5 Common Mistakes to Avoid with OG Images
Introduction
OG images are an essential part of your social media strategy. They make your shared links more visually appealing, which increases click-through rates and boosts engagement. However, even the best-intentioned marketers often make mistakes when creating and implementing OG images.
In this article, we’ll explore the five most common OG image mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using Incorrect Dimensions
OG images need to fit specific dimensions to display properly on social media platforms. If your image is too small, stretched, or cropped, it can negatively impact how your link preview appears.
Solution:
- Use the recommended dimensions: 1200x630 pixels.
- Ensure a 1.91:1 aspect ratio, which is optimal for most platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Test your images on multiple devices to ensure proper rendering.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Mobile Optimization
More than half of social media users browse on mobile devices. An OG image that looks great on desktop might not translate well to smaller screens.
Solution:
- Use responsive design techniques to ensure OG images look good on both mobile and desktop.
- Avoid overly detailed images that may lose clarity on smaller screens.
Mistake #3: Missing or Incorrect Metadata
An OG image won’t work if your website’s metadata is incomplete or misconfigured. Common issues include broken links, wrong images, or metadata conflicts.
Solution:
- Double-check your Open Graph tags (
og:image,og:title,og:description, etc.) in your website’s HTML. - Use tools like Facebook’s Sharing Debugger or Twitter Card Validator to troubleshoot and preview your links.
Mistake #4: Overloading Images with Text
Images cluttered with text can overwhelm viewers and make your content look unprofessional. Many platforms also truncate text-heavy images, reducing their impact.
Solution:
- Keep text to a minimum.
- Use bold, legible fonts that complement the image.
- Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) if text is necessary, but let the image speak for itself.
Mistake #5: Using Low-Quality or Irrelevant Images
A blurry, pixelated, or irrelevant image can deter users from clicking your link. It might also damage your brand’s credibility.
Solution:
- Always use high-quality images. Aim for a resolution of at least 72 DPI.
- Ensure the image relates to your content—irrelevant visuals confuse viewers and reduce trust.
Bonus Tips for Success
To ensure your OG images always shine:
- Test Across Platforms: Each platform has unique requirements—ensure your image adapts seamlessly.
- Brand Consistency: Add your logo or branding elements to create a cohesive look.
- Use Tools for Automation: Platforms like ogimage.gallery simplify the creation of optimized OG images.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common OG image mistakes is critical to your success on social media. By paying attention to dimensions, mobile optimization, metadata, text usage, and image quality, you can create link previews that captivate your audience.
Ready to take your OG images to the next level? Try ogimage.gallery today!
