Upon meeting a stranger for the first time, the human mind makes over a thousand computations in order to develop a first impression. The average amount of time it takes to reach said conclusion? Seven seconds!

In business, first impressions are crucial. When it comes to creating a business page on Facebook, you should strive to create the same impression virtually that your business would make in real life. One of the key players for a first impression on Facebook is your cover photo. Taking up about 25% of the page, it's a prime piece of visual real estate. Here are some tips to assure that your business is taking full advantage of every inch.

Follow Facebook Guidelines. While this may seem like a simple step, it's easy to overlook Facebook Guidelines. Nevertheless, you should do an overview to make sure that your page isn't shut down for something as simple as not following the rules.

Is Your Photo the Right Size? Aesthetics are everything when it comes to your cover photo, so avoid graininess with high quality images. The appropriate dimensions for a cover photo are 851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall.

Center or Right Alignment? Even though you have the entire 851x315 pixel space, upon initial viewing there is a portion covered by your profile photo in the lower left hand corner. To avoid hiding any important information, make sure the image has a center or right focus.

Integrate with the Profile Picture. While this isn't mandatory, a creative trend is to integrate the profile photo with the cover photo. It creates an eye catching effect that will make your viewers take a second look.

Change it Up. Just like the seasons change, so should your cover photo! You can update it for the holidays, showcasing new products, or even share milestones for your business. Like a billboard, you want it to be current.

Watch your CTA's. Calls to action are a great way to get your users involved. It's important to use active language to keep messages short and to the point.

Include Links in the Description. Many people fail to take advantage of the description space of the cover photo, which you can only see when the photo is clicked. Use this area to place any important links, such as your website.

Most Importantly, Have Fun! - Your followers appreciate creativity as well as a sense of humor. Don't be afraid to let your true voice shine through.