We will discuss our social media graphic design options.

 

Social media graphic design for professional branding

Social media and graphic design have more similarities than you might first imagine.

We have all heard that consistency matters when it comes to posting written content on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. But this same principle extends to the visual appearance of your account, bio and posts.

Here are some classic social media graphic design fails:

• Failing to appear professional
• Poor compositions and designs
• Mismatched social media branding
• Adopting inconsistent colour schemes
• A pixellated logo or social media banner.

But there is a simple solution.

Discover what elements of your social media accounts you can improve when you hire a graphic designer, such as thefingerprint, in this useful guide.

What social media designs can we create for you?

Alongside printed and digital designs, our multi award-winning agency can create many visual social media design elements. Often given different names by individual social media sites, here is how we will help you build brand awareness and project your professionalism.

Because your expertise and passion for what you deliver deserve a high-quality presentation.

A beautiful banner or cover photo

Known on LinkedIn as a ‘cover image’ and Facebook as a ‘cover photo’, these social media banners give you prime space within your account profile to sell your services or products. You can include standout photographs, your brand name, tagline, offers and contact information to inform prospective customers or clients.

But for an extra design impact, consider hiring a professional designer to elevate your design here. Drawing on our expertise, skill and technical ability, we will choose coordinating visual elements such as colour, typography and professionally captured photography. 

Knowing how to arrange them, with hierarchies of design, elevates your branding for social media to new heights. It also shows users that you have invested in your business appearance and mean business. After all, first impressions matter within the initial stage of your sales funnel.

A logo that stays sharp

Hire a graphic designer to equally benefit from their understanding of image quality and required site dimensions. While Canva is often used for creating social media designs, it relies on you having the time and confidence to pull everything together in a polished design.

We believe it is worth outsourcing this important design task to a professional.

Then there is cropping to consider. With Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, the logo you upload will be made into a circular design. This can obscure key details of your square logo design from view. A graphic designer anticipates this when you approach them for a design. They create your master design file from day one in a format that can be reused elsewhere, unlike some popular design tools.

You will also need to ensure, as with your cover image, that the quality of the image is not compromised when uploaded. Different social sites have varying image dimensions and proportions that can ruin your DIY designs. Equally, pixellated or stretched logos will reduce the reputation of your brand, suggesting that your social media account and bio were an afterthought.

Infographics that catch the eye

Adding infographics or branded images to your post will not only capture attention while social media users scroll. They can inform, persuade and educate viewers in the long term, more than text alone.

The University of Strathclyde allude to this ‘Cone of Learning’, pointing out that people will remember:

• 10% of something that they have read
• 20% of something that they have heard
• 30% of something that they have seen.

Therefore, posting a text caption with an infographic or branded image can increase your chances of them remembering your marketing messages. This can also help them to make referrals to friends and colleagues. We also offer videography services, should you wish to vary your content strategy with crystal clear video; highly recommended to keep your followers’ interest.

Your content will be anchored to your business when you include your logo and other key information, such as a company strapline, phone number or email. Effective social media graphics design can also convey your sector, work within your sector, membership accreditations, customer reviews and team member achievements. This gives potential customers a glimpse into your USPs, offering further reasons to shop or contact you.

Popular infographic formats include:

• Lists
• News updates
• Diagrams and charts
• Customer testimonials
• Before and after results
• Awards announcements
• Employee achievements.

The formats you choose can vary by your industry. But all have a good impact when a skilled expert designs social media graphics. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an infographic combines images and text to stunning effect.

Carousels that captivate

Like the graphics above, carousel posts can be pinned to your ‘Featured posts’ on LinkedIn, meaning they work harder for you months after the feed has refreshed. They can also help your company curate a visually appealing Instagram grid that users cannot ignore. Consider them the social media equivalent of a PowerPoint slide deck.

A carousel can break down complex concepts from your brochures, blogs or website, such as the client process they can expect or lengthy product guides. Educating potential and existing customers is a major part of social media today. Captivating, they can become brand advocates and key sources of information when your office or stores are closed.

As Forbes reminds us, a recent Peason study highlighted the learning styles of millennials and Gen Z consumers. It found that 47% of the Gen Z generation consume at least three hours of YouTube each day. This gives businesses confidence to invest and educate customers or clients accordingly.

Combine social media branding with our other services

For seamless marketing and networking, you don’t need to treat your social media design projects in isolation. Whether you are seeking a complete business package of social media and graphic design, branding, or web design, or simply need to add on social media designs, it is worth investing in a professional agency for solid ROIs.

Ready for consistently professional social media?

Create a stunning, pixel-perfect social media account that others will gain trust in and follow. Talk to us by emailing design@thefingerprint.co.uk or completing our contact form for further details.

 

If you are enjoying this article, please read our blogs Why you should invest in professional copywriting?, Should you design your website with AI or an agency? and Do websites matter in the age of social media?