Visual content is a powerful way to get followers’ attention on social media. These tips will help your photos make a big impact.

One of the best ways to boost social engagement is to use plenty of visual content. If that sounds daunting, it shouldn’t. Today, anyone with a smartphone can learn how to take great social media photos.

  1. Forget the Flash
    When using a flash, subjects appear washed out and the photo looks overexposed. Instead, turn on more lights, position your subject near a window, or go outside. Natural light yields more flattering results.
  2. Move in Rather Than Zoom In
    Although the zoom feature on most phones enlarges the image, the photo will probably be too blurry to share. Instead of zooming, get physically closer to your subject. The closer you are, the better the detail.
  3. Focus on Composition
    Some things can be shot straight on, but it’s more pleasing to the eye when they are slightly off balance. Try to shoot your images at an angle or asymmetrical. Simply use the gridlines on your phone to position the important elements of your photo along the lines and at their intersections.
  4. Get Creative
    Photographing a team meeting? You might want to focus on a coffee mug (with your company logo) at the corner of the table, leaving the meeting participants in the background. This approach sparks curiosity.
  5. Keep It Simple
    Resist the temptation to put too much in your photo. If you have five products, take a photo of each one individually so it’s less confusing to your viewer. And don’t go overboard with filters. Stick to one or two filters so the branding is consistent.