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Social Photos: The Do’s and Don’ts

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As a marketing agency, social media management is one of the many elements we handle for our clients. Digital content (photography and videography) is a necessary component and can be a phenomenal marketing tool. Oftentimes, our partners are responsible for the content we distribute and they usually have a great deal of questions at the beginning of the partnership. Hey, we get it. You don’t know what you don’t know. We’re here to help.

We’ve compromised a list of Photography “Do’s and Don’ts” in hopes to assist your company’s social media photo game. Here we go!

The Do’s

1. Always Be Branding

Consider every photo as a marketing opportunity. Think of it as a magazine ad. It takes a consumer 7 to 10 times to see your brand before it becomes memorable subconsciously. Always be branding. Be smart and playful with it, but make sure it’s there. Branding is necessary.

2. Trust the Light

Natural sunlight can be your best friend. Don’t be afraid to spin in a 360-degree circle to hit the perfect amount of light. We’ve been asked “What’s the perfect amount?” Trust us. You’ll know.

3. Creativity Wins

A recent study showed the average human attention span is down from 12 seconds to 8. A goldfish? 9 seconds. What we’re saying is simple. Your photos must make an impact and be memorable because people are on the move and their attention span is declining by the second. LITERALLY. Remember, every photo is a marketing ad. Make it count.

4. Take Multiple Shots

Even professional photographers don’t get it right the first time. We highly recommend taking a lot of pictures of the same setting. Just when you think you’ve got the great shot, take some more. You can never have too many. Snap away, friends.

5. Maximize the Caption

One of the benefits of social media is the ability for companies to control your vision, voice and narrative from a marketing perspective. Captions or content under photos is in your hands. Make the best of it. A “call to action” isn’t always necessary, but it helps. Offer a prize giveaway. Invite guests into your restaurant. Deliver a fun fact about your business and add a hyper link or “link in bio” verbiage. Utilize your copy content to your advantage.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Be Blurry

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve opened a Dropbox folder of photos only to tell our client we can’t use them because they’re too blurry. It’s not a fun conversation. We advise you to stay away from action shots. If people are running, jumping or moving quickly, steer clear of the photo op. Trust us, action shots don’t work on social.

2. Collages? No Thanks

Complete transparency. We’ve been guilty of it too. There was a small window of time where it was okay to post collages on social media platforms. The fad has passed, friends. We are all about multiple picture posts where you swipe through, but PLEASE don’t make a collage of photos. We beg you. They’re overwhelming and confusing to the eye. Don’t do it.

3. Don’t Photo Text (too often)

There are instances when it’s perfectly fine to place a small amount of copy on your photo. For instance, if you’re running a marketing campaign and placing a hashtag or logo in the corner of the picture is part of the program, it makes complete sense. Go for it. With that said, filling a photo with too much text can take away from the artistry. Branding is great. Too many words can be annoying. Walk the fine line and your pictures will be on point.

4. Say No to Filters (Until you’re ready)

There’s so many photo filters it’s impossible to keep up. Yes, they can be an asset, but most times a couple touchup enhancements will do the trick perfectly. If an agency manages your social presence, don’t filter or enhance your photos at all. Send them “rough” (unedited) and allow the agency to bring your photos to life. It’s our job.

5. Don’t Be Scared. Have Fun.

Lastly, we say it all the time. It’s social media. It’s not that serious. Don’t overthink the photos. Have fun with it. Show your companies personality, lifestyle, and image through your photos. Take a bunch. Use natural light. Don’t be blurry and stay away from collages. Take those steps and you’re on your way to enhancing your social media digital content.

Be social, friends.

Matt Erney
STRATEGIC MARKETING DIRECTOR
After founding Social Firm in 2010, I learned that having a healthy business online requires an equal balance of messaging, design and marketing. My vision is to help businesses compete in the marketplace by simplifying, clarifying and then amplifying their message.

I currently lead the Strategic Marketing team at Social Firm. I believe that to achieve greatness, one must be intentional and move quickly with focus beyond one’s self. I love Columbus and am energized by helping businesses realize their digital potential.
Jason Willis
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Like many in the design world, I started out as a freelance. My early career was on the sales and marketing side of business, and I’ve worked with, and for several large companies. However, my greatest joy is helping and sharing in the success of locally owned organizations.

When I’m not tailgating at an OSU game or playing tennis, I love traveling and creating new experiences with my best girl Kelly and my "little gentleman" dog Charlie. I like visiting all the new restaurants popping up around town and seeing which one can make the best Old Fashioned.
Julie Englerth
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Julie is fully remote and hails from Longview, Texas, deep in the heart of the “Piney Woods” of East Texas where she lives with her husband and three amazing kids. She is also an experienced worship leader at her local church where her husband is a full-time worship pastor. Julie is passionate about encouraging and empowering people around her, leading worship, leading small groups at her church, or spending time with her loved ones.

She works closely with Matt in day-to-day communications and strategic planning. She has a knack for learning new things quickly!
Justin Kline
Web Developer
Like many in the web design world, I started out building websites for small projects and grew into a career focused on helping businesses and organizations strengthen their online presence. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve worked as a WordPress Designer and Developer, building websites for a wide range of clients, including many charity and faith-based organizations, focused on creating clean, easy-to-use sites that reflect each mission clearly. I enjoy taking ideas and turning them into simple, effective websites that help organizations connect with people and share what they do in a meaningful way.

Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and kids, enjoy music, strong coffee, and a great cheeseburger!
Ally Gatien
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
Since graduating from the University of Dayton in 2021 with a focus in Marketing, I have worked for both a small local media agency and a large television station. In my professional career, I am most recently coming from a Digital Sales Coordinator role where I was able to focus in on all Digital Marketing tactics after learning about the world of broadcast TV. I am passionate about helping others and I look forward to being able to help countless local businesses as a Digital Specialist on a more efficient and effective scale!
Geno Marinelli
DIGITAL SPECIALIST
A fresh graduate from The Ohio State University, I’m excited to absorb as much as I possibly can! With prior experience in both advertising creative and strategy, I’m excited to learn from the best. I enjoy staying ahead of the curve, understanding or contextualizing the latest trends and developments in tech and Marketing. If there’s a disruptor, I want to know how it works, why it’s working, and if it can work for us.

As a Digital Marketing Specialist, I will assist in strategy, implementing changes and new initiatives on behalf of our clients helping them to reach their goals and achieve results. My favorite part of any final reveal is the before and after; the side-by-side comparison of the old and the new motivates me to always be looking for new and innovative ideas.
Terence Womble
CONTENT MANAGER
I spent the first half of my career working in public relations and marketing mostly in New York City but also in Toronto, Philadelphia and Columbus. Even with clients as diverse as Philip Morris, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Shakespeare in Central Park, CAPA, Jazz Arts Group, or Broadway shows, the common theme has been compelling stories. Helping craft and share stories for our clients is my passion.

Other passions? Sure. Tennis, jazz, classical music and classic disco; reading, documentaries, fact-based dramas, and forensic crime shows. I also enjoy a perfectly mixed and presented Manhattan – up or on the rocks.
Sheena Erney
ACCOUNTING
I spent over 10 years in corporate banking and quit corporate life to be a stay-at-home mom before my second child turned one. I love taking my four little ones on adventures, but I missed the hustle and bustle of work life. It’s exciting to work for a small business where we can so easily stay up to date and develop our processes as business needs change. Best of all, I get to work with my husband!

When I'm not working, I enjoy golf, reading, traveling and playing cards. Watching our four children learn and grow is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Nick May
STRATEGIC MARKETING TEAM LEADER
With a foundation in digital marketing, analytics, and strategic leadership, I’ve learned that sustainable growth happens when strategy, data, and execution work in alignment. My approach centers on building marketing systems that are intentional, measurable, and designed to scale — helping businesses move from scattered efforts to focused momentum. At Social Firm. I guide our Strategic Marketing team in developing clear roadmaps that connect brand positioning, digital performance, and revenue growth.

When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me on the golf course, at the range, or out camping somewhere off the grid. I value time with my son and love being outdoors — whether that’s hiking, sitting around a campfire, or just getting outside with my dog. Staying active, unplugging when I can, and spending quality time with family keeps me grounded and energized.