CANVA! This is by far my favorite online design platform. Its easy-to-use, beginner-friendly nature allows PR practitioners to create consistent, trendy designs for any client. Social media is such a huge part of our daily lives, and the content we intake from every person, business or college we follow is sometimes overwhelming. In this post, I will discuss some of my favorite parts about Canva, and my tips and tricks for designing for social media.
Image from Canva
I started using Canva in high school to complete small infographics or newsletter assignments. As I became more proficient in the software and more interested in doing PR, Canva has become my best friend. Throughout my career in PR, I have found I admire simplicity over all else. Canva's software is something anyone, with 0 PR experience, could open and create something amazing. Understanding this, Canva is part of the reason I fell in love with design and social media and a large part of my inspiration to continue.
Canva and Social Media Strategy
Although Canva is extremely easy-to-use and my favorite part of working in PR, creating effective social media posts takes strategy. Below, I have uploaded the social media post and material I created for OU Recruitment Services.
The Facebook cover image I created on Canva for OU Recruitment Services.
A social media post I used to announce the application for OU being open online.
A second social media post I created to remind followers of the application closing.
The third social media post I created to promote the university and use the letters "OU" to entice students to apply or get more information from our website.
When creating posts for social media, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. Know your audience!
Time and time again, effective PR only comes from throughout research. In order to establish yourself as a company worth paying attention to, you must cater toward your audience. This can mean many things for social media specifically. If your audience is a younger generation, use trendy language and apps like TikTok and Instagram. If your audience is slightly older, use more serious language and different mediums, such as Facebook or LinkedIn.
2. Find your brand.
This is a lot easier said than done. Forming a brand means forming a persona that is consistent and professional, yet still reflects the nature of your organization. This is a hard line to walk, so brainstorm with people involved in your organization about the different ways you should market to the public.
3. Be interactive!
Social media's main function for brands is to interact with their target audience. Find ways your target audience wants to interact with your brand, and take the steps necessary to ensure that is happening. Using PR design can mean following a TikTok trend or using Instagram Stories to share interactive information with your public. Be strategic in the design elements you choose to ensure success.
Overall, designing for social media is one of my favorite parts about PR. On top of the fact Canva is the BEST software, social media is just fun. Creating content that generates buzz and love for your organization makes you feel so good, and understanding these elements is essential for continued success.
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