hard to make a Twitter page if you have a bit of design skilz and a graphics program. I used Illustrator because that’s what I’m comfortable with, but you can use Photoshop or any other program you may have. (Or you can order one from DCR Design for $20! Hey, I’m not above a bit of shameless self-promotion.)
Here is how I created my Twitter Profile Page in 7 Easy Steps that ANYONE can follow:
1.) Create a new document that is 2048 pixels wide by 700 pixels tall. You will want to decide on a pleasing background color, and then set your Twitter page color the same so that when you apply your design, the two shall become one. Aren’t I poetic today?
2.) Start your content below the 83 pixels mark so the Twitter logo will not cover up your content. I just made a rectangle that was 83 pixels tall and set it there to judge the distance and deleted it before I saved my design. I’m sure there’s a more proper way to do that, but whatever works, right?
3.) Create a box for your content that is 200 pixels wide by 500 pixels high. I’ve seen advice to make it narrower, to ensure that all of your information is visible to everyone, but this is what I did to fit all my information nicely. Just remember that the background image doesn’t scroll as the visitors scroll down the window, so anything you want them to see needs to be above the fold. This box can be a text box so you will put your context directly inside, or as I did, make it a contrasting color and then layer a text box on top.
4.) Inside your text box, put your photo (if you desire) and whatever information you want to share with potential and current followers. This should not be the same information that is in your profile. This is extra information that you want your visitors to know about you. I included a photo and listed my blogs.
I have seen others that are far more fancy. You can, of course, use colors that match your brand, but I have several blogs and I change designs often, so I decided to go neutral so I don’t have to redesign my Twitter profile page every time I redesign my blog. Here are some other Twitter profile pages that are really cool.
@momversation has a Twitter page that is simple, but effective. They used their logo and then coordinated their Twitter page colors. Bing, bang, boom, DONE!
It’s hard to top Darren @ProBlogger. His page is uber cool. I’d never have the guts to post a close-up like that of myself, unless I had some major airbrushing. But it so works for him. And he’s a photography wizard so I’m guessing there were some mad photoshop skilz involved with that photo.
You can see he included information on the right side of the screen too. You certainly can do that, but it shouldn’t be your primary information because depending on screen size and screen resolution, that information is not always visible to your visitors.
5) When you have it the way you want, save it for Web and log into your Twitter account. Go to Settings and click on the Design tab. Click on “Change Background Image” and upload your file.
6) Make sure to UNCHECK the “tile background” box and then save changes.
7) Finally, click on “Change Design Colors” and adjust your colors to coordinate with your new background image. (The background color should match the background of your custom image.) And that’s it! Go admire your handiwork.
Yep, Problogger … ubercool. But not just his piccy, you know?
But we can do it too, can’t we?
Great instructions, I’m gonna follow them to the letter and make my own uber-cool twitter piccy pagey thing (unless you wanna make it for me).
Cheers from the Great Land of Oz
Warwick Foster
I started using Twitter a few months ago and I too have become addicted!! I never thought it would happen but I’ve found it to be such a useful tool – and fun! Oh, and yes, I’m following you
But I’ve always been amazed how people have these awesome & cool Twitter Profile Pages and want (and NEED) one to help grow my business!
So THANK YOU for putting these SIMPLE steps that even me, a non-techie person, can understand and follow!! Thanks Jo-Lynne and I’ll be “seeing” you on Twitter!!
Okay, I totally want this to match my fancy new page!!!
I am very impressed with how easy you make it sound.
This is a very helpful post. I hope I win a free one though as it’s so hard to find time with little ones!
Thanks!! one more thing to add to my “to do” list! LOL- I wouldn’t want to be the only girl with out a purdy page!
~Tidymom
I was just thinking I should figure out how to personalize my profile page. Thank you for sharing this. You saved me a lot of work.
I would love to win a twitter background. I need this, but haven’t had the chance try it on my own.
I am totally addicted to Twitter. Almost to the point of distraction while I am at work. I have to force myself to keep it closed during the majority of the day.
I may just have to come back and enter daily so that I can have a nifty Twitter page
Ok – off to make my teenage son follow your directions…i know, i know, i could probably do it myself, but I haven’t even gotten around to writing a good profile yet.
You lost me at pixels. I have no desire to learn how to do these things, but I do want to win and take advantage of your mad design skillz. So count me in for the contest.
Look at you! I love it! I grabbed a template for a twitter bground from someone but was getting stuck on the pic…now I’ll use your tutorial! Thanks!!
This is a great idea. A friend was talking to my about twitter last night and I am thinking of trying it.
When I look at your twitter page the tweets cover half of your face and I can’t read your info… is that my computer or something I need to adjust to be able to view it?
If you can widen your browser, you will see it. That’s why some people advise making that space even narrower than I did.
I just added the Twitter on my blog but I am still unsure about it..just a bunch of phrases…like Facebook, right?
-sandy toe
Sandy, Twitter is a lot like the status update on Facebook, but it’s much more interactive. It’s more of a conversation. Some also call it “micro-blogging”. It takes a few days to get in the swing of things, but it really is fun! I recommend downloading Twhirl — it’s a pop-up screen on your computer that automatically updates so you aren’t always refreshing your browser.
I hope I win. I have way to much to do on my growing list I have no time to play around with my boring twitter page.
I need this. LOL.
You know I’m a Twitteraholic now, right? Yeah, you know. And I suck at graphic design stuff, but this was very helpful. Now if I win one, that would be even better. But I never win anything
I would love a Twitter makeover…I am just not savvy enough to use what I am sure is very helpful steps to a more computer literate person. My name is Allison and I am a Twitterholic!
If I wasn’t so graphically challenged, I would design it myself. Instead I’ll enter the contest in hopes of winning.
ooh I want to win. My page needs a spiff up!
You make it sound so easy LOL! I def need a make over with my twitter – it doesn’t really reflect me at all. I’d love to win!
Great instructions, will save them just in case I don’t win!!!
I am pretty new to Twitter. I just made time to figure it out. I have been wondering about this very thing!! Thank you. I am bookmarking this post so I can come back and digest it (and try it out) later. Thanks again!
I just finally got my Twitter background up and running earlier this wee. Your instructions were great! I did the exact same thing (except used 1500×800).
You’re uber cool too!
Jo-Lynne! You know I would love to win this, and I will pimp you out to the Twitterverse if I do! I am design-tarded. Sad but true.
Your instructions make is seem so easy to do. I am going to have to give it a try! Thanks =)
I am such a twitter wanna be! I have no idea how to do it or get started. I guess you could say….I’m a twitter v_rg_n!
I would love to change that!
I’m just getting the hang of Twitter now, and would love a customized profile page. Thank you!
Good thing you are having a giveaway because I am seriously lacking in the design skilz. Most of your simple steps still went over my head (have never even used photoshop).
Your twitter page is lovely!!
I am commenting again today…as you said we could comment daily for more chances!!!! I would love that Twitter makeover!
I am totally entering again today
thanks for the info, had no idea how to do, will put on my To Do list, hope to do by next week, that list is pretty long
.
I made my background by trial and error – mostly error as I didn’t have any directions! I’d love to have a more professional design
Do you know about the twitip id plugin? It allows your twitter readers to leave a link to their Twitter name – it’s awesome!
Do you know of anyone who does this as a job? The learning curve is too big at this point of time?
twitter ID: DianaRusso
Christian, love our creativity and your detailed instructions for personalizing your Twitter page. I’m not new to social networking but am pretty much brand new to Twitter. I’m meeting THE MOST terrific people on there and am glad to follow you also. Best! Cait
Diana, LOL, yes, I do!
I have a design business. I linked to it in this post. You can find me at dcrdesign.com. I charge $20 for Twitter Profile Pages if you’re interested. 
I’m back again, as I’d really love and NEED a Twitter Profile Page. Okay, I could totally follow your tips (thanks again!), but I prefer to spend my time on things I’m GOOD AT, so I can follow my passion & better serve my clients.
So please enter me for the contest. Thanks!
If I don’t win I will have to find time to try this out and make my twitter page look better. It always bugs me when my pic is covered by the twitter logo and now I know how to fix it. Thanks!
You are waykewl for sharing that, Miss J!
And very talented, too!
I’ve gotta do something w/mine.
Thanks for the reminder. (Or maybe
let YOU do it.
Keep the faith and keep being you!
~Ronald
TrueBeliever & HopeDealer
Nice post! I don’t need to be in the contest but for large screen viewers you might want to consider dimensions of:
Width: 1600
Height: 1024 pixels
Width of graphic from left: 124 pixels
That way all those 24″ (and maybe the 30″, amazing) screens will like it also! ; )
yeah Derrrr I see it now! was too busy reading the article I was interested in!
thankyou
$20 US eh? and what do you get for that, service wise: drafts to approve?
Your directions sound simple but lack of time and being technically challenged make me hopeful I can win one for my up and coming new blog!
Hey! That’s really cool! I love the brown color that you chose for your page. It reminds me of the beach…or the walls in some stylish model home.
Cheers for this – I’ve been looking everywhere for dimensions and measurements etc!
Wow you make it sound so simple. I’m going to have to give it a try. Thanks so much for spelling it out for us.
Great Site and Love your work.
We have been going through several design Ideas for or page so this would be great.
Keep up the good work!!
I really liked your work and the information provided by you is really useful. I have recently started a blog as TechZee, i will try it with that. Thanks for the great information.
hello from Los Angeles
Hope all is well
I would love to have my twitter profile customized by you…
Claudio Albano
ciao
Hello from India…
We need a blog for our website. Can anyone help us.
Our website is http://www.bbchost.com
Twitter account: http://twitter.com/bbchost
Thank you
Hi Jo, Awesome tutorial. Is the contest still running. I want to have a twitter background for my twitter profile. Hope I will get it.
Thanks,
Sathish
Hey Jo – thanks for the tutorial. I updated my twitter page, and it looks great, even if I do say so myself
http://www.twitter.com/nickyelectric
Thanks
Nicky
Hi,
Was delighted to see a familiar blog when I googled “make your own twitter background” to match my new janmary designs site when it goes live
With “new twitter” the width of the content box seems to have changed. I altered it to suit the new twitter, but maybe more still use the old one (why do thinks keep changing!)
Anyway, if you want a peak, here you go
http://twitter.com/#!/Janmarydesigns
This is my first comment here! Really nice blog, thanks!