What Makes a Post Actually Stand Out?
Let’s not sugar-coat it: social media is loud. Between the “LOL” reels, product drops, hot takes, and thirst traps — your carefully crafted post has about 1.5 seconds to prove it’s worth the pause.
So how do you break the scroll?
At Smyth Social, we know that good content doesn’t just show up — it stops people. It doesn’t need to shout, but it does need to signal. It needs to guide the eye. And it needs to speak your brand’s language, loud and clear.
Here’s our take on what separates a scroll-stopper from a swipe-right-by.
01. Design is Directional — Not Just Decorative
Great design is like a good street sign. You shouldn’t have to squint or second-guess — it tells you where to look, and why.
That means:
Bold text where it counts
Clean hierarchy that leads the eye
Colour used with intent, not just because “on brand”
If your design is confusing, you’ve already lost. In the world of mobile, attention is currency — don’t spend it on clutter.
02. Static is Fine — But Motion Wins
Think of static posts as billboards. Good ones still catch eyes. But motion? Motion is a billboard that waves.
A few moves that work:
✨ Looped animation that draws the eye to your message
📣 Speed ramps that shift pace for drama or urgency
🔍 Pop-in effects that let your viewer breathe between beats
Use motion with purpose. Make it mean something.
03. Consistency Builds the Brand — Creativity Keeps It Fresh
There’s power in repetition. Colours, fonts, tone — these build trust. But sameness? That breeds invisibility.
Your feed should feel like a moodboard: different looks, same vibe. Shake up your formats, try a carrousel one day and a lo-fi quote the next. You don’t need to break the rules — just bend them, beautifully.
04. Don’t Make Me Work For It
If someone has to decode your post, it’s game over. Your design should say one thing, clearly — and quickly.
✅ Punchy headline
✅ One idea per post
✅ Space to breathe
✅ Mobile-first everything
Your audience isn't on desktop with a soy latte. They’re in line at Woolies, waiting for their Uber, or procrastinating in a meeting. Respect the scroll.
05. Platform Culture Matters
Every platform has a vibe. And the best content feels native to that space.
Instagram: Pretty with purpose.
TikTok: Real, fast, human.
Threads: Casual thoughts that connect.
LinkedIn: Insightful, relevant, polished.
Facebook: Familiar, nostalgic, relatable.
Same message. Different tone. Translate your brand for the room it’s in.
🎤 Final Drop: Good Design Makes You Look — Great Design Makes You Feel
At the end of the day, scroll-stopping content isn’t about flashy graphics or complicated tricks. It’s about clarity, confidence, and a little bit of swagger.
At Smyth Social, we live for that moment — the pause, the save, the share. That’s the power of design that knows what it’s doing.
Let’s make people stop, look, and remember.
