Make no mistake, social media is a mine field when it comes to content. Getting your post noticed, let alone shared thousands of times, can feel like a daunting task. But fear not – creating viral social media graphics isn’t as impossible as it seems, even for small businesses!
With the right strategy, design principles, and a little creativity, you can craft social media graphics that stop people in their tracks. It’s 2024, and technology is at it’s peak – everyone everywhere is scrolling through mindless images. It’s now more important than ever to grab their attention in a matter of seconds.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to create viral-worthy graphics that resonate with your audience, using strategies I’ve picked up as a designer working with small business owners like you.
Before you even think about heading to the drawing board, think about who you’re designing for. A post that resonates with teenagers on TikTok will be vastly different from what works on LinkedIn for professionals. And since you’re running a small business, you probably know your audience pretty well, right? Use that to your advantage.
For instance, a client of mine who runs a local organic skincare line needed help boosting engagement on Instagram. We found that her audience (mostly women aged 30-50) loved posts that showed simple, calming visuals – think muted colours and soft, curvy fonts. She avoided anything too flashy because her brand is all about natural, understated beauty. When we leaned into that vibe, her posts started getting shared more.
Each platform has its own quirks, and a graphic that goes viral on Instagram might flop on Pinterest or Facebook. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to approach some of the major platforms:
The goal is to tailor your graphic to not only fit the platform’s visual style but also to speak to the specific audience using that platform.
Ever heard the age old saying, ‘less is more’? Overly complex designs with too much text or visual clutter can overwhelm viewers, making it easy for them to keep on scrolling.
I worked with a local bakery that wanted to announce a new line of pastries. Their first draft of the post was, well, a little too enthusiastic – lots of colours, three different fonts, and paragraphs of text explaining each pastry. It was a bit chaotic. So, we simplified it: one clear image of their best-seller, paired with bold, clean typography saying, “New Pastries coming to a bakery near you.” The result? A 300% increase in engagement.
White space (or negative space) is your friend. It’s not wasted space – think of it as breathing room for your design. A well-placed call-to-action (CTA) or bold focal point will stand out more if it’s surrounded by some clean, empty space.
Ever shared a post because it really hit a nerve? Viral content often evokes a powerful emotional response, and your graphics can do the same. Whether it’s humour, inspiration, nostalgia, or excitement, creating an emotional connection is key to getting people to engage with your content.
Your graphic doesn’t just have to look pretty; it should tell a story. For example, a client I worked with – a personal trainer – used a before-and-after photo of one of her clients in a Facebook post, but we didn’t just slap it up there. We added a bold headline: “From 30 Days to a Lifetime of Health,” and below, a simple call-to-action that said, “Join the Journey.” This single post was shared hundreds of times because it wasn’t just showing results; it was telling a relatable, aspirational story.
If you can, add real people to your graphics. Whether it’s your team or happy customers, showing faces can make a huge difference. We’re all wired to connect with people, not just products or services. This is why influencer content works so well – people want to see others using and enjoying something before they jump in.
Good typography can make or break your design. When you’re designing graphics for social media, remember that most people are scrolling on their phones, so legibility is crucial.
Use large, bold fonts for headlines that immediately grab attention. Your fonts should be clear and easy to read, even on small screens. And avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts for important information – it’ll just get lost.
Pro Tip: Stick to a maximum of two fonts to keep things simple and cohesive. Mixing too many fonts can make your design look messy and unprofessional.
Colour plays a massive role in how people perceive and interact with your posts. Bold, vibrant colours can make your graphics stand out in a crowded feed, but the colour palette you choose should align with your brand’s personality.
Different colours evoke different emotions, and you can use this to your advantage. For example:
For one of my wellness clients, we shifted her graphics from busy, overly bright designs to calming, neutral colours like soft blues and greens. Her engagement went up because the colours aligned better with her brand’s message of relaxation and self-care.
This year’s colour trends are all about bold gradients and unexpected pairings. Think about pairing soft pastels with neon accents or using bold, retro-inspired colour combinations to grab attention. But remember, make sure your colours stay consistent with your brand’s overall vibe.
One of the easiest ways to grab attention is by adding motion. In 2024, motion graphics are everywhere. Even subtle animations, like text fading in or a small image sliding into place, can make a graphic feel dynamic and engaging.
Humans are naturally drawn to movement. A quick animated GIF or short video can capture attention in a way static images often can’t. Plus, social platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritise video content, giving your animated posts a higher chance of going viral.
And don’t worry – you don’t need to be a professional animator to create motion graphics. Tools like Canva or Adobe Spark let you add simple animations to your designs with just a few clicks.
Most social media users browse on their phones. So, every graphic you create needs to be mobile-first. This means your text should be legible on small screens, and your design should look good whether it’s viewed on a desktop or mobile.
Test your designs by previewing them on your phone before publishing. If it looks cluttered or if the text is too small, simplify and adjust the layout.
It’s one thing to get people to engage with your graphic, but what do you want them to do next? Every viral graphic should include a clear call-to-action (CTA). Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Sign Up Today,” or “Tag a Friend,” make sure it’s obvious what you’re asking of them.
Place your CTA in a spot that stands out but doesn’t overwhelm the design. I typically recommend putting it in the lower third of the image or near the focal point so it’s seen but not intrusive.
Not every graphic is going to go viral – and that’s okay. But part of improving is learning from what works and what doesn’t. Test different designs, colours, or CTAs and track which ones perform best (formally known as A/B testing). Tools like Instagram Insights or Facebook Analytics are perfect for diving into how your content is doing.
Creating viral social media graphics doesn’t require a massive budget or a full-time designer. With a clear strategy, a focus on simplicity, and an understanding of what resonates with your audience, your small business can create visuals that get noticed, shared, and – most importantly – drive real results. So, take these tips, start designing, and watch your social media presence grow in 2024!
