How Marketers Can Be Better at Design

Let’s be honest—marketers are juggling more than ever. We’re expected to be strategists, copywriters, data analysts, and now, designers. With tools like Canva and generative AI making design more accessible, it’s easier than ever to create graphics.

But here’s the catch: because everyone can now produce visuals quickly and inexpensively, the bar for standing out is higher than ever.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas and wondered, How do I even start? – you’re not alone. Great design isn’t some mystical art; it’s a set of learnable skills rooted in psychology, strategy, and a touch of creativity.

Here’s how you can level up your design game and make your visuals work harder for your marketing.

1. Understand the Science of Seeing

Did you know that the brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text? That stat is everywhere, but what does it really mean for marketers? It means your visuals have to do more than look good; they have to communicate immediately. Concepts like visual hierarchy (how the eye moves through a design) and contrast (what grabs attention first) are crucial to making your message land.

Start by evaluating your designs: Are the most important elements clear at first glance? If not, tweak the layout or use contrast to make them stand out.

A cluttered as and a well-organized ad
A cluttered ad and a well-designed ad

2. Design with Purpose

Every design choice should answer one question: Does this help achieve the goal? Whether you’re creating a social ad, an email banner, or a landing page, your visuals need to align with the purpose of your campaign.

For example, if your goal is to drive clicks, use strong calls-to-action with high-contrast buttons. If it’s about brand awareness, focus on creating memorable, on-brand visuals. Purpose-driven design isn’t just effective—it saves time by eliminating guesswork.

CTA button color catches your eye in different ways

3. Simplify to Amplify

One of the biggest mistakes marketers make is overloading designs with too much information. More isn’t always better. In fact, it’s often worse.

Simplicity doesn’t mean boring; it means focusing on the essentials. Think clean typography, ample whitespace, and a single focal point. As you refine your designs, ask yourself: What can I remove to make this message clearer?

4. Leverage the Right Tools (But Don’t Rely on Them)

Tools like Canva and Adobe Express are incredible, but they’re not magic wands. They can make design faster and more accessible, but they won’t automatically make your visuals effective. Here’s the challenge: if everyone has access to the same tools and templates, the market gets saturated with similar-looking designs.

That’s why understanding design principles—things like color, typography, and layout—is what separates good designs from the ones that actually stand out. Use the tools, but don’t rely on them to do all the work.

Adobe Express workspace
Adobe Express workspace

5. Think Like a Storyteller

Great design isn’t just about visuals, it’s about telling a story. Every piece of content you create should guide your audience through a narrative, even if it’s as simple as a Facebook ad.

Start by considering the flow of information: What should your audience see first? What’s the key takeaway? Use visuals like imagery, typography, and layout to create a logical and engaging path for your viewers.

Eye flow through a banner ad

What’s Next?

Getting better at design isn’t about becoming a designer—it’s about learning the essentials to create visuals that make your marketing more effective. The more you understand the “why” behind good visuals, the easier it becomes to create designs that resonate.

If you’re ready to dive deeper and learn how to apply these principles to your work, The Visual Marketer is packed with actionable tips, examples, and strategies tailored for marketers who want to step up their design game.

Grab your copy of The Visual Marketer today. Let’s turn your next campaign into a visual powerhouse.

Finally

Design isn’t a skill you’re either born with or without—it’s something you can learn. Start small, focus on the fundamentals, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be intentional.

And if you’re looking for a guide to help you along the way, you know where to find me.

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