5 Practical Graphic Design Tips for Social Posts

Contents

1. Use the right image size for each platform
2. Show, don't tell
3. Make text readily readable
4. Stick to your brand identity
5. Leave space for breathing

Creating engaging and eye-catching designs for your social media posts is a handy skill in the digital age. To help you out on this creative journey, here are five practical graphic design tips. Not only will these tips help you create stunning visuals, but they'll also help you understand how to use graphic design for a social media post. Let's get started!

Use the right image size for each platform

Just like how we pick the right outfit for different occasions, we need to pick the right image size for each social platform. The right size ensures your posts look their best and load quickly—crucial for grabbing your audience's attention and keeping them engaged.

Facebook

For Facebook, cover photos should be 820 x 312 pixels, and profile pictures should be 170 x 170 pixels. If you're making a post, stick to 1200 x 630 pixels. Facebook is like the friendly neighborhood gathering—you want your image to be clear and inviting.

Instagram

Instagram is a bit different. Profile photos should be 110 x 110 pixels, while posts should be 1080 x 1080 pixels. Instagram is like your personal art gallery—every pixel matters and contributes to your overall aesthetic.

Twitter

On Twitter, header photos should be 1500 x 500 pixels and profile photos 400 x 400 pixels. Tweets with images can use up to 1024 x 512 pixels. Think of Twitter as a fast-paced news cycle—your images need to be bold and impactful to stand out.

Remember, using the right image size is a small step that makes a big difference. It's the first step in learning how to use graphic design for a social media post.

Show, don't tell

Next up in our graphic design adventure is an age-old adage: show, don’t tell. This rule isn't just for writers—it's a golden rule for anyone learning how to use graphic design for a social media post. Instead of using words to describe your message, use visuals to convey it. This makes your post more engaging and helps your audience understand your content at a glance.

Use Visual Metaphors

Visual metaphors are a powerful tool for showing rather than telling. They can communicate complex ideas succinctly and creatively. For instance, instead of saying your product is as light as a feather, why not show a feather balancing effortlessly on the product?

Use Symbols and Icons

Symbols and icons are another great way to communicate. A heart symbol, for example, universally conveys love or like. An icon of a trash bin tells us where to discard something. They're like the traffic signs of the digital world—quick to read and easy to understand.

Use Colors Wisely

Colors can set the mood, evoke emotions, and even trigger actions. For instance, red can signify urgency, while green often means go or proceed. Be mindful of how colors can show your message in your designs.

Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, why not take advantage of that in your social media posts?

Make text readily readable

As we journey through tips on how to use graphic design for a social media post, let's not forget about the importance of text. After all, the perfect image won't matter much if your audience can't read the message you're trying to convey. So, how do we make our text readily readable?

Choose a Clear Typeface

Firstly, the typeface you choose can make a world of difference. While that fancy script font might look beautiful, can your audience read it quickly and easily? Remember, social media is often consumed on the go, so readability is key. Stick to simple, clean fonts that are discernible at a glance.

Use a Suitable Font Size

Font size matters too. Too small, and it can strain the eyes; too large, and it may overpower your design. A good rule of thumb is to make your text big enough to be read on a phone screen without any zooming in.

Contrast is Your Friend

Contrast can greatly improve readability. Light text on a dark background or vice versa can help your text stand out. But be careful—too much contrast can be jarring, so balance is key.

By ensuring text readability, you make sure your message doesn't get lost in the world of social media scrolling.

Stick to your brand identity

Once you've got the basics of how to use graphic design for a social media post down, it's time to inject some personality into your designs. Your brand identity plays a vital role in this. It's not just about what you say, but how you're saying it. So, how can you stay true to your brand in your designs?

Consistent Color Palette

Colors are a powerful tool in branding. They evoke emotions and can be instantly recognizable. Using a consistent color palette that aligns with your brand can help your audience identify your posts quickly.

Maintain Your Brand's Voice

Your brand's voice is its personality. Whether it's friendly, professional, or quirky, ensure it shines through your designs and captions. This consistency brings familiarity, which can boost trust and engagement over time.

Use Brand Elements

Every brand has unique elements—logos, taglines, mascots. Incorporate these into your designs to enhance recognition. Just remember, subtlety is crucial. You don't want these elements to distract from your main message.

Sticking to your brand identity in your social media posts not only strengthens your brand but also makes your posts more memorable to your audience.

Leave space for breathing

Great, you've now got a handle on how to use graphic design for your social media posts. But, there's one more tip that often gets overlooked. Can you guess what it is? It's the concept of leaving space for breathing!

Why is Breathing Space Important?

Well, imagine a room filled with furniture, from wall to wall, with no room to move. Feels a bit suffocating, right? The same principle applies to design. Breathing space, also known as white space, helps to balance design elements and better structure your post. It's like punctuation in a sentence, providing visual cues on where to look or pause.

Benefits of Breathing Space

White space isn't just about aesthetics; it has practical benefits too. A clutter-free design aids readability and comprehension. It guides the viewer's eye, making your message easier to digest. Plus, it can highlight the elements you want your audience to focus on.

How to Use Breathing Space?

Start by focusing on one core message per post. Then, surround this key message with ample white space. Resist the urge to fill every inch of your design. Remember, the power of a post often lies in its simplicity.

So, next time you're figuring out how to use graphic design for a social media post, remember to leave space for breathing. Your audience's eyes will thank you!

If you enjoyed these practical graphic design tips and want to learn more about creating engaging social posts, check out Shannon's workshop, 'Effective Social Media Strategies For Creatives.' This workshop will help you strengthen your social media presence and make the most of your creative content.