Creating visual content for your social media can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t a graphic designer or don’t think you have the skills needed.
Of course there are websites and tools out there like Canva to make your life easier but sometimes just knowing some of the basic principles can supercharge your efforts.
For some creators they fall back on the same templates time and again not realising that the audience can very quickly get bored of seeing things that are too similar over and over again.
Creating engaging visuals for social media requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and an understanding of your audience, taking your time to think them through will work in your favour at a later date.
If you want to learn to create more engaging visuals for your social media, adhering to some of these rules below will help you make your content more appealing to your audience.
- Understand Your Audience
Before diving into design, understand your audience. What appeals to them? Are they drawn to bold colours, minimalist designs, or perhaps nostalgic themes? Tailoring your visuals to the preferences of your audience increases engagement.
- Maintain Brand Consistency
Ensure the visuals you create align with your own brand identity. Use consistent colours, fonts, and styles that reflect your brand’s personality. This consistency helps in building brand recognition and loyalty.
- Leverage High-Quality Images
Quality can’t be compromised. Make sure you are using high-resolution images to ensure your visuals look professional and crisp, especially on platforms like Instagram where image quality is paramount.
- Embrace the Power of Colour
Colours evoke emotions and convey messages. Choose a colour palette that compliments your brand and the mood you want to convey. Bright colours can energise, while muted tones can convey sophistication or calm.
- Incorporate Effective Typography
Typography (the words) is a crucial element of visual design. Use fonts that are easy to read and fit the tone of your message. Don’t be afraid to mix font styles, but do so with balance and purpose.
- Use Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy guides viewers through your content in order of importance. Play with size, colours, and spacing to lead the viewer’s eye and emphasise key elements of your message.
- Create a Balanced Composition
A well-balanced composition is pleasing to the eye. Use the rule of thirds or symmetry to create a layout that is harmonious yet dynamic.
- Keep It Simple
Sometimes less is more. Overcrowded visuals can be overwhelming. Embrace whitespace and keep your designs clean and straightforward to maintain focus on the key message.
- Experiment with Formats
Different social media platforms favour different formats. Square images work well on Instagram (as do portraits), while landscape formats look good on Facebook and Twitter. Consider the platform while designing your visuals.
- Add a Personal Touch
Personalised visuals can be more engaging. This could be as simple as incorporating user-generated content or custom illustrations that resonate with your audience.
- Use Infographics for Complex Data
Infographics are excellent for presenting complex information in an easily digestible format. They are particularly effective for platforms like LinkedIn, where educational content is highly valued.
- Incorporate Trending Elements
Stay updated with design trends. Whether it’s a current meme, a popular colour scheme, or a contemporary design style, incorporating trending elements can make your content feel current and relatable.
- Optimise for Mobile Viewing
Ensure your visuals are optimised for mobile devices. With the majority of social media content consumed on mobile, your designs must be clear and impactful on smaller screens.
- Harness the Potential of Video
Videos can be incredibly engaging. Use short, captivating videos to grab attention on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Ensure they are impactful even without sound, as many users watch videos on mute.
- Analyse and Adapt
Finally, use analytics to understand what works. Monitor which visuals are getting the most engagement and adapt your strategy accordingly. Social media is ever-evolving, and so should your approach to visual content.
Check out our blog What Is Canva & Why Do You Need It For Your Small Business