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
@niens creative Nin!
as for the marketing part, we can do branding in social media through logo, website address, or name. In this exercise, 7 Cups or your username as a part of the community. Great job!
@niens
I love this graphic! Such a nice personal touch with the text messages format.
Thank you!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@colorfulTurtle948
Great job Turtle! May I ask is the image is a template image?
@ouiCherie
Hello, if by template image, do you mean if it is copyrighted? If so, the image is free to use :)
@colorfulTurtle948
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Hi, this is my attempt with the graphic assignment. What do you guys think?
@KBeauty12
Looks great for an attempt! It's interesting how you made the word "not" faded to deliver a message! ⭐
I can see the hierarchy there. And the alignment is clear, you applied the branding part very well, and the message is empowering.
Constructive feedback for future (no need to revise):
- Seems like there's a letter missing there. "I am clothed..."
- And perhaps you can exercise to balance proximity between design elements, in your future design 💜
I hope you will enjoy the program, and don't hesitate to pm any of the mentors for any queries or if you want to brainstorm ideas. All the best, K!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@yellowcloudZzz looks great!
Well done cloudz! 💜
@ouiCherie
Thanks! 💛
@yellowcloudZzz
@yellowcloudZzz I really like your graphic. You managed to squeeze in the 7cups logo and add some inspiring words that really relate to the work that we are doing at 7cups. I really like the phrase "Be the best friend you deserve".
@Train1
Thanks 😊
@yellowcloudZzz
The tone of the message was very comforting. I like how you use a neutral tone, for warmth and calmness.
@yellowcloudZzz It is so beautifully made, you have expressed a very strong message through it. Well done!
@yellowcloudZzz Great info and design <3
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@magicalOcean594
I love the background! It's so magical and the heart is such a wholesome add💫
@magicalOcean594
@SoulfullyAButterfly
@Train1
@Train1
A really good selection of images. I can understand the strong connection between the quote and the images. Well done 😊👍
@Train1
Very nice, Train! The images matched the copy and bring a serene vibe.
I can see your alignment, a call to action and a personal branding as a part of the community 💜
@Train1
I love this image! It really gives peaceful and calming vibes!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Here is my version. I hope it is up to standard 😊
@Helpingheart23
Edited*
@avasoftandsimple
A great message there ⭐ I can see you created hierarchy by using bigger font for the main message. You stick with center alignment which created balanced and repetition. That's nice.
Design can be fun. We can use 2 alignments although theoretically not encouraged. But, as long as one can create balance and harmony, it checked the box.
I saw the branding/ marketing part. Well done.
For constructive feedback: perhaps you can improve the proximity between design elements if you stretch the text box on top and the text box before 7 Cups.
Good job, Ava 💜 feel free to pm me or any mentors for any queries or if you want to brainstorm coursework.
Thank you so much for the in-depth feedback, I'll make sure to apply the insight given towards my future posts! Have a wonderful day & thanks again <3 @ouiCherie
@avasoftandsimple
My pleasure. I hope you're enjoying the program 💜
Hi Ava,
You did a wonderful job with your social media graphic. I like how you structured your valuable message, as it made the graphic intriguing. I also liked the colors you used. It’s very easy and pleasant on the eyes.
Hey, Destiny,
Thank you so much for the compliment on my work! This was very kind of you! Have a fantastic day <3 <3
@Destiny4157
You’re welcome! 😁 You have a fantastic day as well.
Hello everyone,
This is my social media graphic. I hope you all like it!
Hi, Destiny! Awesome job, I loved the colors, message, and branding! Only tip I'd give is to perhaps do an empty background instead. It was excellent, nonetheless-- thank you for sharing!
Sending love and light,
Ava@ Destiny4157
@Destiny4157
Hi Destiny,
I like the branding and visuals❤️
Feedback
I would love to see the text more clearly.
Amazing work in all. Keep it up :)