3 Reasons To Have A Social Media Icon

For businesses that are consistently feeding information to their customers via social media, it's important that their brand identity doesn't get lost in the fray. Having a social media icon that has a simple, concise brand identity can help you break through the Twitter clutter. Here are three reasons why having a simple social media icon is important to your social media strategy.

1. Icons Are Recognizable

The resizing mechanisms on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms make your 6-inch wide logo a blip in your clients' news feeds. Having a single design element that can be noticed even when it's only 73x73 pixels (or smaller on a mobile device) is social media gold, leading to more clicks and higher responses.

Here are a few examples of effective social media icons. 

You instantly recognize their brands, but no one of these graphics include an obvious or full company name. Your brand's social media icon should have the same qualities.

2. Icons Are Modern

Logos, although a necessary part of your business, appear outdated on social media. They should a lack of attention to detail and are the first indication that a brand that isn't interested in having a current or contemporary social media presence. If a business is targeted to reach social-media savvy customers, it's particularly important to have a bold, vibrant social media icon. Good colors to use are light and medium blue, warm, soft yellows and cool greens. Ask a graphic designer to create five options, and pick the best one for your brand.

3. Icons Are Urgent

Your logo for your letterhead can be relatable, powerful and friendly (or at least a branding specialist told you that in 2003), but your logo and slogan won't be read on a mobile device. Modern, simple social media icons make a user pause and possibly read to the message. Your eye goes left to right, and an image that is easy to consume on your left can lead your eye to the right to read your content more consistently. 

You can have the best social media icon that works with your brand standards, but if you don't have a compelling message alongside your icon, your gorgeous icon won't generate leads, an increase in web traffic or brand loyalty. Find out about Checkmate Consulting's social media management services here.