Let's face it, as business owners we don't always have the luxury of spending hours creating beautiful graphics for our social media accounts. But, that doesn't mean we should settle for crappy designs either. Understanding the design basics for social media graphics is key to creating eye-catching content that your audience will love. In this blog post, I'll be sharing with you some valuable tips and tricks that will help you create stunning graphics for your social media accounts. We'll dive into the importance of using captions instead of repeating a quote, caption tips and tricks, creating a carousel for your social media, and why including a helpful next step is essential. So grab a cuppa or an ice cream and let's get started!
Design basics for social media graphics
As a Canva designer and trainer, I can't stress enough how important it is to get the design basics right before creating social media graphics. This doesn't mean you need to be an expert in all things design, but understanding the basics can go a long way in creating professional looking graphics.
First and foremost, always use high-quality photos. Grainy, low-resolution images don't look professional and can turn off your potential DREAM client. If you don't have access to your own high-quality images, there are plenty of free stock photo websites out there such as Unsplash, Pexels etc. You can also sign up to a stock photography site such as Ivory Mix* or Inspired Stock Shop*.
Next, use colours and fonts that align with your brand. Consistency is key in creating a recognisable brand, so make sure your social media graphics align with your brand.
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Lastly, keep it simple. Don't try to cram too much information into one graphic. Stick to one or two key messages and use visuals to support them. If you need more words, use a carousel or write a blog post.
By following these design basics, you'll be well on your way to creating social media graphics that grab attention and communicate your message effectively.
Creating a caption for quote or testimonial graphics
I've seen so many posts on social media where a quote or testimonial has been shared and then there's either no caption or the quote/testimonial has been repeated. I find this frustrating and a little lazy to be honest with you.
Visuals are crucial in today's world for attracting and engaging audiences, and businesses and brands are using appealing graphics with quotes and testimonials to promote their brand. However, a well-written caption can enhance the impact of the visual and make it more memorable.
For instance, a caption for a quote graphic should be no more than two to three sentences, highlight the most important aspect of the quote or testimonial, and add a touch of humour, wit, or personality to make it stand out.
When you are sharing a testimonial or quote, try not to repeat everything in the quote or review but tell a story about what that quote means to you or how you helped that DREAM client and then add a thank you to them and tag them in the post.
Caption Tips and Tricks
Captions are a vital component of social media graphics, as they can make or break your engagement levels. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create engaging captions that will grab your audience's attention:
1. Keep it short and sweet - People have a short attention span on social media, so make sure your captions are concise and to the point.
2. Use emojis - Emojis can add personality and help convey your message in a fun and relatable way. I definitely don’t take my own advice here and mostly forget to add emojis!
3. Ask questions - Asking questions can encourage interaction and increase engagement levels. Sometimes even a question where your DREAM client answers yes or no is sufficient.
4. Use hashtags - Hashtags are a great way to reach a wider audience and increase your post's visibility. Use a tool like Flick (paid) to help you find some awesome hashtags for your brand or search on Instagram (remember not to use hashtags that are too high - using one that has been used millions of times if you have a small number of followers is definitely not going to get you seen).
5. Use a call to action - Including a call to action in your captions can encourage your audience to take action, whether it's visiting your website or leaving a comment.
Creating a carousel for your social media
Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and seen a post with multiple images that you can swipe through? That's a carousel post! Using a carousel is a great way to showcase multiple products or services, or to tell a story through a series of images.
To create a carousel, simply select the carousel option when creating a new post on your social media platform of choice. Then, upload the images you want to include and arrange them in the order you want them to appear.
One thing to keep in mind when creating a carousel is to make sure each image can stand alone as well as work together as a group. You want each image to be engaging and interesting on its own, but also to flow well with the others in the series.
Another tip is to use the caption for each image to add context or information. Don't assume that your audience will know what each image is about – give them a little bit of background or explanation to help them understand.
Finally, don't forget to include a call to action in your carousel. This could be as simple as asking your audience to swipe through to see more, or directing them to a specific page or product you want them to check out.
By using carousels in your social media strategy, you can create engaging and dynamic content that will keep your audience interested and wanting more.
Add a Helpful Next Step (or Call to Action) in Your Social Media Posts
Creating your graphics and captions is only half the battle. The other half is getting your audience to take action. Whether it's to visit your website, sign up for your newsletter, or book a consultation, you need to give them a reason to do so. This is where a helpful next step or call to action (CTA) comes in.
A CTA is a prompt that encourages your audience to take a specific action. It could be as simple as "Click the link in our bio to learn more" or "Book your free consultation today." By including a CTA in your social media posts, you make it clear what you want your audience to do next.
When creating your CTA, keep in mind the stage of the DREAM client journey your audience is in. If they're still in the Awareness stage, you don't want to ask them to buy your product or service right away. Instead, offer them something of value, such as a free guide or webinar, that will help them learn more about what you offer.
Make your CTA clear and concise, and use action-oriented language. Instead of saying "Learn about our services," say "Start transforming your business today." This creates a sense of urgency and encourages your audience to take action.
Finally, make sure your CTA is relevant to the content of your post. If you're sharing a testimonial graphic, for example, your CTA could be to book a consultation to learn how you can achieve similar results.
In conclusion, including a helpful next step or CTA in your social media posts is crucial for driving engagement and conversions. Take the time to craft a clear and compelling CTA, and you'll see the results in no time.
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Conclusion:
There you have it - the quick and easy guide to creating social media graphics for your business in less than 30 minutes! By following these design basics, creating captivating captions and carousels, and always including a helpful next step (or call to action), you can create graphics that not only look great but also help to promote your business and engage with your audience. Don't let a lack of technical skills hold you back from making your social media shine - with these tips and tricks, you're sure to make a splash! Happy designing!
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