A Beginner’s Guide To Social Media Images

SarahHughes
November 16, 2021
November 16, 2021

Social media is such a central and omnipresent part of everyone’s lives, and even the most casual user knows the impact of images in our social feeds. Almost every post we see (even on Twitter these days)! comes with an image. And it’s no accident – because nothing engages like good visuals. They can make us feel happy, sad, laugh, cry – and compel us to take action. Social media posts exist to be seen, and shared. And with research revealing Facebook posts with images see over twice as much engagement as those without, it’s clear that for small businesses, the potential of the right image on social media is huge. But with so many businesses and so many images on social media, how can your business cut through the crowded marketplace? Read our beginner’s guide to social media images and make the visuals you use power your brand.

What sort of social media channels could I use?

Firstly, there’s a smorgasbord of images out there on ‘the socials’, and a channel and format to suit everybody.  There are basic images, videos, reels, IGTV, stories, carousels, infographics and more. On Facebook and Instagram you can post images directly from your camera, or go live with video.  There are also a whole host of filters and editing options on most platforms. These are easy and fun to create, as much built for consumers as brands to use, so perfect for a small business.  Pinterest is a fantastic platform for imagery – a virtual worldwide pin-board. Like most social platforms, it’s a golden opportunity for brands to showcase their products and create an army of local fans, followers and likers.  And there’s a flock of new social platforms springing up across the globe. Rising stars include TikTok, ClubHouse, Caffeine and Houseparty – a bold new generation of snap sharing opportunities.

What kind of images could I share?

Before a brand decides to dip their toe into the water and begin sharing some images, they first need to decide what they want to achieve and how best to do it.  Publishing a picture is the perfect way to tell a story, and the ultimate way to connect with the audience.  But what sort of images should a business share?  

You can create a mix and match approach to get the most out of your chosen channels. Try undertaking “A/B” testing of different images to see what works and what doesn’t.  Also, think about segmenting your audience and select show-stopping pictures tailored to each group.

What’s out there to help me?

Legions of apps and courses exist to help businesses supercharge their visuals.  Canva offers free access to editing software specifically designed for business images on social media. It makes it very easy to create a brand identity and pre-plan some beautifully styled posts. And Life Lapse allows users to create simple stop motion films – brilliant for story telling and grabbing attention in the never ending scroll.  There are many courses dedicated to improving social media imagery. You can perfect your photography skills and editing, or learn how using hashtags will get the most out of your pics.  Learn your flat lays from your portraits, and your landscapes from your aerial photos to make sure your pictures pop.

The right physical kit can take your images from good to great.  A camera, tripod, lightbox, and microphone can all help your pictures and videos stop that scroll.  It’s easy to source good value camera stands and backdrops from the web. Or, just use what you already have – smart use of household objects can help you create some great social images. Life Lapse has a great tutorial which shows you how to use a mug as an impromptu tripod! If the choice seems a little overwhelming you can always call the professionals in. From photographers, social media planners to graphic designers and journalists, using a pro can be a shortcut to success.

Any mistakes I should avoid?

Final Thoughts

Your whistle stop beginner’s guide to social media images is now complete.  There are few other opportunities for businesses to reach millions of people in a format our brains are hardwired to engage with, and for little or no cost. So, dive in now and get involved. Start harnessing the power of pictures to take your venture to the next level. If your appetite has been whetted but you’d like some assistance to take you to the next level, Muve is there to help. They’re experts in digital marketing strategy, and to learn more about how they can boost your business, contact them here.

Read More

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Publishing a picture is the perfect way to connect with an audience. But before a brand decides to begin sharing images, they first need to decide what they want to achieve and how best to do it. 
Tori Lancaster
https://muvemm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Beginners-Guide-to-Social-Media-Images-BLOG-IMAGE-151121-1.jpg
Facebook posts with images see over twice as much engagement as those without.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES
16/11/2021
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