"Meet by clothes, see off by mind," — this saying is known to almost all of us. It applies not only to people but also to... groups on social networks. After all, the first thing a visitor sees when they peek into your group is the cover. And only then — news, posts, enticing offers, photos, and videos.

We will tell you how to make an attractive cover and how to set it up.

Types of Covers for VK

The cover is located at the very top of the page — that's why it's a cover, to greet everyone who enters the group. It can be a bright and dynamic image, a monochrome rectangle with the group's name, or it can simply be absent. It's an optional element; the page will still function. But we remember: greeted – by clothes! Therefore, first, let's decide what will be on the VK group cover page.

Nothing. A decent option that does not affect functionality. But such a page is unlikely to attract anyone. Consequently, the number of subscribers will be extremely small.

How to Choose a Community Cover Format for VKontakte

Live, static, dynamic. So which cover to choose? It all depends on the goals you set for yourself.

Suppose you need a simple design to avoid visual noise, adhere to brand aesthetics, or you simply don't want to attract random characters to the group. In this case, a static cover with an original picture or photograph and important information is suitable. Or just a solid rectangle — an option used by bloggers whose content is aimed at a specific group of users, as well as large companies and corporations that do not need to introduce themselves unnecessarily.

The live covers have a larger image format, and by changing the pictures, you can highlight not only information about the company but also talk about promotions, contests, share moods, and more. The main thing is not to overload the cover with an abundance of colors, letters, and stickers. However, due to frequent image changes, a subscriber may not immediately recognize their favorite page.

Dynamic covers are always recognizable due to the familiar background, while new interesting information constantly appears on them about both the community and current business offers.

What Should Be on a Group Cover in VK

A cover is a cover to briefly present the group or community in a few words, explain its purpose and specifics. There are no requirements for the content of the cover — the main thing is that it adheres to ethical standards. Details should be just right, and the cover itself should not be visually exhausting.

Usually, the cover, regardless of its degree of dynamism, features the following (not necessarily all, just a part):

• Group Name.
• Subtitle — describes briefly what this group is about. You can include a motto, creed, or call to action.
• Contacts — how else? Where should potential clients go who need your product or service? Not to Grandma's village, surely!
• Logo — increases brand recognition. You can change the cover beyond recognition, but subscribers will definitely recognize you by the logo.
• Target Audience Photos – a great opportunity to attract potential clients. Just ensure that the people depicted on the cover match the target audience. For a group engaged in selling bicycles and scooters, a photo with elderly gardeners would hardly be suitable, no matter how cheerful they are.
• Product Photos — select a quality photo of what you offer your subscribers. Show the product's face.

Sizes and Formats of VKontakte Covers

It's very important that the cover matches the size for both the PC version and the smartphone app. Thus, the size of a static community cover is from 960x384 px, recommended — 1822x722.

The live cover size is 1080x1920 px, or other sizes corresponding to the 9:16 proportions. Videos for live covers should be in mp4 format, 15-60 frames per second, lasting up to 30 seconds, and weighing up to 20 MB.

Note: smartphone users see a smaller image than PC users. The static cover has blind zones on the sides of 200 pixels and 115 px at the top. For dynamic — 285 px at the top, 115 px on the sides, and 723 px at the bottom.

Conclusion: all important information should be placed closer to the center.

How to Make a Cover for a VK Group

The easiest option – if the budget allows – is to contact a professional designer. They will choose the right color scheme, highlight important information, and not overload the cover with unnecessary elements.

You can also manage on your own. For example, use the Postmypost photo and video editor. Here you have plenty of tools to create a unique cover that could become your business card.

You can also use any graphic editor. For example, Paint or Photoshop. You can even draw a picture with symbols in Word! The main thing is that it reflects the essence of your group, attracts the target audience's attention, and pleases you.

How to Make a Live or Dynamic Cover

Strict style, minimalism, carefully calibrated gradients, and words — many group owners choose just such covers because they are recognizable to subscribers, reflect the group's essence, and, let's be honest, are familiar.

However, many social network users like it when covers change, when user icons, statistics, products, and much more appear. And if your target audience is active, dynamic, creative, and very far from conservatism, you should choose a dynamic cover.

Unlike the live cover, where photos change, the dynamic cover features widgets and icons where new information constantly appears. Let's go step by step on how to do it. For example, we will consider the dynamic cover constructor LetsCover, but you can choose any other.

Step 1

Register, click the "Create Cover" button, and upload the image that will later serve as the cover background. To avoid overloading it, choose something calm, neutral, without small details and text. Otherwise, your widgets will simply not be noticeable.

Step 2

Select widgets relevant to your group. Typically, constructors offer a set of widgets and also allow you to create your own. By the way, many users like seeing their avatar in the community profile header. This boosts both their mood for the whole day and loyalty to the brand.

That's it! Now all that's left is to place the cover in your group — and enjoy watching the subscriber and sales counter grow.

How to Set a Cover in a VK Group

Setting up a cover is very simple. First, find the "Management" tab and through it go to the community settings.

Then find the "Basic Information" section — "Cover: Manage" and in the opened window, add the cover.

Now all that's left is to click "Save and Continue" — and enjoy an original cover.

Working on Mistakes: Analyzing Typical Mistakes When Creating a Cover

The cover can be super-duper complex or naively simple, and thus scare away the target audience. And someone might not get interested in the group simply because nothing is clear. So, let's take apart the most typical examples of mistakes.

Crammed "everything all at once"

In a rush to present all the products directly, group owners try to fit everything on the cover, stuffing every free millimeter with information blocks. At the same time, they don't pay attention to the compatibility of fonts, color schemes.

Miscalculated size

When creating a cover, unfortunate designers take images that don't match the sizes. For example, a business card, leaflet, which a professional designer once made, or a cover from another social network. As a result, part of the title or image might be cut off, and the visitor simply won't understand: what is the group about?

Confusing name

Overly original fonts or mixing incompatible fonts can confuse users. It's possible that on the first try, they won't be able to read the group's name and simply won't want to enter it.

Update

The information in the group header should be current. Phones — working, address — valid, prices — real. And the mentioned promotions should be ongoing or planned for the near future. If there's a message on the cover about May promotions, and it's September outside, this will not only raise questions but also distrust.

So...

... the cover plays a very important role in the community's design. Want to grow your audience and sales? Think through the profile header down to the smallest details — colors, fonts, filling. While in some cases an abundance of details might be appropriate, in others, details can just kill your group. Refusing a cover is also not advisable, as it's another way to announce yourself.