As a blogger, there will come a time when you want to create a custom banner, button, or other graphic. In fact, you’ve probably seen the custom images that other bloggers create and wondered how you can do the same without spending a lot of time and money.
Let’s be honest. Not all bloggers are graphic design students who have the flair for creating banners or the money for the programs to create intricate but eye-catching designs.
The good news is that you don't have to be a graphic designer or have experience in the field to create custom graphics for your own blog. Even better: you don't have to have any money.
You could start with simple programs already installed on your computer, such as Paint. If you’re looking for something with more options but less hassle, check out this list of free software to help you create the custom graphics, buttons, banners, and more you need for your blog.
1) Canva: Create ads and social media images
Once you discover Canva, it may become your go-to graphic creation tool. Start at Canva.comwhere you can immediately sign up for a free account. Next, select the template you want to work with. Canva’s template options range from Facebook covers to blog graphics to business cards and more. If you don’t like these options, create your own custom dimensions.
Then choose from a variety of layout options, add your photos, and arrange your text. Canva offers both free and upgraded options for all of this. As an added bonus, Canva is also available as an iOS app.
2) Da Button Factory: Develop your own buttons
If all you need is a simple “Click Here” or “Buy Now” button, then There button factory is a great starting point. Simply choose your text, a font and customize your colors. You can then download the button as a PNG file. Just upload it to your website like a normal photo. However, be sure to add a link to your button’s landing page.
3) Piktochart: Create a custom infographic
If you are interested in developing infographics for your blog then pictogram is a great starting point. While you can upgrade your account for more options, a free account gives you access to templates and icon options to create beautifully designed infographics.
With resizable canvases and other customization options, Piktochart makes it easy to create a unique graphic. Use your infographic to add visual appeal to regular stats-driven blog posts or to share company-specific reports with your readers in an easy-to-understand way.
4) Animoto: Develop eye-catching videos
With a free account Animotoyou can start creating incredible 30-second videos for promotional purposes or just for fun. Animoto is not your average video software that lets you meticulously compose different images and text. It’s much simpler, but you’ll likely end up with a more engaging video than you could create from scratch.
Start by choosing a video style, then browse Animoto’s library of images, music, and video clips. You can also upload your own images and add custom text. Then simply share your video or embed the video on your own website. You can upgrade to $5 per month (cancel at any time) to increase the length of your video and download the video to your computer.
5) Prezi: Present your content in an interesting way
Would you like to make your blog posts more interesting by using graphics? Prezi is a great online program to help you get started. Prezi lets you create unique presentations that don’t involve moving from slide to slide like PowerPoint, but instead zoom in on different areas of your canvas.
As a Prezi user, you can start with pre-designed templates that are already visually appealing. Otherwise, start from scratch and use the images, shapes, and text tools to fully customize your canvas. Even if you start with a pre-made template, the options are fully customizable, allowing you to create a unique presentation.
Use Prezi for:
- Creating interactive infographic-like content
- Development of self-directed presentations
- Turn old blog posts into something new
- And more!
While you can pay to upgrade your account, you can sign up for free, although all of your presentations are public. One cool thing about Prezis is that you can embed videos directly into your presentation. When you’re ready to present, simply embed your Prezi into your website.
The mentioned free online software programs can make a novice blogger’s website more visually appealing. This alone can increase your social shares and follower conversion rates.
Did we miss a program that you have used in the past and liked? Let us know in the comments section which free programs you can use to create custom graphics for your blog.