Instagram is the place where you’ll build an engaged and active community. But how do you even get their attention in the first place, so you can show off your amazing content?
That’s where design comes in.
You know that your content is super important for engaging your audience – but Instagram is a visual-first platform! That’s why your graphics need to be bombshell to stand out and stop people’s scroll.
In this blog posts, I’ll open my designer treasure trove and show you the 7 designs that are guaranteed to grab all the attention.
Ready? Then let’s dive right in! ????
1. Question Design
One of the most powerful ways to get attention is to directly speak to your audience – and ask them something! To do this, put the question right on your graphic, don’t bury it in the caption.
Here is an example how this can look like:
Why does this design work?
✅ Asks a thought-provoking question
✅ Attention-grabbing top headline: Fact or Fiction?
✅ 871 likes and 28 comments
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Or, with a ‘Would you rather’ question:
Why does this design work?
✅ Would you rather… is a fun game people love to play
✅ Two very different options to choose from
✅ Big headline that grabs attention
✅ 64 likes and 43(!) comments
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2. Big Headline Design
Imagine your ideal client scrolling through their feed – how do you make them stop the scroll on your post?
With a big headline and a bold statement!
My designer rule goes like this: 50/10 – 50px headline font and not more than 10 words.
Lucy has mastered this perfectly:
Why does this design work?
✅ Huge text with special effects immediately stands out
✅ Cut-out photo for personal branding
✅ 27K followers
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3. Attention-Grabbing Reels Cover Design
We are not just talking about Instagram posts here. Reels are the perfect format to draw new followers in. And for this, your covers need to pop!
Let’s take a look at some hot Reels covers:
Why does this design work?
✅ Cover with creator headshot (personal branding)
✅ Perfectly designed structure of headline and subline
✅ 36K views
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Why does this design work?
✅ Headline design that stands out
✅ Very easy to understand in a few milliseconds
✅ 1.5K views
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4. Tagging Design
This is one my secret favorites! You can tag people on Instagram, and now we’re using the same design principle to “tag” any content on an image your community will find relatable.
What a fun way to present educational, connection-building or even sales content!
Why does this design work?
✅ Popculture meme background (SATC)
✅ Resonates with the ideal audience of this creator
✅ Tags and headline that communicate the message perfectly
✅ 809 likes and 25 comments
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5. Checklist Design
Let’s get to the next type of design to grab people’s attention when they scroll by.
That is – checklists!
Our minds love it when things are in order and lined up for us, so we don’t have to think about it. That’s why we’re naturally drawn to lists.
Use this psychological trick with a checklist design that shares 3-10 items in a simple graphic.
Why does this design work?
✅ Quickly scannable checklist that’s totally save-worthy
✅ Familiar looking design (Notes app)
✅ 239 likes and 11 comments
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6. Infographic Design
One of the best ways to get the attention of brand new people – on the Explore page our through hashtags – is by presenting educational content with an infographic!
Here are some examples for graphs, lists and charts:
Why does this design work?
✅ Two lists – what you think vs what you really need
✅ Easy to understand design
✅ 63 likes and 18 comments
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Why does this design work?
✅ Fun pie chart with two options
✅ Relatable content and easy-to-grasp design
✅ 688 likes and 25 comments
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7. Personal Brand Design
Your personal brand is what sets you apart from all the other brands in your niche. Use it to get people’s attention!
As human beings we are naturally drawn to faces of other humans. So put yourself out there and on your Instagram graphics, it will make all the difference!
Why does this design work?
✅ Polaroid-style photo
✅ Attention-grabbing big headline
✅ Perfect design for an introduction post
✅ 48 likes and 20 comments
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Why does this design work?
✅ Tweet with creator photo, perfect for connecting
✅ Bold design and bold colors
✅ 238 views
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Get all designs from this post as done-for-you Canva templates, plus 300 more in our Engagement Boost Bundle
Think about it: If you spend the next two hours in Canva looking for suitable templates or even try to create these designs from scratch – does that really get you anywhere?
Why not take the shortcut, get help from a professional designer with over 5 years of social media expertise who knows exactly how to create attention-grabbing content? ????
