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
a gentle reminder: you are more than enough just being you, and you deserve people who see that
#selflove #mentalhealth #7cups
@Bunnylovesyou
Nice one, Bunny. I love it
@Bunnylovesyou
It is very cute and you used design size, icons and fonts in a such a beautiful way to pass a small but a meaningful message.
🙂@lamimoon
Thank you!!!!! I do wish I centered the 7cups logo and added a heart on each side to make it a lil less ugly right there, I might edit it tonight
@Bunnylovesyo
Yes! That would be much better!
@SoulfullyAButterfly heres my picture hope you like it https://imgur.com/a/hXKSZW3
@Countrygirl095
Well done, Country Girl. Great message
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Here is my graphic design from previous discussion.
@lamimoon
This is a nice graphic that summarizes some of the key points from your answer to the question "What to do when you feel you are not good enough for someone?" I like how you used the 7 Cups logo and URL to promote the site and its resources.
Overall, this is a good graphic that conveys a positive and helpful message. With some minor tweaks and adjustments, it could be even better and more effective. Keep up the good work! 🌟✨
@SoulfullyAButterfly. Here are the two styles of graphics I created. Looking forward to the constructive feedbacks and comments on my graphics.
@ThoughtsBubbleExpress
Really nice graphics. Love them
Thank you @walkalot, I'm glad you liked them 😊 Please keep the feedback coming. That would help me to improve and come back better 🌟
@ThoughtsBubbleExpress
The abstract design of the 2nd one is awesome. I like how you have wonderfully fit the universe theme in the cup-logo. wonderful detailing 💙
@sky2Ocean20 Thank you Sky! I didn't want to get stuck to only one kind of style since abstract is my favorite. I love your abstract too. The illustration is so minimal and fresh! Love the 7 cups logo text in the background, looks so clean. ❤️
@ThoughtsBubbleExpress
@sky2Ocean20 You’re awesomer and awesomest 😂
@SoulfullyAButterfly
My design from the previous discussion summary.
@sky2Ocean20
Well done, Sky. Love this graphic
@SoulfullyAButterfly
This image encapsulates the dual themes of the image, aiming to resonate with viewers seeking tranquility and self-empowerment.
https://imgur.com/gallery/vJox5Eo
@SoulfullyAButterfly Apologies for adding an image without the 7cups logo.
I have uploaded another image, so please ignore the previous post.
This image encapsulates the dual themes of the image, aiming to resonate with viewers seeking tranquility and self-empowerment.
@InsightfulPhoenix here is another one I also thought of on the spot
@InsightfulPhoenix
Good images, Phoenix. Small feedback is: I think the first is a bit wordy. The second, maybe you need to make the words pop out more.
@InsightfulPhoenix
Looks like you finished the trial. Congrats! Remember to fill in the trial completion form.
I have already done so 😊 @walkalot
@InsightfulPhoenix
then youre off to a different mentor. My work is done.
@InsightfulPhoenix The image appears to be a thoughtfully designed graphic that visually interprets self-reflection and emotional wellness themes. However, the connection between the image and the specific questions about paper bags for panic attacks and feelings of inadequacy needs to be more direct. Here’s an analysis based on the questions:
@FeureVox
Thank you for your feedback and I will consider it. It is very much appreciated.🤗
Not to mention, I appreciate anything that will make my imagery pop more or anything to change things that need work. Practice makes perfect and you helped me see that thank you once more!
@InsightfulPhoenix It is my pleasure to read your response.
I just want to add that "Perfection" is a delusion, and it does not belong to humans; one must keep the door of improvement and learning open all their lives.
@feurevox, you are absolutely correct on that. 😁
I also absolutely love your graphic designs 💞
@InsightfulPhoenix Thank you very much. But I must say, you're a Winner.
I used GPT to create an image of what I wanted to share through my thoughts.
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Paper Bag and Panic Attacks
Not good enough for someone.
@FeureVox
Wow, nice ones, feure
@FeureVox
Looks like you finished the trial. Well done. Make sure to fill in the trial completion form
@FeureVox
This is simply amazing, great work!! 😉