Quick Tips for Creating Social Media Graphics Like a Designer (Sneak Peek)

The online marketing success of your business depends greatly on your social media efforts. Social media is becoming more and more a visual communication platform, so the way in which your viewers and customers perceive your message on the internet is directly related to the kind of graphics you share on social media.

Of course, the quality of the graphics one can produce for social media depends on a variety of factors. The skills and knowledge of the designer and the software to be used are just some of the many things to consider.

Sometimes your social media graphics don’t get as much traction as you’d like, so we’ve compiled some quick and awesome tips to help you create the best possible work for your social media.

How to Choose the Best Images

Quality

A blurry image is a huge no-no.

• Always source images from dependable sites.
• Download the highest resolution possible.
• A great option is to hire a photographer to take your photos.
• If using screenshots, use an extension like Nimbus.
• Analyze the images in terms of composition to see if they will work for your purposes.
• Analyze if the images can be cropped and changed to better suit you final graphic.

Composition

The way that elements appear in an image should have a visually appealing composition.

• Use grids like the rule of thirds or the golden mean to check the composition.
• Use symmetry to center important elements. You can crop the image for better results.
• Make sure elements are not cut off awkwardly.

Size

Make sure the photo will look good on the social media platform you want it for.

• Square is always a great choice because it will work for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
• Headers on Facebook and Twitter are wide rectangles.
• For Pinterest, graphics MUST be vertical.
• Follow Sprout Social’s size guidelines for constantly updated posting sizes.

Color

When your images carry your brand colors, they will become more memorable to your audience and help you establish a consistent brand identity.

• Search for images by color on Kaboompics.
• If using a photographer, use your brand colors in the elements and wardrobe.
• Edit the “tint” of the photo to match your brand.

Atmosphere

Images must represent your brand’s story.

• Choose images that have an atmosphere that matches your brand.
• If taking your own photos, create scenes that portray (and captivate) your ideal client.
• Consider the temperature of the photograph. For example: winter clothes in the snow and not at the beach.
• Take into account the gender of your clients and choose your subjects accordingly.

Legal Issues

Nobody wants to get sued by photographers.

• Make sure you are sourcing photos from legal sources that give a commercial license.
• Never use photos from Google Images unless you are sure it comes from a legal source.
• Never use photos from blogs without permission.
• Never use photos from online magazines without permission.
• Pay your photographer for legal rights of the images they took for you.

Using Illustrations

You can also use illustrations instead of photos.

• All the tips for images and photography also apply for illustrations.
• A designer or artist can create personalized illustrations for your brand.
• Try to always use a vector file for the best possible quality.

To learn more tips on how create great social media images, visit the original version of this post. For more engaging and helpful content, visit Visme’s Visual Learning Center.