Designing for Digital Success: How to Create and Execute a Winning Online Strategy
In the dynamic realm of digital design, success online hinges on more than just aesthetics. You need a game plan that combines smart design with practical usability. Read on for your free guide to effective digital design implementation.
Whether you're a design pro or a newcomer to the design landscape, these tips will equip you with the tools to excel in the realm of digital marketing and social connectivity.
What Are the Components of Digital Design?
Digital design is the creation of visual elements like graphics, videos, GIFs, carousel posts, and memes that are used in digital media such as websites, social media, computer programs, and apps.
So, now that you understand what visual design is, let's talk about the various ways that you can create high-quality visuals.
1. Color Your Brand
Crafting a captivating brand palette is like picking the perfect outfit for your business—it's all about leaving a lasting impression.
In the same way that certain colors can evoke specific moods or emotions, your brand's color palette serves as a powerful tool for conveying your identity and values.
When choosing your brand's colors, consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the psychological impact they may have on your audience. Vibrant hues can communicate energy and excitement, while softer tones may evoke a sense of calm and trust. By strategically selecting and combining colors, you can effectively communicate your brand's personality and establish a strong, memorable presence in the competitive market.
2. Picture Perfect: Harnessing High-Quality Visuals
High-quality visuals are the secret sauce that adds flavor and depth to your brand's online presence. They don't just make your website or social media posts look good, they tell a story, evoke emotions, and build trust with your audience.
From showcasing your products in their best light to sharing your brand's journey through engaging videos, the use of top-notch visuals is the key to standing out in the crowded digital space. By investing in these powerful visual tools, you're not just creating content, you're creating an experience that speaks volumes about your brand and keeps your audience coming back for more.
3. Cracking the Copyright Code
While we're on the topic of video and images, let's talk about copyright. It’s crucial to find visuals that are both relevant and within legal bounds—violating copyright can get you in trouble.
When using stock photos, templates, and illustrations, be sure to read the fine print. If you have any questions about the terms or conditions of using an image contact its owner for more details.
Use of photos from sites like Canva, Pixabay, and Pexels is always a safe option.
4. Become Familiar with the Specs of Different Platforms
Adhering to each platform's specifications ensures that your content appears as intended, maintaining its visual appeal and impact. Nothing is more disheartening than creating a masterpiece only to have it compromised by an ill-fitting format or resolution.
Aligning your content with platform-specific specs enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your dedication to delivering polished, professional-grade work. It signals a keen awareness of your audience's preferences and habits, allowing you to craft content that seamlessly integrates into their social media experience.
Hootsuite's size guide is a useful tool if you are unsure about what media dimensions are supported across social media platforms.
5. Track Trends
Tracking trends allows you to seize timely opportunities for brand promotion and engagement. By leveraging trending topics, hashtags, audios, or dances you can organically insert your brand into ongoing conversations, amplifying your reach and visibility within the digital sphere.
With that being said, don't feel pressured to hop on every trend that comes up. Some trends may not align with your brand and if you can't think of a way to creatively alter the trend to fit your brand, then it's probably best to avoid taking part.
You can learn about the latest trends by scrolling through your social media feeds.
6. Add Your Brand Logo (When Possible)
Including your logo serves as a form of protection, safeguarding your content from potential misuse or unauthorized distribution. It acts as a visual marker, asserting your ownership and deterring any unauthorized attempts to claim or manipulate your brand's content.
In the event that your graphics are visually rich, leaving no space for your logo, consider incorporating your brand name in text form within the design. By doing so, your visual content remains distinctly linked to your brand, even as it circulates through various channels.
The incorporation of your logo in social media visuals also helps to establish brand recognition, ensuring that your audience can easily identify and connect with your content, even when shared by others. This fosters brand familiarity and builds trust over time.
7. The Power of Alt-Text Descriptions
The use of alt-text and subtitles within your content promotes accessibility, allowing individuals with visual or hearing impairments to engage with your content, thus fostering inclusivity and expanding your audience reach.
Alt-text and subtitles can improve user engagement by providing additional context and understanding, especially for those scrolling through their feeds in sound-sensitive environments or without audio. It ensures that your message is effectively communicated and understood, regardless of any limitations or constraints.
Apply these tips the next time you create content for your brand to ensure that your creations are groundbreaking and produce the results you want.
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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR — BY RENESIA MILLS
Sources:
https://blog.hootsuite.com/epic-guide-creating-social-media-visuals/
https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-image-sizes-guide/
https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html
