3) Social Media Graphics: Promoting Site Content
Graphics can be created to support as well as summarize site content on social media platforms that link back to the original content through shares links alongside them. For example, we can create graphics to present our optimized Question and Answer Page or a summary of an expert article.
Through this discussion, we will discuss the process of designing graphics, using image captions and hashtags, as well as posting best practices
(i) Designing Graphics:
To aid the graphic designing process, you can consider using sites that allow you to not only create your own graphics but provide a wide range of templates that you can edit.
Some tips to consider include:
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Know which design size you require beforehand - this may vary based on the social media platform. For example, Instagram offers a maximum resolution of 1080 x 1080 px.
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Use only 2 font designs to avoid going overboard.
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Use contrasting fonts or different text sizes to grab attention and to ensure the main message is conveyed.
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Less is sometimes more: if your design does not require extra backgrounds, images, or design layers, consider going with white space as that helps avoid your content being avoided due to noise.
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Use icons to help graphically summarize your content.
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Consider combining consistency with creativity: ask yourself what your major content can creatively look like as consistency is a core principle of content creation. Consistency also applies to your design (font, colors, etc). For example, an analysis of 7 Cups Instagram can help identify that most of the posts are quotes, affirmations, etc. Note that more foundational blocks can always be introduced into the flow with time.
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Consider adding your logo or site information on your graphic to help strengthen your brand.
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Think of ways to stand out: Research and observe current trends, international events, and other possible content inspirations, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box to trial new creative ideas. For example, 7 Cups hosted a very successful and engaging Mental Health Trick or Treat
Sites that have free editable templates include:
(ii) Image Captions and Hashtags
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Remember that your image caption not only represents the content you are posting about but the brand you represent.
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Consider the length of your caption based on your social media platform. For instance, Twitter limits characters, Instagram can be used for a medium length caption, while Facebook could host longer article-style captions too!
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Some ideas of captions include: summarizing the content, mentioning the main motto of the post, etc.
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Add emojis to connect with your audience.
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Don’t forget to ensure readability by breaking up your longer captions with headings or spaces.
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Questions help engage the audience: never forget to look for opportunities for reflection such as one-word answers to yes/no questions, or other quick icebreakers such as what everyone plans to do at the weekend.
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A call to action is important to ensure further practical engagement. You can remind users about more details about supporting content present in the link in your bio or directly share your relevant link (depending on the social media platform)
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Structure your caption with important information at the beginning, followed by any additional information of interest (such as goals, facts), questions for engagement, call to action, etc - you can style your structure based on your content type.
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Include relevant hashtags and consider using mentions and tagging other users. Researching relevant hashtags involves keeping an eye on the hashtags used by influencers and leading figures and profiles within the industry, looking for trends and patterns, finding related hashtags just like related keywords, as well as trialing different groups of hashtags for certain content types. Last but not least, your brand can aim to start a new hashtag of its own as well! Some websites have tools that can help you target and research hashtags - some examples are included in this external link.
(iii) Posting Time
Many people often wonder when to post their content, and this curiosity is definitely important because posting time does influence engagement and value of the content posted - however, there are no correct rules of guidance.
Rather, posting times should be based on insights on when your audience is most likely to be active - most social media platforms offer these insights for business or creator accounts, alongside insights in regards to other engagement factors.
One excellent feature to utilize to ensure posting time, as well as a smooth flow of content, is to plan content in advance and schedule posts - scheduling is possible through the Twitter platform as well as the Facebook Business Suite for both Instagram and Facebook
Activity
Using your answer to the question in Discussion 2’s activity, create a social media graphic presenting the content and share your graphic as a reply to this post. Creativity is welcome for this task, and you can create any form of content. Feel welcome to use the 7 Cups social media content for inspiration if needed. Reply to at least one student’s graphic as well.
Tip: You can discuss ideas or ask for help in the student discussion and support thread!
Not sure how to add images directly into this forum discussion? Find instructions here
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This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here
Here it is!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEw8QPTmm4/Zqji4SJ86DdqxtRE1ZkB6w/view?utm_content=DAEw8QPTmm4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton
Here is the clickable link 😅:
@29amy
Important message there 😊 and the color combination is sweet. If you want, you can reach out to @AriadneLove for further graphic feedback and input.
Feel free to PM me or any Mentors available if you need any information during the program. All the best Amy! 💜
@29amy
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Soul, thanks for yet another great activity 💜 I'm doing graphics for the first time, haha. Hope it's alright!
@amazingNutella24
@AriadneLove @amazingNutella24
@AriadneLove
Aria, oh my, let me just say it first, I was so excited when I found this tag and even more excited when I found this tag was by you 💜 I can't thank you enough for the elaborate feedback! As for the colours, I had to put it through hit and trial to find that deep chocolate brown. I tried black but it did not really sit well, it almost looked out of placed or forcefully placed, haha. Thanks a lot for noticing that! About the asymmetrical logo placement, thanks a lot for the image explanation too! I'll surely work on it and poke you about it real soon 💜 And I will make sure to tag you in the rest of my work over the Content Volunteer Team forum! Thanks a bunch again, Aria! You're amazing in every role you're in 💜
@amazingNutella24 i love it! the entire feeling it gives is so heartwarming and welcome 🥰
here is what i made! :)
@KateDoskocilova Very precise in terms of both the words and design, love the "yes" and "sending love" part!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
This is my first time designing graphics hope this is okay (:
@bubblingSea6361 this is amazing! Really like how it matches the 7 Cups color scheme and is presented in an aesthetic way
@bubblingSea6361
I really love your design! It also highlights the tips you mentioned in your previous answer - I think that was a fantastic idea! ❤️
The point is, people improve when they get external love and support. How can we hold it against them when they don't?
This is what I came up with. I thought I should do something different for the background but I added a lot of colours in general so thought the white background would be alright. Here's a link for this in case something happens to the GIF - https://www.canva.com/design/DAEzPhBGmWc/4xWUhK_TLusw_1QM3V_Dvg/watch?utm_content=DAEzPhBGmWc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel
Credit: Used Canva for the design
The point is, people improve when they get external love and support. How can we hold it against them when they don't?
@lueurspace I think that it was smart to have a white background to balance out all of the colors you used. I also like how you made it into a GIF - very creative and eye catching!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
How can you deal with not feeling good enough?
The good news is that this is a very common experience for people. Unfortunately, it’s uncommon to know how to deal with these feelings. Here are some self-help techniques on how to improve your self-esteem: http://tiny.cc/pwvmuz
I really love the background and detail. I also like how you used different colors to highlight your main messages. All in all, I have to say it looks very professional! 😉
@JaneAH87
Great job, Jane! I can see that you are consistent with left alignment, create hierarchy by putting emphasis on key words and using logo for branding. ⭐
Cheers!
ouiCherie - CDM Mentor. Feel free to PM for support and information during your CDM Program
@JaneAH87
I really like this graphic image. Too the point, short and informative.
Here is my graphic. Don’t think it’s THAT interesting but hope you like it anyway! 😜
I used Canva combined with Photoshop! I know it’s probably not that special but hope it’s good enough! 😂😜
@GingerMC
Well done, Ginger! The color combination is nice and vibrant ⭐ The message is empathetic and matches 7 Cups' voice.
As an input, here is a common guide in graphic design: if you still don't feel good with your design, check your alignment.
You're doing great. Keep going! 💜
ouiCherie - CDM Mentor. Feel free to PM for support and information during your CDM Program
@GingerMC
The message is a very important one. Self-doubt makes us think a lot of negative things. Seeing a post like this on a bad day would surely help someone feel more hopeful about life.
Well done!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Well, I kinda made three graphics bcs I don't know which one to add here, but yeah these are my works😁 I mostly used the canvas templates and minimalism. I hope it's alright, thanks.
@froyopeach
This is seriously awesome!
From design point of view, I can see hierarchy where you put emphasize on a certain words, balance on your alignment, repetition and rhythm, and unity. Well done! 💜
@ouiCherie thank you so much! I really appreciate ur feedback <3