When considering content creation there is one myth that needs to be dispelled; that engaging, jaw dropping social media content can only be created by graphic designers or specialised digital marketers. In this day and age, anyone can create fantastic content!
It’s easier than you think to create the content you desire for your social media channels to gather more followers and engage with the audiences you want. And it gets better – many tools that can enable you to do this are quick to learn and free!
Effective content creation is vital for your business’ digital marketing strategy, attracting a defined target audience, and then informing them about what currently fantastic at your business.
Below are several tools for images, videos, infographics, memes and GIFs, you can use right now to create digital content to make your business stand out.
IMAGE TOOLS
Everyone knows images attached to social media posts are more likely to be remembered and attract engagement. However, the problem now is everyone’s doing it, and low-quality poorly edited images will not cut it, and even hurt your social media strategy.[1]
Below are five tools that you can master quickly and serve to take your images to the next level.
- Canva
The new player to the graphic design world, Canva has grown rapidly since its inception in 2012. The free service makes creating and editing images for social media, blog posts, infographics and much more possible. Popular with professionals, its unique advantage is its easy-to-use features and functionality.
- BeFunky Graphic Designer
BeFunky is handy if one needs to apply effects to photos, edit and create photo collages under time-constraints. Its new graphic design capacities can allow for creation of flyers, infographics, brochures, banners and cards.
- Pablo
Pablo is a quick and easy tool to use if you need to combine an image with text and a filter. Insert your own images or choose from one of the 600k+ images.
- GIMP
If you are familiar with Photoshop, you will love GIMP. The free photo editing tool includes features for image enhancements often found with premium software, such as photo-manipulations and creating graphics.
- PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a highly effective tool for editing and designing new logos, quotes, collages for your businesses marketing and social media.
- Pexels
Pexels contain a raft of high quality free-stock images from the world’s best photographers that you can use for commercial and business purposes for free.
VIDEO TOOLS
By 2021, video is expected to 82% of online traffic and a popular avenue for content marketing due to the increased likelihood of sticking in one’s long-term memory.
- Animaker
This animation video maker allows for studio-quality presentations without the price tag. The tool allows for creation of explainer, Facebook, cartoon, advertisements, YouTube, presentation and many more types of videos.
- Powtoon
Powtoon is highly effective tool for creating engaging presentations and short videos. Working off similar formats to PowerPoint and a raft of other video editing software, Powtoon could be the answer to your business trying to create more personalised visual effects.
- Soapbox
Soapbox is a Chrome Extension that specialises in simple video recording, editing, sharing and measurement of presentation videos. Targeted toward sales teams, Soapbox could be the answer to your business to enhance prospects with potential customers.
Biteable is a great tool for marketers looking to penetrate brand awareness via video. A wide of variety of video types and marketing purposes are offered on a highly functional website, meaning you could create your ideal video in no time.
- Evaer
Evaer is ideal for Skype and webcam users. This tool allows for greater possibilities when recording Skype videos and audio calls, targeted toward businesses needing to add recorded interviews, online lessons and interviews with support personnel, to their social media.
- iMovie
If you are an iOS or MacOS user, iMovie is highly advantageous tool you could use. The app allows for users to create videos in short spaces of time.
- Lightworks
Similar to Animaker, Lightworks is a professional and powerful quality video editing software that is completely free. The tool is complex however, and may take to time to master.
INFOGRAPHIC CREATION
Infographics are a fantastic way to present pieces of evidence to boost reader engagement with your posts and stand-out from the crowds.
- Infogram
Infogram allows for creation of engaging infographics and reports in minutes, allows combination of charts, maps, graphics and dashboards into high-quality infographics.
- ly
Easel.ly is a great way to transform boring data, complex processes, and wordy content into an engaging infographic that wows readers. The free version allows for access to ten templates, with the paid version allowing for hundreds more.
MEME CREATION
Do not underestimate the power of the simple meme. Humour has always been a highly effective marketing tool, and can be a great way for your content to be remembered by your audience.
- I Meme
iMeme is a free meme generator that includes more than 100 different templates or use of your own photos.
- Make a Meme
Make a Meme is another free meme generator, with the difference being people can upload their own images, and add text via onscreen input boxes, before having the chance to preview and then download a final copy.
GIF CREATION
Following on from the importance of video, GIFs are another great way to stick in people’s memory, and can be created very easily with these free tools.
- EzGif
EzGif is a simple tool allowing the use of multiple images or videos from any platform with an interface that makes it easy to customise the order of photos, resize images and change animation speed.
- Giphy
Giphy allows for content creation from the photos and videos you choose, set animation speeds and set additional decorative effects, before uploading.
So now there is no excuse, and no cost, to not have fantastic image rich and interactive content to post of your social media platforms. Get creating!
