What is social media? Why should Graphic Designers use social media?

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"Social media creates communities not markets" - Don Schultz

You hear and see social media everywhere you go since nowadays everyone is using social media --- so what exactly is #socialmedia anyways?

To start, social media can be broken down. “Social” is referring to people interacting with one another by sharing different information whether it be a photo, video, text, etc. “Media” refers to the application that is being used to communicate and share information.

So now we can define it as a web-based communication tool in which people can interact with each other by sharing and receiving information.

Social media includes a blog, social networking sites such as Instagram, twitter, Facebook, etc, YouTube, Podcast, and many more.

Why should Graphic Designers use social media?

Graphic designers are creative individuals who create visual content. Well, social media is very visual so for #graphicdesigners to take advantage of social media it can get their work seen in order to promote themselves but also to build relationships for possible future clients.

1. Instagram

Instagram is visually driven so you can post your #design work to build an audience of people who like your work. You can also follow many different design accounts and other graphic designers to get some inspiration for yourself but also to see what other designers are doing.

2. Facebook

If you want to get more clients then Facebook is the best option. On Facebook, you can join groups and engage with other designers.

3. LinkedIn

A popular social media site that is meant for business professionals to network with others in their industry or find new talent. It is a great place to present yourself visually by adding your portfolio.

Overall, the main point of social media is to be SOCIAL. So, for graphic designers it is a great place to build relationships with clients, potential clients, and employers but to also get their design work out into the public eye.