The Evolution of Visual Marketing: How Canva Transformed the Way We Create Engaging Content

In 2014, Peg Fitzpatrick and Guy Kawasaki wrote about the rise of visual marketing in an article for HubSpot Marketing Blog. Today, it's evident that visual marketing is not just a trend, but a crucial aspect of successful marketing. Research shows that articles with images every 75-100 words receive twice as many social shares compared to those with fewer images.Kawasaki, the chief evangelist for Canva, emphasized the importance of shareable images in blog posts and custom visual content for social media platforms like Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. However, this can be a daunting task, requiring multiple tools and consuming a lot of time. This is where Canva comes into play.You may wonder if creating visually appealing graphics would require resources like Photoshop for editing, InDesign for layout, VSCO for filters, and countless stock photo sites. With Canva, all these tools, along with a comprehensive image library, are available on a single online design platform. Additionally, Canva offers a range of customizable templates for different industries, making it even more convenient.

8 Easy Steps to Create Visual Content with Canva

1) Develop a content marketing strategy.Before jumping into visuals, it's vital to have a clear understanding of your content goals and which platforms can help you achieve them. For example, if you're promoting an animal shelter's adoption event, the primary purpose is to spread awareness and encourage people to share it on social media. Therefore, your visual should be shareable on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, and a printable poster for local display.2) Browse the templates library to find the perfect content.Canva offers a vast collection of professional templates for various content types. The organized categories and subcategories make it effortless to find the right design for your specific needs. You can choose from templates for posters, presentations, social media posts, and more. The best part? Each template is optimized for appropriate dimensions, eliminating the need for resizing or formatting.3) Utilize Canva's built-in photo library.Visual content is highly shareable on social media, making it crucial to incorporate eye-catching visuals in your designs. Canva's extensive photo library offers a wide range of images and illustrations, making it hassle-free to find the perfect one for your project. No more scouring the internet for suitable images - Canva has everything you need in one place. Simply search for a keyword, and choose from the curated selection of photos and illustrations. Once you've found the perfect image, drag and drop it into your design.4) Add your branding elements.Canva allows you to personalize your visuals by adding your logo and other brand elements. This includes font, color, and style, reflecting your unique brand identity.5) Strike the perfect balance between text and visuals.Adding relevant images to your social media posts can significantly increase engagement and shares. Canva makes it effortless to strike a balance between text and visuals as it provides a variety of fonts and tools for font pairing. This eliminates the need for extensive design experience and streamlines the process.6) Experiment with different filters.Canva offers a range of filters that can easily change the mood of your images. With a simple slider, you can adjust the filter's intensity to achieve the desired effect.7) Collaborate with your team.Canva allows multiple users to collaborate on a single design, making it easy to work together on projects and ensure consistency in branding and style.8) Download and share your visual content.Once you're satisfied with your design, you can download it in various formats and share it on your desired platforms. Canva also offers a feature to schedule posts for later, making it easier to plan and manage your social media content.With these eight easy steps, you can utilize Canva to create visually appealing and engaging content for your blog and social media platforms. Don't forget to add relevant images to your posts, experiment with filters, and stay true to your branding. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to enhance your visual marketing game with Canva.

Create Eye-Catching Visuals with Canva

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, Canva offers powerful customization options to enhance your visual content. In addition to basic features like cropping and rotating, you can fine-tune your designs with adjustments such as brightness, contrast, and saturation. You can also add creative effects like a vignette to give your visuals an extra pop.

For Canva for Work users, the Magic Resize tool streamlines the process of resizing your designs for different platforms. But for those on the free version, don't worry - we've got you covered. Simply follow our alternative resizing instructions to achieve the perfect fit.

Once your design is complete, sharing it is a breeze. With just a few clicks, you can post it on your social media pages or embed it onto your website or blog. And if you need your design for other purposes or offline use, Canva offers multiple download formats, such as JPG, PNG, and print-ready PDF.

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of design? Don't fret - Canva's Design School has got your back. This resource hub is filled with valuable information on design fundamentals, including essential tools, typography, photo editing, and maintaining a consistent brand image. Plus, their comprehensive tutorials, like the "Design Essentials" series, cover everything from fonts to layouts to images.

Don't let the idea of creating visual content intimidate you. With Canva, anyone can produce stunning visuals that captivate their audience and drive conversions. Give it a try and experience the impact it can make for yourself!