Why people should feature in your company’s social media content.
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If you’re trying to increase your companies reach and engagement on social media but it’s just not happening, we’ve got an idea for you to try out.
As a social media management agency in Leicester, we have run accounts for a bunch of businesses in an array of industries, and between them they all share one common theme. Whenever we publish a post for them that features a person, whether that be a photo or a video, it performs considerably better than any other type of post.
The proof is in the pudding
This is even the case with our own posts. For example, within the same week, we posted a text-based carousel and a video featuring a member of our team out and about. The post featuring the person reached 138% more impressions and 333% more accounts engaged compared to the text-based post. The proof really is in the pudding!
Emotion = Engagement
If you think about it, which of the following posts would you feel more inclined to engage with – a static post with some text on it announcing a company achievement, or a video of the team happy and celebrating their big achievement? Probably the video, right? There are so many ways this type of personal content can improve your brand appearance and performance; maybe you become a familiar face to your audience, you come across as more relatable, or people just like to hear about your opinions or experience.
It’s undoubtedly that personal element; it causes you to form an emotional connection and provokes more of a response than a text-based visual. You can help develop more of a brand personality this way too.
So don’t be shy. In the name of higher social media reach and engagement, it’s time to get in front of the camera! Need a hand? We offer content creation and social media management services to businesses across Leicester and beyond, helping you build a consistent and engaging online presence. We’d love to help, get in touch today.
What is a creative design agency?
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Every now and again, I get asked a question I’m not expecting. Often, my conversations revolve around business plans, growth, marketing activities, idea development, and doubtless the troubles of social media. Recently, someone asked me what a creative design agency actually does. This isn’t something I generally get asked, so I wanted to outline some points to help those wondering what working with a creative design agency can be like.
A creative design agency is a company that provides a wide range of services to help businesses establish and enhance their brand identity, communicate effectively with their audience, and achieve their marketing objectives. These services typically include graphic design, branding, web design, advertising, social media management, and more. Creative design agencies like Creative62 create teams of talented professionals such as graphic designers, copywriters, marketing strategists, photographers and digital experts who work collaboratively to create visually appealing and strategically sound marketing materials with your business and goals in mind.
Why working with a creative design agency is a good idea for ambitious businesses
Creative design agencies offer a wealth of experience and specialised knowledge, providing tailored solutions for businesses. Here are some key benefits:
1. Strong Brand Identity: A creative design agency helps establish a consistent and strong brand identity. They ensure all marketing materials, from logos to social media content, reflect your brand’s values and personality.
2. Efficiency: Developing high-quality marketing materials in-house can be time-consuming. Outsourcing to a creative design agency allows your business to focus on core activities while benefiting from professional design and marketing services.
3. Fresh Perspectives: Agencies bring an outsider’s perspective, offering fresh ideas and innovative solutions. This can help your business stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract your target audience’s attention.
4. Comprehensive Services: Whether you need rebranding, a new website, or a targeted advertising campaign, a creative design agency provides a one-stop shop for all your needs. This ensures consistency and quality across all marketing efforts.
5. Scalability: As your business grows, your marketing needs will evolve. Creative design agencies can scale their services to match your changing requirements, providing flexible solutions that grow with your business.
6. Return on Investment: Professional agencies like Creative62 focus on ensuring that your marketing spend results in a positive return on investment.
In conclusion, partnering with a creative design agency is a strategic move for businesses looking to grow and succeed. Agencies like Creative62 offer the expertise, innovation, and comprehensive services needed to elevate your brand, engage your audience, and achieve your marketing goals. By leveraging their skills and resources, your business can stand out in the competitive market and make a lasting impact.
Graphic design is the silent maestro of brand.
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Don’t underestimate the importance and power of graphic design in your business. Graphic design is a silent maestro, orchestrating a symphony of visual elements to create a cohesive and impactful brand identity. At its essence, graphic design is the unifying force that binds together the diverse facets of a brand, offering a visual language that resonates with audiences.
The concept of recognition
Central to the graphic design narrative is the concept of recognition. A well-crafted logo, consistently deployed across various platforms, becomes a powerful emblem consumers associate with a particular brand. This visual shorthand cultivates instant recognition, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust. Here, the artistry of graphic design goes beyond aesthetics; it becomes a strategic tool for carving a distinct niche in the market.
Clever designs evoke emotion
Graphic design, as the visual storyteller of a brand, also plays a pivotal role in conveying its personality and values. Through thoughtful choices in colour palettes, typography, and imagery, designers can evoke specific emotions, establishing a deeper connection with the target audience. It transforms a brand from a mere entity into a relatable persona, creating resonance in the minds of consumers.
Consistency is crucial
Consistency is the heartbeat of successful graphic design. A cohesive visual identity, maintained across diverse touchpoints, is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a deliberate strategy. Consistency instils trust in consumers, conveying a brand’s dedication to quality and excellence. In this dance of visuals and messaging, graphic design emerges as the guardian of a brand’s integrity.
Graphic design in the digital landscape
Enter the digital landscape, where graphic design seamlessly transitions into User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design. In this dynamic realm, the role of graphic design extends beyond static elements to shape interactive and engaging digital experiences. As brands navigate the online landscape, the prowess of graphic design becomes instrumental in creating interfaces that are not only functional but also visually captivating.
In this symphony of visual communication, Creative62 emerges as a beacon, offering itself as a creative partner capable of navigating the intricate nuances of graphic design. As a seasoned player in the field, Creative62 possesses the expertise to transform conceptual visions into compelling visual narratives. Whether it’s crafting a unique logo, designing a user-friendly website, or curating a captivating digital presence, Creative62 stands ready to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
In conclusion, graphic design is the unsung hero of brand development, breathing life into visual identities and shaping consumer perceptions. It is the language that speaks to the hearts and minds of audiences, and with Creative62 as a trusted creative partner, brands can confidently embark on a journey of visual storytelling and brand elevation.
Web & UI design trends for 2024.
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Hello design enthusiasts…. 2024 is here and you don’t want to be stuck in the past. So, I would like to share my 5 design trend predictions for 2024. Lets jump straight into it!
Layering
This trend has been hot in the previous year and I feel its still going to be a hot trend for 2024. Its all about adding depth with layering element on top of each other. This could be text overlapping on images or even shapes overlapping over sections. I would say this trend is like a scrapbook style with elements scattered to bring the design to life.
Grids
Dark Mode
As many websites and apps switch from light-mode to dark-mode depending on the time of day; now dark mode is no longer an option – its an essential. Get comfortable with seeing dark colours across digital designs.
Gradients and Bright Colours
Step aside neutral colours! 2024 is all about boosts of colours and gradients. Think of it like playful and fun colour combinations even with the added textures. Gradients will be everywhere, from websites to mobile apps. – Take our website as an example, we have added gradients and complimented these with pops of colour… We love bright colours!
BIG Typography
Stand out from the crowd with large typography on both web and mobile. Think interesting things like offset or offscreen typography. This trend is all about experimentation and breaking the mould with playful huge fonts.
The power of consistency in branding.
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Why is consistency so crucial to brand development? From the first glimpse of a company logo to its seamless integration across all marketing activities, consistency plays a pivotal role in capturing the hearts and minds of your target audience. So, let’s explore the critical aspects that achieve branding excellence!
The Initial Logo: A Strong Foundation
Imagine driving through a busy city and catching a glimpse of a distinctive company logo on a billboard. That represents more than just a visual symbol; it’s the face of a brand. Consistency in a company logo design sets the stage for brand recognition and creates a lasting impression on an audience. Maintaining a consistency over time and materials establishes familiarity, trust, and professionalism, forming the basis for a long-term relationship with a target audience.
Visual Cohesion: The Key to Memorable Experiences
Brand Messaging: Speaking a Common Language
In addition to visual consistency, maintaining a consistent brand voice and messaging is essential. A brand’s tone, values, and personality should be consistently communicated across all touchpoints. Whether it’s a website, social media platforms, or customer service interactions, the voice and messaging should resonate with a target audience. Consistency in brand messaging builds familiarity and trust, allowing customers to feel a sense of reliability and reliability in their relationship with a brand.
Building Loyalty: Trust and Authenticity
Consistency breeds trust. When customers experience a brand that is consistent in its visual and verbal communication, they perceive it as reliable and authentic. This trust forms the foundation of loyalty, as customers feel confident in choosing a brand over others. By consistently delivering on promises, meeting customer expectations, and reinforcing a brand’s values through every interaction, it strengthens the bond with an audience and cultivates a loyal customer base.
Engaging the Target Audience: Recognition and Connection
Consistency plays a significant role in captivating a target audience’s attention and keeping it. When customers see a familiar logo, visual identity, or brand message, it triggers recognition and encourages engagement. Consistently delivering a cohesive brand experience creates a sense of belonging and familiarity that resonates with an audience. This connection facilitates better customer engagement, increased brand recall, and higher conversion rates.
In conclusion, visual consistency is the secret sauce that brings a brand to life. From the initial company logo design to its incorporation across various marketing activities, consistency builds trust, loyalty, and recognition among a target audience. Ensuring visual cohesion, consistent messaging, and a reliable brand experience establishes your brand’s authenticity, thereby forging long-lasting connections with customers. So, remember, consistency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind successful branding that leaves a lasting impression.
Creative62 is a creative brand agency and we have a fundamental understanding of graphic design. We understand the importance of a company logo, the advantages of a well-crafted brand identity, and the necessity of consistency across ALL brand and marketing activities.
For support on obtaining consistency within your brand activity, reach out to our team of professional graphic designers and brand experts on 0116 275 2831.
Imagining a world without graphic design.
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Imagining a world without graphic design is daunting. It’s hard to imagine a landscape stripped of logos, advertisements, and even our smartphones’ interface layout. It’s a world where communication is limited to mere words, and aesthetics are non-existent.
The Silent Language of Design
In a world without graphic design, a powerful means of communication is lost. Think about the countless signs and symbols that guide us through our daily lives: road signs, public transportation schedules, and even the labels on food products. Graphic design transforms these functional elements into an intuitive visual language that transcends linguistic barriers. A world without it would leave us disoriented, struggling to navigate and make sense of our surroundings.
The Art of Expression
Consider the absence of album covers that convey the mood of the music, movie posters that evoke anticipation, and book covers that hint at the worlds within. Graphic design is an art form that allows creators to express ideas, emotions, and narratives visually. Without this artistic outlet, the world would lose a vibrant storytelling and cultural expression medium.
Business and Identity Loss
Businesses thrive on recognition, and graphic design is the cornerstone of their identity. Imagine walking into a store and being unable to distinguish one brand from another due to the absence of logos, packaging design, and consistent visual elements. In a world without graphic design, businesses would struggle to establish a unique presence, leading to confusion and diminished customer loyalty.
Information Overload
Our digital world thrives on visual content. Imagine scrolling through a social media feed without captivating images or striking graphics – the monotony would be overwhelming. Graphic design plays a pivotal role in grabbing our attention amidst the deluge of information. Without it, our online experiences would be dull and uninspiring, making it challenging to connect with others and stay engaged.
Innovation and Progress
Think of the technology we interact with daily: smartphones, computers, and websites. These interfaces are carefully designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and visually pleasing. Graphic design guides our interactions, making technology accessible and enjoyable. This design expertise is necessary for innovation and technological progress to be stifled, limiting the potential for human advancement.
Aesthetic Void
Above all, a world without graphic design would be aesthetically barren. The beauty of a well-composed photograph, the intrigue of a thoughtfully designed poster, and the elegance of a sleek website layout – all of these moments of visual delight would cease to exist. Graphic design adds colour, vibrancy, and richness to our lives, elevating even the most mundane experiences.
Conclusion: The Unseen Foundation
Graphic design is the invisible thread that weaves through our world, enriching our experiences, guiding our choices, and shaping our perceptions. While often taken for granted, its absence unveils its crucial role in our daily lives. Imagining a world without graphic design underscores its immense impact on communication, culture, business, and our collective visual journey. It’s a reminder of the silent yet profound influence that design exerts, making us appreciate its presence all the more.
As we ponder this imaginary world, we realise that graphic design is more than just aesthetics – it’s a universal language that speaks to the essence of human connection, expression, and progress. It’s the artistry that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Lift up your business with motion graphics.
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Firstly, what is motion graphics?
Basically, it’s a creative way to get information across to its viewer by manipulating graphics and typography within an animation. You would have seen hundreds of these daily without even knowing. Motion graphics will be seen in a massive range of formats, such as in film trailers, animated logos, TV adverts, transitions in apps, website interactions, video games, tutorial videos, video introductions, presentations, lyric videos, and so on… They are everywhere. Why? Because they work!
Use motion graphics to enhance your brand’s recognition.
You know when some things are just hard to explain in an email, so a phone call is your answer? Motion graphics is the phone call! Using motion graphics is your best bet if you need to break down hard-to-get-across information into a lovely little video. This makes it easier for your viewers to understand whatever you need to say and encourage your audience to interact more with your adverts and content, keeping you memorable. Especially where advertising is constantly evolving, you don’t want to be the ones who are behind on what’s new!
Apply motion graphics to your business.
Motion graphics can be so dynamic and fun which are essential to catching the audience’s attention from the get-go. But how can you apply this to your business? Depending which products or services you provide, you can incorporate motion graphics in so many ways. As important as it is to stay on top of your social media, take it that one step further by giving your business that competitive edge with motion graphics. Firstly, an ideal way to initiate your use in motion graphics, is to bring your logo to life, making it captivating, whether it be in your emails or just the start of your web page.
Social media platforms are where it’s at for anything animated, from Instagram stories to TikTok. When you’re scrolling through your phone day-to-day, you often scroll past anything static, until that one visual just pops out at you. With most advertising being motionless, animated ones are instantly going to grab their attention, which boosts audience engagement, and makes your content more shareable. Got any client testimonials you’d like to show off to the world? Are you introducing a new product? Is there an important presentation coming up? Animate them, make them memorable, and watch your results soar!
Top tips on making your content pop with motion graphics.
If you want your audience to really engage with your content, the animation needs to really be appealing to watch. To achieve this result:
- Show diversity by using motion graphics within various platforms.
- Keep motion within your animation as smooth as possible, this makes the viewer captivated, as the motion is calming and easier to follow.
- A great way to use motion graphics is to have the elements of the video, i.e. words or images appear or move along with music. The alignment of these two assets will enhance the cleanliness of the video, making the story-telling more engaging and satisfying to watch.
- Keep the style consistent alongside your branding.
Explore the possibilities of motion graphics.
Have we got you thinking about the possibilities of motion graphics? Get in touch with me to discuss how we can help you take your brand to another level with the help of motion graphics!
Tips for creating accessible design and content.
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What is Accessibility?
Accessibility is the practice of designing and creating content that can be accessed and used by people with different abilities and preferences. It’s important that your content is inclusive for your audience, which is why we’re sharing some great advice on how to make your content accessible for people with disabilities, and users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers and keyboards.
Tip 1 – Use clear and concise language
Avoid using jargon, slang, acronyms and abbreviations – this may confuse or exclude your readers. It’s always best to use clear, plain language that is easy to understand and follow, and make sure the text is punctuated, capitalised and grammatically correct. Instead of writing in passive voice, we also recommend that you write in an active voice. For example, “Creative62 published an article on accessibility best practices”.
Tip 2 – Add alternative text to images and videos
Tip 3 – Use hashtags and emojis sparingly and appropriately
Hashtags and emojis can add personality and engagement to your social media posts, but they also create barriers for some users.
Hashtags are difficult to read and pronounce for screen readers, so it’s best to avoid long, complex tags. Only use hashtags when they are relevant or meaningful, and separate words in hashtags by capitalising the first letter of each word, which will help make it easier to read and pronounce. Finally, avoid using too many hashtags, as they can clutter the screen and distract from the main message.
Emojis can be confusing and misleading for many people with cognitive or visual impairments, as well as for readers who use different platforms or devices. Provide a text equivalent for emojis that convey information or emotion. You should avoid using emojis that are ambiguous, offensive or culturally insensitive, and test your emojis on different platforms and devices to ensure they are displayed correctly and consistently.
Tip 4 – Use colour contrast and legible fonts
Make your posts easier to read for people who have colour blindness, low vision, or dyslexia, by choosing high contrast colours and fonts for your text and backgrounds. Avoid using colour alone to convey a meaning, or a text colour that is too similar to the background. Use fonts that are clear and large enough to be seen, and if you highlight an important piece of text, make sure it’s noticeable by making it bold.
Tip 5 – Videos and audio
Add captions or transcripts to your videos and audio clips for users with hearing challenges, but also for people who prefer to read rather than listen. Where possible, avoid flashing or excessive moving elements that may trigger seizures or distract attention. If you do use them, always provide a warning notice at the beginning, with an option to turn them off.
And finally, the best advice…
Test your content with different devices and accessibility tools. You can use online tools like WebAIM or WAVE to check for accessibility issues and get suggestions on how to fix them. But best of all, welcome feedback from people with different abilities and preferences who use screen readers, keyboard navigation, or magnification technology.
The importance of UI/UX in your website
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What is UX/UI?
UX (User Experience): It’s the vibe of your website—how users feel, find what they need, and enjoy the journey. UX aims for a welcoming experience, ensuring easy navigation for everyone.
UI (User Interface): This is the look and feel—the buttons, colours and fonts. Like the disco ball at a party… good UI is visually appealing, organised and guides users effortlessly through the website.
0.5 Seconds of First Impressions Matter
Just as meeting someone new with a stumble can be awkward, websites experience similar moments. If your landing page resembles a toddler’s doodle, users may exit swiftly.
Craft a polished UX/UI for your website – it’s like offering a warm smile and a firm handshake. Those initial 0.5 seconds matter; make them inviting to keep users exploring
Things to consider:
- Streamline Navigation
- Speed Matters
- Visual Appeal
- Mobile-Responsive
- Clear Call to Actions
- Consistent Branding
- User-Friendly Forms
- Accessibility
Happy Users, Happy You
Picture finding yourself in a foreign country without a phone or any means of communication – not the most comfortable or enjoyable experience. A well-designed website is like having a knowledgeable tour guide, offering clear paths, informative signs. When users effortlessly discover what they’re looking for, it leads to contentment, contributing to increased sales, sign-ups and well-deserved recognition for you!
Things to consider:
- Clear Navigation
- Informative Signage
- User-Focused Design
- Responsive Communication
Your Brand Gets the Respect it Deserves
Your website is your virtual storefront, your digital billboard and a megaphone to the world. A solid UX/UI is like dressing in your finest attire and styling your hair – it reflects your commitment to making a positive impact.
A polished, professional and user-friendly website conveys trustworthiness, establishing your brand as reliable.
Things to consider:
- Authentic Brand Images / Real Photography
- Layout and Visual Appeal
- Colour Harmony
- Consistent Branding
How can social media increase brand awareness?
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Most businesses will know that brand awareness is completely essential to growing your business sustainably. But, many businesses are unlikely to have thought about the huge part social media can play in generating that brand awareness. Here’s how social media increases positive brand awareness for thousands and thousands of businesses every single day.
Show some personality!!
Social media offers an exciting new avenue for your business to add a touch more personality, to create your very own community and to get involved in activities which other outlets don’t allow.
Whether you’d like to be seen as professionals in your field, as a page for inspiration or to build more of a fun community, you’ll need to decide on a tone of voice which will achieve that for your business. Choosing something a little more unique will help your business stand out and could help your business to become more memorable. It’s certainly a brand awareness opportunity not to miss out on!
The importance of consistency.
Although it’s likely that a large number of businesses do now have a presence on at least one social media platform for their business, are they using it effectively to positively impact brand awareness? One of the biggest pitfalls for busy companies is neglecting their social channels. Consistency is always preached when it comes to social media, but for good reason. If you push posting on social media down to the bottom of your to-do list, your account can start to look a little neglected. Sometimes, even looking so neglected that when people search for your business and see that you haven’t posted in weeks, months or even years, there’s a good chance they’ll get the impression that you’re no longer in business anymore.
A stat to get you straight onto that content calendar of yours is that 21% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that they can reach on social media! Not having consistent posts being published to your social accounts could leave people hesitant to make an enquiry through social media due to your account becoming seemingly inactive. A lack of consistency could result in a lack of enquiries. So essentially, our tip is to post consistently and as often as you can to keep your presence maintained.
Social media is the new Google search!
As buyer habits continue to change, a huge development announced by Google itself, states that nearly
40% of Gen Z prefers using TikTok and Instagram as a search engine over Google!
Whether that’s looking for the best shampoo on the market, or watching reviews on the latest technology, the social media platforms have become the go-to place to search for reviews and honest opinions from content creators.
Creating short-form videos for TikTok and Instagram is a great way to get your brand out there and discovered by new interested people! Get a conversation going, show some personality and become memorable as people begin taking to TikTok and Instagram over Google when looking for products and services on offer.
Hashtags- the easiest way to increase brand awareness.
Hashtags offer another chance at increasing your company’s brand awareness, on the topics you’d like to be most well-known for too. It’s a quick and easy way to get those extra few keywords into your posts and to help your post show up in search results when people type in words related to your brand.
Believe it or not, less is often more with hashtags to avoid things looking too spammy. Make sure to get in a good mixture of broad and popular hashtags, with more specific and less used hashtags to increase your chances of reaching your target audience.
Manage the publics perception of your brand.
The good, the bad and the ugly, social media has undoubtedly become the place for customer feedback. Whether it’s positive or negative feedback, on a public channel or through private messages, any feedback is an opportunity for you to manage public perception of your brand.
If somebody compliments your products or services, you’ll want to make sure to thank them right away, so they know just how appreciated their custom and feedback really is.
In the case of receiving a negative comment or message, being active on social media means you can respond quickly and professionally, willing to resolve any issues which may have arisen. On a public channel, other customers will be able to see you actively addressing customer issues, meaning they’re likely to turn the negative they’ve seen into a positive!
There were just a few of the many reasons why incorporating a strong social media strategy into your marketing plan can skyrocket your brand awareness! Need a hand with getting your social media off the ground? Get in touch with us and let’s have a chat!