Twitter Background

I've added a few new features to Musings of a Housewife that I hope will be helpful. Over the weekend I created a Whole Foods Resources page that is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about the whole foods lifestyle. I also compiled my design tutorials into one convenient location. Both are linked in my nav bar. And there is now a Print Friendly button at the bottom of each post, should you feel like printing recipes or information for future reference. Before printing, you will have the option to delete any photos or content you don't need.

This contest is closed. The winning numbers are 19 and 28, so congratulations Dana and perksofbeingme!

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.

WIN IT!!! DCR Design is giving away TWO free Twitter Profile Pages. Just leave a comment on this post. You will have to provide me with a photo or graphic and the text you want me to use. Increase your chances — enter daily! I will select the winners at random on Saturday.

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips and tricks, visit RocksInMyDryer.net!

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This Week’s Giveaways:

Cyber Patrol Parental Control Internet Software — Keep your kids safe on the internet.

Disney Wheel of Fortune Board Game — Fun family game!

My Fruit Rollups — Perfect for Valentines Day!

Handpainted Kitchen Tools — Great Valentines Day gift for teachers or friends!

$25 Gift Certificate to Paper Shouts — Valentines Day cards, perhaps?