Social Media Images

One of the most popular discussions at my Social Media Workshops is consistently on how to effectively use images in posts.  With thousands of images passing through our feeds daily, what makes an image stand out, attention-grabbing, and effective?  

While I could (and may) hold a workshop focused solely on taking great photos with your phone or DSLR to share on social media, today I am thinking more broadly about how to maximize the use of images on social media platforms.

To start with, there are some best practices to consider:

• Post photos that are in focus - This may include selective focus or depth of field adjustments.
• Bold, clear images are usually more attractive than cluttered images.
• Find an image scheme/tone that you like and us it consistently - Bright or pale? Soft or sharp contrast? Light or dark? 
• Be recognizable - When someone sees your image will they know it's yours?
• Don't overshare - one great image per day or two is enough.
• Use an attention grabbing image to say something meaningful and find a way to relate the two, even a subtle connection can make it matter.  
• Use #hashtags - so your image appears in searches.
• Think of everyday moments as photo ops... snap now, post later.
• Sort your photos into albums to make them accessible when you want them.
• Find the right image editing app and sharing tools...

​Speaking of Apps, these are just a few of my go-to image editing and graphics tools. I rarely post without them. 

• ​Camera+ - Full manual or auto control over your phone's camera, great editing.
• Snapseed - Google's photos editing app with fantastic tools and design options.
• Canva - Turn images into properly formatted graphics for all purposes.

Here's a fun and useful exercise... 
Go to your favorite social media site (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.)  Simply scroll down the page at a medium pace without reading a word... stop when an image captures your attention.  What caught your eye?  Was it the colors? The composition? The subject? The light? Or something else? Do this several times and figure out what made you choose this set of photos... use this as a guide as you develop your own style of photographs.

---

​This one caught my eye today:

Most importantly, have fun and believe that what inspires you is what makes you and your business unique.  It will also inspire your clients, fans, and followers.

PEACE + LOVE ~ L