Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “make social graphics, banners and simple designs”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

30 min
typically, a few times a week
55%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Set up a brand kit and locked templates in Canva or Adobe Express

With your logos, colors and fonts loaded and key layouts locked, anyone can make an on-brand graphic in minutes and you review less.

Typically saves about 40% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Load logos, colors and fonts into Canva Brand Kit or Adobe Express brand libraries.
  2. 2Build templates for the formats you make most, and lock the logo and layout.
  3. 3Share them with the team and with sales.
  4. 4Use the brand-check features (Canva brand controls) before anything goes out.

Tools: Canva Brand Kit and brand templates · Adobe Express brand libraries · Figma components

Fix 2 of 2

AI

Generate background images and variations with AI

Adobe Firefly, Canva Magic Media and ChatGPT image generation can make backgrounds, illustrations and variations in seconds. Check your company's rules on AI images first.

Typically saves about 40% of the time10 min to set up
  1. 1Check what your company allows; Adobe Firefly is designed to be commercially safe.
  2. 2Describe the image with the prompt below.
  3. 3Generate a few options and pick one.
  4. 4Place it in your brand template and add your own copy.
Prompt to copy
Create an image for a [FORMAT, e.g. LinkedIn post 1200x627] about [TOPIC]. Style: [e.g. flat illustration / photo-realistic / abstract]. Colors: [BRAND COLOURS]. Leave space on the [LEFT/RIGHT] for a headline. No text, no logos, no real people's faces.

Tools: Adobe Firefly · Canva Magic Media · ChatGPT image generation · Google Gemini image generation · Midjourney

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Marketing Manager / GeneralistContent / Social MediaBrand / Graphic Design

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

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Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Marketing Managers / Generalists