Written by Emma Sloan, Social Media Manager and Content Writer
Visuals: the bread-and-butter of any business’s social media. But why are they important? And how can you, as a trades-based business, use Canva to maximize your visual content without breaking the bank?
Why should you invest in visuals for your social media?
In today’s high-density, highly competitive market, the pressure to produce high-quality and relevant content has never been more intense. Visuals have, in fact, been proven as the #1 most effective marketing resource – and the stats that back that are staggering. Facts such as how the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, as well as how 80% of people remember what they see vs. only 20% of what they read, are only the tip of the ice burg as to why visuals are so key. If you can convince your users to stay on your page for half a minute, they are statistically more likely to stay on your page for far longer and develop a genuine interest in your brand.
As a business owner, you’re tasked with the challenge of not only keeping up with your competition but outshining them. Hashtags, prime posting times, blog posts chocked full of keywords—none of those will slice through the clutter as quickly or effectively as strong visuals will.
What is Canva?
Now that we’ve re-established why you should care about the visuals you are producing, let’s move on to the heart of the matter: Canva.
For those who are unfamiliar, Canva is a graphic design tool website that utilizes a drag-and-drop format to make creating visuals accessible to even design novices. Through providing access to millions of photographs, templates, graphics, and fonts, Canva has became one of the most highly-ranked tools for both print and web design.
Take this Instagram graphic as an example:
With the font, design, and layout already pre-decided, creators can easily tweak both the words and formatting to suit their every marketing need in mere minutes.
Need an infographic for your website, a logo, or a header for your website or blog? Canva’s got you covered. Check out some of these ideas, then go build your own.
In short, colourful, personable, and attention-grabbing visuals can be yours. Connection can’t be overstated when talking about content marketing, and what establishes a connection quicker than fresh visuals that your customers can’t bear to scroll past?
Famous examples
Which companies spring to mind when you hear the words “great visuals”? There are lists upon lists of compilations, but here are three of our personal famous favourites:
Nike
A bold, triadic colour scheme; candidness; and clear, naturalistic product placement—it’s easy to see how Nike’s visuals ensnare their customers’ attention with ease.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola’s emphasis on composition and atmosphere rather than text, eye-catching contrasting colours, and playing into current trends (such as the resurgence of ‘60s in 2018, which is harkened to here via her hoop earrings, jumpsuit, and strong overall bohemian vibe) proves that even simple illustrations have the power to be a force to reckon with in the realm of content marketing.
Whole Foods
Don’t underestimate the power of photography—marketing powerhouse Whole Foods proves time and time that high-resolution product shots can and will continue to be one of the most popular visuals on the market.
The bottom line?
Whether it’s photographs, art, or font-based graphics, any trades-based business can create gorgeous social media content in the blink of an eye with the use of Canva. Visuals can be as personal and unique as your brand is— and in this highly competitive market, that originality is what is going to raise your content marketing above the rest of the noise.
How to use Canva?
Here are a few resources with tips and tricks to get the most out of your Canva experience: