In a recent internship for a developing non-profit, I had to build some social media cards (those images you see on Facebook or Twitter with quotes attached).
I wasn’t given a set number of cards to make, I just knew the non-profit wanted to have large banks of resources -- blog material, encouraging quotes -- they could use whenever they were ready to become public. The social media cards would appear on their Facebook and Twitter pages as well as their website.
Ultimately, I built over 300 social media cards in one month.
Whether you’re trying to create social media cards for an organization or a special event, here are 3 tips that can help you build them fast and in bulk without sacrificing quality.
1. Reuse stuff.
Instead of starting from ground zero with each card, pick a few templates and photos that serve your purpose and use them over and over again. If you’re creating a diverse collection, as I was, tinker each one a little (alter shading a little, change text size ever so slightly) to create a unique feel.
With practice -- and a good visual sense -- you can use the same picture or template multiple times, and still make each card distinct.
2. Find a reliable photo source.
When you're building social media cards, it’s important to pick images carefully. You may find online images that perfectly depict what you’re trying to show in the card, but were poorly edited or don’t have enough pixel resolution.
The image may also be copyrighted, and then you’re really in trouble.Pick at least one good source where you can get professionally made, public domain images.
I built my social media cards on Canva.com, which gives users hundreds of free high-definition images as well as templates. Bestselling author and businessman Michael Hyatt recently included it in his list of 6 powerful apps for building a social media platform.
When I couldn’t find an image I liked in Canva.com’s collection, I used Unplash.com, an excellent resource for public domain images you can use on cards, blogs, and other resources.
3. Build a work space and schedule.
This is especially important if you're making social media cards and have a deadline.
Deliberately select a time -- a certain hour, certain days each week -- and an area where you can just build social media cards without interruptions. Then gather all the materials you need, go to that place and start working.
Depending on your temperament, you may make cards non-stop for a few hours or switch between making cards and another project.The point is, be deliberate about creating a workspace and a schedule, and sticking to them.
The reason for this is the same reason people have defined workspaces in the first place: the area you work in affects how you think as you work, which affects productivity.
Therefore, even if you work from home, it’s smart to have a defined space you always go to when it’s time to work.
Thanks for reading this article. Feel free to comment below on how it helped you, or attach one of your own social media cards.
