How to choose which image shows up when you post links on Facebook

by | Last updated Jun 8, 2022 | Published on Apr 13, 2021 | Blog Posts

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That frustrating feeling when you post a link on Facebook or Twitter and it shows a thumbnail of an image that has nothing to do with what you are posting.

 

 

Grrrrr. 🤬

And it feels like there is absolutely nothing you can do to change it or make it go away.

I feel you.

 

I felt that frustration too. We all know that images can speak louder than words, so if the image is irrelevant, then why would anyone bother reading the text right?

Well my friends, I have the answer. And it’s a pretty easy fix too!

Step 1

You need the Yoast! Plugin*. They have a free and a paid version, but the free one is all you need for this fix.

(*Yoast! is a plugin for self-hosted WordPress websites.)

https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seo/

You can grab a download of Yoast! here or simply type Yoast! SEO into the plugin search bar in the backend of your WordPress website.

Step 2

When editing a new page or post on your website, scroll down to the Yoast SEO Box and click on the Social tab.

Screenshot of the Yoast plugin dialogue box
Closeup screenshot of the Yoast plugin dialogue box

Step 3

Choose the image you want to use for this webpage. The ideal image size is 1200 x 630 px. I have a template in Canva that I use to create mine. Complete the text boxes for ‘Facebook Title’ and ‘Facebook Description’. 

The Yoast dialogue box with the image and tex boxes completed

Step 4

Scroll down and copy the image and text into the Twitter boxes. It’s worth doing this even if you don’t use Twitter because it will work if anyone else shares your link on there too.

Step 5

Check it has updated by using the Debug tool. If it hasn’t updated yet you can use this tool to ‘fetch’ the new image*.

https://developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/

(*note that sometimes your browser’s cache may still be clinging on to that old image, so use a different browser or private browser to check.)

NB: If you get the “The following required properties are missing: fb:app_id” warning, then don’t worry. It’s fine. Read this article by Yoast for more info.

 

Screenshot of the Facebook debugger tool webpage

Step 6

Post your link on social media knowing that it will show the image you have chosen rather than some random one that doesn’t make sense. 

Screenshot of the correct image being displayed in a Facebook post.

Well done!

All complete and working fabulously.

Go you, you little web deisgner you. 😉

Background image is blurred sewing tools, with a jade overlay box. Inside the box reads hashtag website tips. How to choose which image shows up when you post links on Facebook. by Nicky from Pink Giraffe."

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Nicky Merrick disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.

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Hi! I’m Nicky from Pink Giraffe.

This blog is where I share tips and tricks that have helped me run a small business from home since 2007.

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