Sweet Strategies: Content Faux Pas
Mistakes to Avoid When Promoting Your Workshop
Hi friends! TArTs is back at it, and today I want to talk about the graphics we use to promote our workshops. More specifically, I want to dive into what not to do when creating them. We’ve all made a content misstep or two, but with a few simple tweaks, your workshop promotion can be much more effective. Below are some common faux pas I come across often—and easy fixes to make sure your visuals are professional, inviting, and accessible.
Missing Information
Be sure to include all the essential details up front on the graphic itself. Many folks may not read the entire caption, so it’s best to keep info like whether the workshop is virtual or in-person, start and end time, and cost right on the image. Make it easy for people to see what they need to know at a glance. I have to take a deep soothing breath every time I see a virtual workshop without the time zone listed—is it 8pm eastern or pacific?! You don’t need to list every time zone, just your own. Most folks are used to converting, plus there are plenty of time zone converters online.
Long Hyperlinks
Long, chunky URLs can be off-putting. Try using a free tool like Bitly (which I personally use!) to create a clean, easy link. Or, if you have your own domain, use that to make the link feel even more personalized and trustworthy.
Colors that Clash or Aren't Accessible
Make sure the colors in your graphics work well together and are readable. Use tools like WebAIM to ensure accessibility for those with color blindness or low vision. Remember, accessible content is welcoming content.
Fonts that Miss the Mark
Fonts are a big part of your brand and vibe. Too many different fonts can look cluttered, and some "cool" fonts can be hard to read. Choose fonts that match the tone of your workshop—professional, fun, relaxed—and keep it easy on the eyes. This is where your brand board that we discussed in the last article comes in handy. If you’ve already defined your brand elements, you’ll have a go-to selection of fonts that work well together, saving you time and helping your design stay cohesive.
Too Much Text on Graphics
It can be tempting to put all the workshop details right on the image, but this often backfires. A clean, catchy headline with a few key points works better. Save the full multi-paragraph description for the caption or a link to your website, where people can get the complete rundown.
No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Don’t leave your audience wondering about the next step. Whether it’s “Sign up here,” “DM to reserve your spot,” or “Subscribe for updates,” a clear CTA reduces any guesswork and encourages action.
Leaving Out Registration Deadlines or Limited Seats Info
If there’s a deadline to sign up or limited availability, let people know! Mentioning a deadline or that space is limited can create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to sign up sooner.
These small details can make a big difference when promoting your workshop. A little extra effort upfront goes a long way in ensuring your message lands clearly, and your audience knows exactly what to expect and how to join. Tell me your content faux pas grievances in the comments!
Sweet Assignment
Take some time to examine your own promotional visuals, or explore ones you admire from other teaching artists. Ask yourself:
Does my visual style feel consistent and cohesive across all my workshop promotions? If not, what elements (like colors, font, or layout) could bring more unity to my brand?
What do I find most appealing or effective in other workshop promotions I’ve seen? Are there any elements I’ve noticed that I’d like to incorporate into my own branding?
On the flip side, is there anything that turns me off or feels unclear in other people’s graphics? Think about how you can avoid similar pitfalls in your own materials.
About me:
Talicha J. is a Black queer poet and teaching artist, nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize. She was a 2024 Collaborating Fellow at The Poetry Lab. Her debut collection, Falling in Love with Picking Myself Up (2015), led to a national tour and helped grow her presence as a poet.
In June 2024, she released her chapbook, Taking Back the Body, which won the Beyond the Veil Press chapbook contest. She also curates writing and editing sprints, leads online generative workshops, and hosts a monthly publication submission space. Her work has appeared in or is forthcoming with Plenitude, Fahmidan, Peach Fuzz, Lucky Jefferson, Just Femme and Dandy, Button Poetry, and more.