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Creating a Cohesive Social Feed

Having a cohesive social feed is more than just a collection of ‘pretty pictures’. It is an extension of your brand and should demonstrate your brand’s aesthetic, tone of voice and brand values. Your social feed should give your audience a sense of who you are and what you have to offer through a collection of engaging, strategic and educational content.

A strong visual identity on social media can help capture your target audience, strengthen your brand and be the difference between converting a visitor to a follower.

A few quick tips

Before we dive into the ‘how to’ of creating a cohesive social feed, there are a couple of fundamental things that you need first. Having a clear brand style guide is important when it comes to brand consistency and application. A brand style guide is a detailed document that defines your brand identity and how your brand is represented across applications. It’s a document that identifies your brand colours, typography, logo variations, your brand personality and tone of voice. Without a clear brand style guide, you could find yourself posting content that doesn’t best represent your brand and its values.

Another important fundamental you will need before we get started is a strong strategy behind the content you want to post. It’s all good and well to create ‘pretty’ looking content, but without apparent reason and strategy behind it, the messaging could get lost in translation, and you could lose engagement from your audience. Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘who’ of your content will lead to success and building your brand community.

For more information on what a social media strategy is, check out this blog or reach out.

Alright, now we are ready to dive into creating a cohesive social media feed. Check out some of our top tips below:

1. Choose the right profile image

Your Instagram profile image should be easily recognisable – even on a mobile device. Regardless of whether you choose to use a logo or photo, it’s important you’re using a clear, high-quality file.

Here are some points to consider when choosing your profile image:

  • Simplicity is key – if your logo is hard to read, consider using a sub mark of your brand.
  • Use high contrast
  • Be aware of cropping
  • Choose an image that will stand the test of time

While your Instagram profile image is a small aspect of your feed, it holds much importance. Your profile image is there to capture your audience and represent your brand in a split second.

2. Define your brand colours

Choosing the right colour palette can set the tone for your feed. You need to make sure that the colours you choose match your brand identity and visually communicate the mood and tone of your brand (this is where your brand style guide comes into play).

Some key notes to keep in mind when choosing your colours:

  • Select 1-2 primary colours – these are the main brand colours from your style guide
  • Select 1-2 secondary colours to elevate your brand and enable you to be more playful in a social environment
  • Always pay attention to the colours in your photos – you can tie photos in with your designed tiles through complementary colours

3. Define your brand fonts

Much like your colour palette, the fonts you use help set the tone and personality of your brand. There are lots of different types of fonts out there, but they can be split into the following main categories (Serif, Sans Serif, Script and Display).

Image source: Adobe

When choosing a complementary font for your social media, here are a couple of things to consider:

  • What personality do I want to portray? (traditional, modern, playful)
  • Where possible, use the fonts outlined in your brand style guide (primary fonts)
  • Select one additional font to elevate your brand and enable you to be more playful when it comes to memes or highlight text
  • Try to achieve contrast in either size, weight, spacing and/or style
  • When creating content within the Instagram app, select on of the Instagram fonts that best matches your primary brand font

4. Themes and grid layout

An Instagram theme is how your feed looks overall, and the grid layout will help you visually organise your content. From the type of imagery you choose to the filters you apply and the tile you create, the theme and grid layout are what tie all these elements together.

When choosing a theme and grid layout, consider the following questions:

  • What do I want me feed to look and feel like? (dark and moody, colourful and bright or neutral tones)
  • What filters do I need to use to achieve this theme?
  • Will I be posting a mix of images and designed tiles?
  • What sort of grid layout do I want? (traditional, checkerboard, row by row)

Your social feed should evoke a feeling for your audience and demonstrate your brand’s personality and tone. This will help depict what theme you choose for your social feed.

5. Highlight covers

Instagram story highlights are like a greatest hits album. They’re a permanent collection of valuable information and content your followers can tap into at any time. They’re also a perfect way for new visitors to discover exactly who you are and what you have to offer.

For each highlight, you should upload a highlight cover that complements your brand. This could be a collection of icons that fit within your branding, imagery that reflects each topic or even a pop of colour with some text.

If you need help creating the perfect highlight covers for your brand, Oraco can help with branded highlight covers!

6. Plan, plan, plan! 

Planning your feed allows you to collate what you want to post, as well as how all your content will look together. Try to plan your content in batches. This will help with overall cohesion and ensure consistency in both look and feel, as well as posting schedule.

Here are some quick tips and questions to think about when planning your feed:

  • Try to plan your content a month in advance
  • Alternate between different types of images and designed tiles
  • Consider whether you have adhered to your brand style guide
  • Ensure you have followed your chosen theme and grid layout
  • Check whether there’s visual balance
  • Try using a content planning program such as ContentCal or Later to layout your grid and schedule your content

We know it’s wrong to judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it – we all do it! Your social media feed is no different. It’s the first thing people will notice when they discover your profile. Your Instagram profile is there to engage, communicate, educate and inspire through aesthetically pleasing content. By implementing these tips and tricks, you will achieve a cohesive social feed and start to see stronger engagement and brand recognition. Simultaneously, you’ll form your own social media community.

To learn about the benefits of social media branding, check out our blog here.

As always, we’re only a DM or email away!

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Contents

I’ve always been fascinated by symbolism 🌀

By how a single mark, image, word or gesture can represent something far bigger than itself. Across cultures and civilisations, we’ve used symbols to communicate identity, beliefs, stories, belonging and ideas that sometimes go far beyond what words can explain.

And somewhere along the way, I realised that’s also how I’d started to see brands.

A logo can become a symbol of what a business stands for. A colour can carry years of recognition. A phrase can represent an entire belief. A story can become shorthand for where a business came from and why it exists. Iconography can represent services, philosophies, products or ideas.

What we see on the surface carries meaning because of everything sitting behind it.

Over nearly two decades of working in branding, I also began noticing the same themes appearing again and again in the businesses people really remembered.

Their past, beliefs, future, people, identity, expression, impact and longevity.

Eventually, I gave each of those ideas a symbolic form.

They became Oraco’s Eight Brand Marks, and today they give us a way to look at a business from eight different perspectives and uncover the stories, ideas and meaning that make it distinctly its own.

The strongest brands aren’t built by adding meaning that was never there. More often, the clues already exist.

You just need to know where to look.

Explore the Eight Brand Marks via the link in bio.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17981505972081585
I’ve always been fascinated by symbolism 🌀 By how a single mark, image, word or gesture can represent something far bigger than itself. Across cultures and civilisations, we’ve used symbols to communicate identity, beliefs, stories, belonging and ideas that sometimes go far beyond what words can explain. And somewhere along the way, I realised that’s also how I’d started to see brands. A logo can become a symbol of what a business stands for. A colour can carry years of recognition. A phrase can represent an entire belief. A story can become shorthand for where a business came from and why it exists. Iconography can represent services, philosophies, products or ideas. What we see on the surface carries meaning because of everything sitting behind it. Over nearly two decades of working in branding, I also began noticing the same themes appearing again and again in the businesses people really remembered. Their past, beliefs, future, people, identity, expression, impact and longevity. Eventually, I gave each of those ideas a symbolic form. They became Oraco’s Eight Brand Marks, and today they give us a way to look at a business from eight different perspectives and uncover the stories, ideas and meaning that make it distinctly its own. The strongest brands aren’t built by adding meaning that was never there. More often, the clues already exist. You just need to know where to look. Explore the Eight Brand Marks via the link in bio.

One of the hardest things about running a business is knowing what actually deserves your attention.

When you`re inside it every day, everything can feel important. The website needs updating, content needs creating, marketing isn`t quite working, the messaging feels off. Someone suggests a new platform, another campaign or a complete change in direction. But more activity isn`t always the answer.

A big part of Jessica`s work, both through Oraco and the business owners she mentors, is helping people step back far enough to see what`s really going on.

– What are you actually trying to achieve?
– Who are you trying to reach?
– What`s already working?
– Where is the real disconnect?
– And what can probably wait?

Sometimes the most valuable strategy isn`t adding another thing to the list. It`s creating enough clarity to know what matters now, what comes next and what doesn`t need your attention at all.

If you`re looking for strategic advice, a fresh perspective and someone to keep you accountable to actually doing the things you said you were going to do, Jessica offers one-on-one business strategy and mentoring sessions. Shoot us a DM to find out more.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17986629341863106
One of the hardest things about running a business is knowing what actually deserves your attention. When you're inside it every day, everything can feel important. The website needs updating, content needs creating, marketing isn't quite working, the messaging feels off. Someone suggests a new platform, another campaign or a complete change in direction. But more activity isn't always the answer. A big part of Jessica's work, both through Oraco and the business owners she mentors, is helping people step back far enough to see what's really going on. – What are you actually trying to achieve? – Who are you trying to reach? – What's already working? – Where is the real disconnect? – And what can probably wait? Sometimes the most valuable strategy isn't adding another thing to the list. It's creating enough clarity to know what matters now, what comes next and what doesn't need your attention at all. If you're looking for strategic advice, a fresh perspective and someone to keep you accountable to actually doing the things you said you were going to do, Jessica offers one-on-one business strategy and mentoring sessions. Shoot us a DM to find out more.

Last week, we lost someone very special.

Sean was a former Principal of Mannix College, a longstanding client of Oraco`s, and someone I was lucky to get to know over many years.

I first met Sean in 2012 through my work with Mannix, and I remember instantly clicking with him. He was incredibly kind, funny, super organised and genuinely caring. He made working together easy, but he was also someone who took the time to get to know you beyond the work itself.

Every year, without fail, Sean would send me a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year message, always accompanied by a quirky little Bitmoji of himself. Even after he finished as Principal and we were no longer working together regularly, those messages continued. It`s such a small thing, but I think it says a lot about the kind of person he was.

I`ve worked with Mannix since 2009, a relationship that now spans close to two decades, and Sean sits right in the middle of so many of those memories. He was there through an important chapter in my career and Oraco`s growth, trusting us with Mannix for many years, and still making the effort to stay in touch long after our working relationship changed.

Looking back, it means a lot that such a longstanding professional relationship also brought someone like Sean into my life.

As the Mannix community gathers today to celebrate Sean`s life, I`ll be joining the service from home and thinking of his family, friends and everyone at Mannix. I had hoped to be there in person, but I`m glad I`ll still be able to join everyone in remembering him.

Thank you, Sean, for your kindness, your humour and for always finding a way to put a smile on people`s faces. You made a difference to so many people, myself included, and I`m very grateful our paths crossed.

Leanne x

Photo courtesy of Mannix College.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18016270139941947
Last week, we lost someone very special. Sean was a former Principal of Mannix College, a longstanding client of Oraco's, and someone I was lucky to get to know over many years. I first met Sean in 2012 through my work with Mannix, and I remember instantly clicking with him. He was incredibly kind, funny, super organised and genuinely caring. He made working together easy, but he was also someone who took the time to get to know you beyond the work itself. Every year, without fail, Sean would send me a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year message, always accompanied by a quirky little Bitmoji of himself. Even after he finished as Principal and we were no longer working together regularly, those messages continued. It's such a small thing, but I think it says a lot about the kind of person he was. I've worked with Mannix since 2009, a relationship that now spans close to two decades, and Sean sits right in the middle of so many of those memories. He was there through an important chapter in my career and Oraco's growth, trusting us with Mannix for many years, and still making the effort to stay in touch long after our working relationship changed. Looking back, it means a lot that such a longstanding professional relationship also brought someone like Sean into my life. As the Mannix community gathers today to celebrate Sean's life, I'll be joining the service from home and thinking of his family, friends and everyone at Mannix. I had hoped to be there in person, but I'm glad I'll still be able to join everyone in remembering him. Thank you, Sean, for your kindness, your humour and for always finding a way to put a smile on people's faces. You made a difference to so many people, myself included, and I'm very grateful our paths crossed. Leanne x Photo courtesy of Mannix College.

One year of @twobayslaundry 🤎

A year ago, Two Bays Laundry opened its doors with a brand we’d had the pleasure of helping Liz and Kirill bring to life from the very beginning.

From strategy through to the visual identity, we wanted to create a brand that felt fresh, organic and full of personality, but most importantly, one that felt like it belonged here on the Mornington Peninsula.

That sense of place became part of the identity itself. The curves within the logo draw on the movement of water and our coastline, while the stylised ‘B’ represents the two bays that gave the business its name, Western Port and Port Phillip. The coastal palette, natural textures and broader identity carried that story through the space (shout out to @saint.design.interiors), signage, uniforms, vehicles and everything in between.

It’s always pretty special seeing a brand move from ideas on a page into a real business, but even more so watching it become part of the local community.

A huge congratulations to Liz, Kirill and the whole Two Bays Laundry team on your first birthday. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside you from those early ideas through to launch and everything that has followed.

Happy first birthday! Here’s to everything still to come 🥂

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17879865243686265
One year of @twobayslaundry 🤎 A year ago, Two Bays Laundry opened its doors with a brand we’d had the pleasure of helping Liz and Kirill bring to life from the very beginning. From strategy through to the visual identity, we wanted to create a brand that felt fresh, organic and full of personality, but most importantly, one that felt like it belonged here on the Mornington Peninsula. That sense of place became part of the identity itself. The curves within the logo draw on the movement of water and our coastline, while the stylised ‘B’ represents the two bays that gave the business its name, Western Port and Port Phillip. The coastal palette, natural textures and broader identity carried that story through the space (shout out to @saint.design.interiors), signage, uniforms, vehicles and everything in between. It’s always pretty special seeing a brand move from ideas on a page into a real business, but even more so watching it become part of the local community. A huge congratulations to Liz, Kirill and the whole Two Bays Laundry team on your first birthday. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside you from those early ideas through to launch and everything that has followed. Happy first birthday! Here’s to everything still to come 🥂

We don’t believe the best brand stories are invented.

They’re found in the reasons a business began, the decisions made along the way and the people behind it. The things they care about, do differently, and perhaps don’t even realise are interesting anymore.

Often, you’re too close to your own business to see what someone else might find remarkable.

That’s why we ask questions, listen and look a little closer.

The story is already there. You just have to know where to look.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18135355420630978
We don’t believe the best brand stories are invented. They’re found in the reasons a business began, the decisions made along the way and the people behind it. The things they care about, do differently, and perhaps don’t even realise are interesting anymore. Often, you’re too close to your own business to see what someone else might find remarkable. That’s why we ask questions, listen and look a little closer. The story is already there. You just have to know where to look.

At the heart of @joannaphotography.au’s new identity is a refined wordmark designed to balance timeless elegance with a sense of movement and connection.

A sophisticated serif typeface was chosen for its enduring quality, warmth and understated premium feel. The letterforms evoke a sense of craftsmanship and longevity, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating imagery that grows in meaning over time.


Connection between the A and N introduces a sense of movement and continuity, symbolising the relationships, stories and moments that unfold throughout life.

This is why we start with your story. It’s often where the most distinctive part of a brand identity is hiding.

•

Filed by: Oraco Agency
Reference: PF-4165
Photo source: @joannaphotography.au
Filed under: #ProjectFile #BrandStrategist #Branding #BrandDesign #LogoDesign

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18120044761813156
At the heart of @joannaphotography.au’s new identity is a refined wordmark designed to balance timeless elegance with a sense of movement and connection. A sophisticated serif typeface was chosen for its enduring quality, warmth and understated premium feel. The letterforms evoke a sense of craftsmanship and longevity, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating imagery that grows in meaning over time. Connection between the A and N introduces a sense of movement and continuity, symbolising the relationships, stories and moments that unfold throughout life. This is why we start with your story. It’s often where the most distinctive part of a brand identity is hiding. • Filed by: Oraco Agency Reference: PF-4165 Photo source: @joannaphotography.au Filed under: #ProjectFile #BrandStrategist #Branding #BrandDesign #LogoDesign

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Picture of Oraco

Oraco

We are designers, strategists, storytellers, coders, animal lovers, travellers, adventurers, yogis, gig-goers and coffee, tea & wine enthusiasts. We are for culture that fuels progressive and imaginative thoughts. We value positive change and believe in equality. We expect accountability. We aspire to create a work-life balance. We enjoy teamwork and contribution.

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