A not-so-boring guide for non-designers who want their diy social media design posts to actually look good (and look like them).
If your socials feel a bit like a garage sale… too many fonts, random colours, blurry photos, and layouts crammed with way too much info… you’re not alone. Most people think the fix is to “just try harder,” but really it comes down to a few simple design habits.
Think: a mini brand kit, layouts that don’t make your eyes twitch, fonts people can actually read, and images that aren’t giving Nokia 5110 vibes (did that thing even have a camera?). Anyway, I digress…
Here are the most common questions we get from non-profits and small biz legends… with straight-up answers you can actually use today.
Brand Basics
How do I make my posts look like “us” every time?
Create a mini brand kit: colours, two to three fonts, logo rules, photo style, tone of voice. Your future business will love you for it.
How many fonts is too many?
More than 3 = chaos. Stick to two (one heading, one body). Add a third only if you really must.
Which colours should I use?
2–3 core colours + one accent for buttons/CTAs. (Designer confession: I do love a big colour palette — but please, at least have one hero colour that always shows up.)
How do I keep everything consistent across platforms?
Keep coming back to your brand guide. Reinventing your look every post = brand confusion.
Layout & Readability
What’s the easiest layout for non-designers?
Don’t go too fancy. “Clever” layouts often just end up looking… confusing.
How big should text be so people can read it on a phone?
Design at 1080px. Headings: 90–120px. Body: 48–60px. Then — test on your actual phone.
Why do my posts feel messy?
Probably no breathing room. Add spacing, align everything, and stick to 4–6 words per line.
Images & Video
Stock photo or real photo?
Real = trust. If you use stock, crop tight and please no generic “business handshake” shots.
Why are my images fuzzy?
Export at 1080px wide (or platform-specific sizes). PNG for sharp graphics.
Carousels, Reels, or single images?
Carousels = education. Reels = reach. Singles = quick updates. They all have their place… mix it up!
Images & Video
What sizes should I use for each platform?
- Square (1080×1080) = general posts
- Portrait (1080×1350) = best for feeds
- Vertical (1080×1920) = Stories/Reels
Keep logos and text away from the edges.
PNG, JPG or WebP?
PNG for type/graphics. JPG for photos. WebP if supported (but don’t stress if that’s too techy). We recommend image2go as a great free tool to convert images.
Images & Video
How do I pair fonts without clashing?
Pick fonts that look like they’d share clothes before going out for a night on the town. Don’t put a super-wide font next to a super-skinny one.
Are free fonts OK?
Yes — just check the licence is cleared for commercial use. Google fonts are your best friend for your diy social media design.
Colour & Contrast
How do I choose colours that don’t fight each other?
Think wardrobe rules. Neon orange with soft brown? Probably not. Pick colours that feel like they’d happily live in the same outfit.
How do I check contrast quickly?
Use a contrast checker. Or my super high-tech Squint Test™: squint at your screen. If you can still read it, you’re good.
Accessibility
What is alt text and should I use it?
Yes. Alt text describes the image so everyone can access your content. More relevant to websites….but important all the same.
Subtitles on video: worth it?
100%. Most people watch on mute. Subtitles = more people actually finishing your video.
Content & Copy
How much text belongs on an image?
Just enough to hook. Keep the detail in your caption or carousel slides. (Less is always more.)
What makes a strong CTA?
One clear verb. Donate. Sign up. Learn more. Pay me money for my new jeans. (Joke) Then repeat it in the caption.
Tools & Templates
Can I get pro results with Canva?
Absolutely — if you use restraint. And some skill. Set your brand colours and fonts. Stick to 3–5 custom templates (even better if a designer makes them for you).
Or you join the good design club (wink).
How many templates do I need?
5–8 is plenty: announcement, quote, carousel cover, story, event, stat, etc.
Workflow & Speed
How do I design faster without chaos?
Batch create. Write copy first, then design. Schedule a month at a time. (Yes, it feels like a lot. But then it’s DONE.)
How do I avoid endless stakeholder changes?
Share one link, set a deadline, and limit feedback to two rounds. Or just “accidentally” forget to CC them (kidding… sort of).
Testing & Performance
How do I know what’s working?
Track saves, shares, and clicks — not just likes. Also pay attention to what the algorithm is pushing.
What small tweaks make a big difference?
Bigger headings. Stronger contrast. Tighter image crops. Real faces. (In a sea of AI content, showing you wins every time in your DIY social media design.)
Rights & Risk
Can I use images I found on Google?
Nope. Use your own, buy stock, or grab Creative Commons with proper credit.
Do I need permission to use people’s photos?
Yes. Especially kids or sensitive contexts.
Non-Profit Specifics
How do we balance empathy and dignity in visuals?
Show people, not problems. Focus on impact and share stories with consent.
What makes a donation post convert?
A clear value statement, a human image, and one button that matches your landing page.
The Bottom Line
Good design on social media isn’t magic, and its possible to DIY Social Media Design So it looks good and represents who you are. It’s all about making good choices made over and over again. Be consistent. Stick to templates if you need to. Test on your phone. Track what people save and share.
And most importantly? Find a rhythm that feels fun for you — because consistency only works if you can actually keep it up.
Your Next Step
Option 1: DIY Social Media Design with these tips for a quick glow-up.
Option 2: Join The Good Design Club — our 12-week course for non-profits and small biz owners who want scroll-stopping, on-brand content (without the Canva chaos).
Option 3: Skip DIY and let us handle it for you. Book a call to see if Cocoon Creative is the right fit.
how to make your DIY social media design and posts look great. Diy Social media design for dummies.
how to make your DIY social media design and posts look great.
