Design Tips for the Social Media Marketer

Nicole Miller -

Integrating your visual strategy and social media strategy is more important than ever for marketers. To give some essential design advice to social media marketers, Dustin W. Stout stopped by #bufferchat.

Check out the full Storify curation of the chat here!

Why should marketers know basic design principles?

From Dustin:

  • “The same reason they to know basic fashion principles. If you look a mess you’ll be perceived as such.”
  • “People want to share things that make them look good. Why would they share something visually unappealing?”

Other great insights:

  • “Because marketing (unless purely audio) is very much based on visuals. Not just the message but how it’s presented.” @avizuber
  • “It’s just great practice for designers/marketers to understand each other. Improves communication and efficiency.” @abowersock
  • “Because design influence conversion and experience, which marketers need to have for success.” @KevinWaugh
  • “Marketing is all about getting your message seen-The better design, the easier the message will be delivered…and received.” @apartmentalist

What are the most important design rules to follow?

From Dustin:

  • “Balance (symmetry), Framing (consistent whitespace), Contrast (ability to discern between subject/background).”

Other great insights:

  • “Stay within your brand guidelines, be consistent, and have a second set of eyes! Analysis paralysis can set in pretty easily” @marymallard
  • “Know your audience, rule of thirds, color theory, hierarchy in layout, proper typography pairings (!)…just to name a few.” @mandy_stark
  • “Legibility and proper, relevant imagery are two things I think are super important! Oh, and keeping things fun!” @misterfeeney
  • “One of my very first design lessons (in high school newspaper!) “Never have someone looking off page into space.” ” @TheNameIsCasie

From Dustin:

  • “It’s more important than you think. Value people’s work & respect their rights. See http://dustn.ws/1AdoFC3“
  • “Always err on the side of caution. Ask before using som1’s work if it’s not clearly marked FREE to use.”

Other great insights:

  • “A basic understanding is crucial. Basically, don’t borrow, steal, or use anything unless you’re positive you can.” @EmilyaCarlton
  • “Find an image that’s legal to take or get creative! Make your own image for your brand & work off that w/ your design team.” @outsider_nyc
  • “The whole lot! Know too many that have been burned due to basic errors. Always verge on the side of caution!” @mike_mcgrail

What are your favorite design tools or apps?

From Dustin:

  • “All the best (free) design apps I recommend are here – http://dustn.ws/1CD7Kh7 & http://dustn.ws/1CD7LBL“
  • “Notable mentions are @canva & @vsco – if I found myself w/o Photoshop, all I would need are those two.”
  • “I should have clarified since I’m a professional designer I use Photoshop and Illustrator all day long.”

Other great tools and apps mentioned:

Where do you go to find stock photos?

From Dustin:

Other great stock photo sites:

More resources:

Who do you follow for design inspiration?

From Dustin:

Other people to follow:

      @marymallard

Where can you go for more design tips?

From Dustin:

Other great resources:

Books to check out:

Thank you to everyone who joined in!  Catch #bufferchat each Wednesday on Twitter for the latest chat and advice!   Image sources: IconFinder, Blurgrounds, Death to the Stock Photo