A guide for non-designers: 4 easy tips you can do now for better Instagram designs

So, you've started posting on Instagram (great start!), now I'm here to help your Instagram posts performs better! I've put together 4 easy tips for designing better that you can implement now to improve engagement and brand credibility.

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1. Stick to the square

If you've been designing for Instagram for a while, you might already know this tip. But did you know that sticking to the square format is crucial not only for text but also for photos? Avoid having your subject's faces cropped off by keeping them centred. It's always safest to position your subject right in the middle.

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2. Colour contrast

This tip is essential, yet many designers either overlook it or are unaware of its importance (and I understand — we can become attached to our colour palettes!). When there is low colour contrast, it can be hard to read and not all screens are designed the same. There are plenty of free colour contrast tools available online to help you choose text colours that stand out against the background. Before opting for yellow text on a white background, remember this is a major no-no! As a rule of thumb, I would recommend that all designs pass a minimum of AA accessibility.

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3. Typography

When you're using text in your designs, I would recommend avoiding using all caps as it makes it hard to read. It is fine to use for shorter text, but when it’s long like the one you just read, it can be quite frustrating and easily skipped. Thank you, next! My second tip is to keep to 2-3 fonts in your brand and choose fonts that are easy to read for larger copy. As hard as it is, limit your fancy fonts for headings only.

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4. Instagram Grid

Think of your Instagram feed as your storefront, and like every business owner, you’ll want to present it with your best foot forward. With each design, consider how it works in the feed alongside the rest of your posts. The best way to do this is by creating templates to maintain consistency and preparing your posts in advance, so you'll know what works next to each other before posting them.

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