The Best Tools and Sources for Visuals in Social Media: A #Bufferchat Recap
Director of People @ Buffer
Social media is getting more and more visual.
We just can’t get enough photos, videos, GIFs, infographics, and charts. It’s something we’ve blogged about before and certainly something we’ll cover again, given the momentum of sites such as Instagram and Pinterest.
At Buffer, we even make multiple original images for most of our blog posts, and our favorite tool for that job is awesome image-maker Canva.
Recently we invited Peg Fitzpatrick, Head of Social Strategy at Canva, to join us in for a #bufferchat on Twitter to talk about visuals in social media.
Here is a recap of our chat and some of the great tools, resources and tips mentioned!
How do images/videos/infographics/etc. fit into your social media strategy?
Nearly everyone who responded indicated that visuals were a major part of their strategy or something they planned to make an even larger part.
@buffer I feel that graphics are a huge part of social strategy these days with Instagram and Pinterest being so popular. #bufferchat — Peg Fitzpatrick (@PegFitzpatrick) June 25, 2014
@buffer A1: They’re a very important mix for us, almost 60-90% higher engagement and focus is on investing in rich media. #bufferchat — Arif Khan (@arifkhan7) June 25, 2014
What tools and resources help you create visuals for social media?
Stock photo sites:
Best Places to Find Free Images Online – #bufferchat http://t.co/tjWqiY52bT — Canva (@canva) June 25, 2014
P.S. Want more photo resources? We’ve got a giant list of 53+ Free Image Sources For Your Blog and Social Media Posts.
Apps and tools:
- Canva
- Photoshop
- PicMonkey
- Camera Bag
- Live Luv Create
- Vintaframe (iOS)
- Path
- Phonto
- Word Swag App
- Pixelmator
- Magisto
- Phoster
- Over
- Photofy
- InstaQuote
- Just Share App
- Roxio Creator
- LetterFX (iOS) (Android)
Where do you find inspiration for your social media visuals?
A3 Big believer in inspiration not found on screens. ? @buffer #bufferchat — Lauren Maxwell (@maxwelllauren) June 25, 2014
@buffer Just Googling a word, color, or a quote and seeing what pops up always gets me to build from what I see. #bufferchat — Bianca Landis (@Biancalandis) June 25, 2014
@buffer A3: @awwwards for web design inspiration! #bufferchat — Valerie Francisco (@valfrancisco14) June 25, 2014
A3: This post from @Medium has a great list of inspirational stock photos: http://t.co/bL492Vn3Zv #bufferchat — Tessa Greenleaf (@TessaGreenleaf) June 25, 2014
I love strolling around museums, parks, and new neighborhoods for some good inspo. Lots of this in SF. ? @buffer #bufferchat — Malia Eugenio (@maliaeugenio) June 25, 2014
What challenges do you face with social media visuals?
When it comes to challenges faced with using visual media online, our #bufferchat participants mentioned struggling with:
- Perfectionism
- Time
- Creative blocks
- More tools for mobile posting
- Not feeling “good enough”
- Ensuring high quality
- and more!
Do any of these resonate with you? You’re not alone!
What are the best companies and people to follow for visual inspiration?
Check out any of these for inspiration and encouragement when it comes to getting creative with your social media visuals:
- Rebecca Radice
- Jeff Sieh
- Peg Fitzpatrick
- Gary Vee
- Daily Muse
- Levo League
- Fast Company
- Inc
- Buffer (Aww, thanks!)
- The So Cal Hiker
- Cynthia Johnson
- Brian Fanzo
- Spotify
- Dunkin Donuts
- Oreo
- Starbucks
- Flips Audio
- Catbird NYC
- Kate Spade NY
A few closing thoughts:
#bufferchat: Too much awesome for real-time. #CanvaConvert #NotADesigner pic.twitter.com/e9rwVNF2gQ — Colter Reed (@ColterReed) June 25, 2014
We expect you all to go make some @Canva images and @Buffer them. Make us proud! #BufferChat — Peg Fitzpatrick (@PegFitzpatrick) June 25, 2014
For a complete look at the Twitter chat, check out our Storify recap!
Do you have any tips or resources to add to this great conversation? Share them with us in the comments below! And be sure to join us each Wednesday at 9 am PST/ noon EST for a new #Bufferchat!
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