The Tribune

HAVE you ever wondered about the significance or impact of graphic design imageries and videos in social media?

Well if you haven’t … uploading and downloading of graphic photos and images has swept across the social media world ,sometimes irresponsibly, resembling an epidemic racing through an angry storm. And due to the rapid growth of social media, consumers are exposed to a barrage of Tweets, Likes, texts and messages on the web and on their mobile devices.

However, from a business perspective, with the need to read or view images in seconds as well as on smaller screens, graphic design plays an increasingly important role not only in building brand awareness and recognition but in merely attracting the user’s attention.

Initially due to the overwhelming array of emerging skills, this young generation has now become overwhelmed by technology; therefore grabbing their attention takes eye-catching graphic design on both social media pages and in video.

Shortened attention span

Nevertheless, with tweets at 140 characters and text messages often shorter than that, consumers often respond best to a first impression that includes an exciting or attention-grabbing graphic image. When a graphic is used consistently over many social media platforms, customers may view it several times over which creates more brand recognition.

However, since many people are visual learners, they’ll remember your brand better when they see it visually, instead of hearing or reading about it.

Increases market perception

Your graphic design or logo can play a big role in how your product or service is perceived on social media. Moreover, having an attractive graphic design helps to strengthen a brand, build trust with the consumer and make your business seem larger than it is.

Likewise when choosing an image for the profile picture, use a corporate logo. If the profile belongs to a representative of the company, it’s a good idea to also add a picture of the individual to personalise the social media page.

Nevertheless, a well-designed graphic can also stir the user to post links on his own social media pages, which directs potential customers back to the company’s main website or starts a viral campaign with unlimited potential.

Best practices

Ultimately, while the graphic design should be large and detailed enough so that visitors to the social media page can easily recognise the image, it should not be so large as to make the load time too long. The wait can make the viewer impatient and cause an exodus from the site before the graphic is viewed.

Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

• Deidre Marie Bastian welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com. She is a professionally trained Graphic Designer/Marketing Co-ordinator with qualifications of MSc, BSc, ASc. She has trained at institutions such as Miami Lakes Technical, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.