How to Create Killer Instagram Graphics in Canva (That Actually Convert)

Most businesses screw this up.

They post random, cluttered designs that nobody engages with.

The result? Wasted effort. Zero traction.

Here’s how to create scroll-stopping Instagram graphics that grab attention AND drive action—without spending hours designing.

1. Use the Right Format (No, Square Isn’t Always Best)

📌1080x1350px (Portrait) > 1080x1080px (Square)

• Instagram favors taller images (they take up more feed space).

• Portrait posts get 33% more engagement on average.

Exceptions:

• Square (1080x1080px) is fine for carousels.

• Stories? 1080x1920px (always full-screen).

2. Choose a High-Impact Layout (Stop Guessing)

Most people cram too much text into one post.

Instead, use proven structures that work:

✅ Single bold statement (BIG text, small subtext)

✅ 3-step list (visually easy to skim)

✅ Before & after comparison

✅ Engagement CTA post (poll, question, challenge)

🚫 Avoid:

• Tiny fonts (must be readable in 1 second)

• Messy color schemes (stick to 2-3 brand colors)

• Weak CTAs (every post should guide action)

3. Make Your Text POP (Because Nobody Zooms In)

🔹 BIG, bold headlines (use 40-60pt font)

🔹 Add contrast (dark text on light bg, vice versa)

🔹 Highlight key words with color or underline

🔹 Use Canva’s ‘Glow’ effect on text for extra emphasis

4. Add a Killer Call to Action (So Your Post Actually Works)

🚀 Every post should tell people what to do next:

🔹 “Comment 🔥 if this helped” (boosts engagement)

🔹 “DM me ‘Leads’ for a free strategy” (drives leads)

🔹 “Save this post for later” (signals value to IG’s algorithm)

Pro tip: Put your CTA in a separate colored box at the bottom—it stands out.

PRO pro tip: Make sure your CTA makes sense for the post.

5. Export for Maximum Quality (No Blurry Garbage)

❌ Don’t just download and post—optimize it.

✔️ PNG for static posts (higher quality)

✔️ MP4 for animated posts (use subtle text effects)

✔️ Post at peak times (check IG insights for best engagement)

Please, please, please—

Let me get what I want, but ALSO:

Don't go posting videos and pictures that look like they were taken on an old Blackberry.

I honestly don't know how it's possible, but people still manage to take absolutely HORRENDOUS pictures in the big 2025.

💡Pro tip: If you can't zoom in at a least a little bit without the image getting blurry, don't post it.

BONUS: Turn One Graphic Into Multiple Posts (Repurpose Like a Pro)

🔁 Take your IG post & turn it into:

• A story (add stickers for more engagement—sparingly)

• A carousel (break down a longer point)

• A LinkedIn post (tweak copy for a business audience)

• A Reel cover (makes your profile look professional)

This is how you make ONE post do the work of FIVE. In fact...

You can get the full playbook on setting up your Content Factory here.

The Bottom Line:

If your Instagram graphics aren’t stopping the scroll, they’re a waste.

Use this system, stop posting garbage, and start getting results.

If you'd like to see how we'd implement this for your business, get in contact here.

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Talk soon,

Trey