Stop the Scroll! 8 Tips for Using Images on Social
Social media posts with images ALWAYS get more attention, and the right image can make the difference between lackluster performance and a post that really pops.
People tend to look at an image first and then decide whether they want to read more. To stop the scroll at your post, you need an arresting image that connects with your audience and reinforces your post.
Images can deliver complex information at a glance, or subtly reinforce your message or your brand identity. On the other hand, poorly chosen images that are not optimized for the platform can reflect poorly on your brand.
Here Are 8 Tips for Using Images on Social Media
1. Post images. Every time.
Every post, whether it’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, should have an image. Posts with images get much more engagement – be sure to support your content with images that help tell the story.
2. Establish guidelines.
Follow your brand guidelines so that your online images are consistent with imagery and graphics used in other applications.
3. Create and use templates.
Make it simple to post quickly with templates that pair an image with text and a logo to post polished images quickly and easily. That being said, be careful to use fonts that are readable and suitable for the space.
4. Consider illustrations.
Bright, beautiful images are always a great choice, but sometimes an illustration can provide more information. Choose a style for illustrations and stick to it to provide a consistent brand image.
5. Follow the specs.
Every social media platform has its own specs for images. If you don’t re-format images to meet the specific specs for each platform, images may be pixelated, blurry or cut off.
6. Don’t scrimp on image quality.
Go for bright, clear, lively and original images for maximum impact. Images should be a quick read and easy to interpret. If you have the budget, go beyond the standard stock images and develop imagery of your own.
7. Ensure accessibility.
Every image should have a brief description, also known as alt text. It should describe the image succinctly for screen readers. Note, this typically added when loading your image in social media.
8. Optimize for mobile.
Make this a priority! People follow social on their phones, so make sure your images will scale well to this format.
Better Images, Greater Results
Put these social media image tips to use on your next post to get your content noticed and stop the scroll on your image. But remember there is more to a successful brand strategy than just a great image. Keep your overall goals in view when creating and sharing content online.
If you are interested in learning more about creating a brand strategy for your business, our team of experts is available to help. Contact Activated Growth.