Social media is constantly changing. Whether it's the layout of a platform, new platforms becoming popular, or another platform adding a ‘Stories’ feature, it's critical as a designer to be on top of these changes to create imagery that produces the best results. While each social media outlet has its own set of rules, these tips and tricks are general guidelines that will help you be successful on any platform when designing your graphics for social media.

Before You Start, Have a Mobile Mentality

It’s not exactly a groundbreaking claim that most of the world experiences social media through their mobile devices and it’s important to make sure your social media imagery is optimized appropriately. When creating an image on a desktop with a big screen, it’s easy to feel like everyone can see your image properly or read the text on your image. However, sometimes viewing that image on a phone screen can make you realize it needs adjustments. 

It’s important to make sure any image text is large enough to read and images are clear. Social media platforms require images to be a specific size with mobile safe zones to be viewed properly. An example of one of these is Facebook covers. They have a mobile safe zone that you need to make sure all of your vital information falls into. With social media platforms constantly changing, staying on top of what needs to be what size and what needs a safe zone and where is an essential practice.

Use Quality Photos

Ensuring you have high-quality, crisp imagery is important if you want to look like you know what you are doing. You can show off the coolest, most fashionable product in the world, but if the photo of it is muddy, small, and pixelated, it won’t showcase the product’s full potential. No one wants to have to squint to see an image!

Keep It On Brand

If you were to view all your social media posts together on one page or grid, would they look like they are all part of one cohesive brand or would they look like they each belong on totally different pages? All of your posts should be branded to your business; this creates familiarity and reliability, translating into trust with the consumer.

Educate the Consumer Through Imagery 

The consumer’s eyes should leave your post with more knowledge than they had before viewing it. This can be achieved in so many ways! It could be through imagery alone that shows different angles and uses for your product. Text is also a good way to give more information. Instead of just saying “Buy our product” list two or three reasons someone SHOULD buy your product.

… But Don’t Go Overboard

With this in mind, mobile mentality and clean imagery should be the first priority. It’s great to educate the viewer, but try not to show too many angles and uses or list too many reasons to buy a product. People tend to have a short attention span, and this can create a crowded image or too many carousels to swipe through, and the consumer will not want to take the time to look at all of the info.

If It’s Subject To Change, Leave It In The Copy

It’s a lot easier to update the copy that goes with a social media image than to update an image. If you have something subject to change, especially if you are working ahead, it might be best to leave off the image. Tentative dates of events and ballpark inventory numbers (345 units in stock!) are good examples. 

Things Change, So Should Your Approach

The best thing to remember about designing for social media, is that the only constant is change. We at iFrog are continually keeping ourselves on top of what consumers are currently looking for and doing on each platform through data. We are keeping ourselves informed on the technical changes that may occur within these outlets. Our constant research helps us create imagery that will best fit each social media platform while still reaching your business's specific goals. 

At iFrog, we believe in creating standout graphics for social media that are bold, eye-catching, and engaging. We cultivate partnerships with our clients and collaborate to ensure all graphics are on brand and on trend. Are you ready to take the leap with iFrog? Contact us today!