What is a
Featured Image?

The Power of a Featured Image (aka Thumbnail)

A featured image is one of the most valuable assets for driving traffic from social media to your website. When you post your website link on Facebook (or share it in WhatsApp), it automatically pulls in the featured image. This acts as a visual gateway—anyone who clicks the image is instantly directed to your site. Not only does this increase website traffic, but it also gives you the chance to present more detailed and compelling information about your services once they arrive.

Why is a Featured Image Important?

The featured image serves as the first impression of your content. Think of it like a billboard—eye-catching, attention-grabbing, and inviting. When someone scrolls through their Facebook feed, a well-designed featured image can make all the difference between someone stopping to click or continuing to scroll.

How Does a Featured Image Appear on Facebook?

Below are some examples of websites posted to Facebook with their featured images displayed. Notice how they stand out? That’s the power of visuals. You can post your link to your Facebook Business Page or in Facebook Groups to maximize visibility and engagement.

Screenshot of Blue Sky Projects Facebook Post
Screenshot of Brackenfell Graphics & Printing Facebook Post
Screenshot of Cape Town Sports Massage Therapy Facebook Post
Screenshot of DB Voice-Over Agency Facebook Post
Screenshot of Family Dental Dr von Gericke Featured Image Posted to Facebook
Screenshot of Sportsfit Pilates Featured Image on Facebook
Screenshot of Princess Quarters Featured Image on Facebook
Screenshot of Pro Active Fire Safety Facebook Featured Image
Screenshot of WG Pipefitters Featured Image on Facebook
Screenshot Green Light Projects Featured Image facebook Post
Screenshot Tree Felling Featured Image
Screenshot of JD Transport Featured Image on Facebook

Featured Image vs. Image Post: Which is Better for Engagement?

When posting to social media, there’s a key difference between sharing just an image and posting a link with a featured image.

  • Image Post: Users might engage with the image itself (through likes and comments), but these interactions don’t necessarily lead to website visits. There’s no immediate call to action, reducing the chances of converting viewers into site visitors.

  • Link with Featured Image: A featured image, on the other hand, creates a clear call to action. Users know that clicking the image will take them directly to your website, encouraging more meaningful interactions and driving traffic to your site.

Technical Guidelines for a Featured Image

To ensure your image looks great across platforms, follow these basic technical specifications:

  • Size: 1200 x 630 pixels

  • Format: JPEG for the best balance between quality and file size

Make sure the image reflects your brand and communicates your message clearly. A well-designed featured image can significantly improve your click-through rates and boost traffic to your website.

Get help with your featured image by filling in the form below. Riaan will WhatsApp you shortly. 📖

Your WWW Guide
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.