Should You Use a Graphic Designer for Social Media Posts?
Industry News • 30th January 2025

It’s a question we hear often: “Do I really need a graphic designer for social media posts?” Now, if you’re expecting a quick and easy answer like “Yes, absolutely,” well, you’re in for a little more nuance. The truth is, it’s not quite that simple.
Big brands certainly understand the power of expertly designed social content. They know that eye-catching visuals can drive sales, increase engagement, and leave a lasting impression on clients. But here’s the kicker—what if you’re a smaller business with a tight budget? Can you afford that level of investment, or is there a better way to spend your money?
Let’s break it down.
When Branding is More Important than Social Content
While perfectly designed social media graphics can be a game-changer, if your budget isn’t quite ready for that, there’s something else that might be more valuable in the long run—strong branding.
You see, great social content is fantastic, but it can fall flat if your brand isn’t well established or doesn’t resonate with your audience. Imagine this: you’ve created a stunning social post, but your branding looks like it came from the 90s (we’re talking neon gradients and clip art here). That’s not a good look, is it? In fact, it could leave your clients thinking twice about whether you’re the professional they need to trust.
On the flip side, if your branding is top-notch—even if your social media posts are a bit “DIY” (hello, Canva)—you’re much more likely to be taken seriously. Good branding gives your business credibility. It says, “We know what we’re doing” even if you don’t have a full-time graphic designer behind every post. So, if you’re weighing up where to allocate your limited budget, investing in solid branding first will almost always serve you better.
The Power of Branding and DIY Social Media Graphics
Of course, if you’re fortunate enough to have a bigger marketing budget, then by all means, go for the full package—professional graphics for your social media as well as impeccable branding. Having both will undoubtedly elevate your business to a whole new level.
But if you’re still getting your finances in order, there’s no harm in starting with your brand identity and learning the ropes of tools like Canva for your social media content. Canva can be a great option for businesses who want to put something out there while they grow. Once your budget allows, you can upgrade your social content with expert-designed visuals that will take your brand to the next level.
The Bottom Line: Choose Wisely
In a nutshell, it’s all about priorities. If you’re working with a limited marketing budget, investing in strong, professional branding will often have a bigger impact than perfectly designed social media posts. A well-thought-out brand can do wonders for how your business is perceived—something that’s much harder to achieve with just social media graphics alone.
However, if you’ve got the budget for both, don’t hesitate to invest in expertly crafted social content—it’s one of the most powerful tools big brands use to build their presence and connect with their audience.
So, should you hire a graphic designer for your social posts? The answer depends on your budget and priorities. But don’t underestimate the power of branding—it’s the foundation that everything else can build on.
And hey, when you’re ready to make those professional social posts shine, you know who to call.
At PHd Design, we’re all about making design simple and effective, and we’re always here to help you level up your brand and social presence.
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