Week 3 - The Importance of Visual Content in Social Media Marketing

 

Why Does Visual Content Matter?

Countless people wonder if it does really matter when discussing the importance of visual aids in the content marketing process. Researchers calculate that the human brain can decode and process images 60,000 times faster than text, so this is why incorporating visual elements into digital advertising and social media marketing is important for success. If you are looking for better overall engagement and response, adding images to your social media posts is a must because your audience can see an accompanying photo that includes your content, they are more likely to respond quickly or take action before moving on to other content. 

Why is Visual Content so Effective?

A lot of followers and target audience are inundated with digital noise every day. Every time they log into their favorite platform, they instantly see millions of pieces of content. Memes and cartoons provide a lighthearted approach to serious topics. Product photos make it easier for you to decide to buy a product because images help increase the effectiveness of your data visualization. Simply put, visual content grabs your customers’ attention, making them more likely to make a purchase or share the information with others.

How Has Social Media Changed in the Last 10 years?

Ten years ago, social media seemed much simpler. There are no search ads in our newsfeed. Almost no one is a social media influencer. Photo editing is best left to the professionals, while live streaming on the app is no problem. Over the past decade, social media has largely evolved from staying connected to others to showing off the attention we have or curating our unrecognizable true selves. Today, the process of live streaming through apps like TikTok and Twitch is becoming increasingly popular. This means that original mainstream platforms like Facebook, Instagram and even Pinterest are looking for ways to help people make the leap from photos to videos. As you know, the entire industry is changing and this type of content is crucial for companies that want to gain digital leverage.

What Types of Visual Content Are Popular These Days?

Video

When it comes to visual content, video is now an important part of getting your audience to engage with your brand. Sometimes, just a glimpse of operations or happenings around the office is enough to gain attention on social media.

Live streaming

Watching the live video will thrill the audience. After all, TV news channels and reality shows have been betting on the format for years. Live streaming using Facebook, Instagram or even Twitch is a great way to let your followers know what your company does. It can also be conveniently used for educational issues meetings, showcasing new products at launches, and more.

Bite-Size Videos

Adding to this list of popular visual content types are small videos. It mean visuals that are less than a minute long and provide some entertainment or educational value. TikTok and Instagram Stories are great examples of how to leverage this to create content that resonates with your audience.

Maps & Charts

Sometimes the content itself is pretty boring, especially in a B2B environment. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip leveraging visual content to improve social media pages. Even LinkedIn is a great place to share maps, charts, or other similar visuals that can help you zero in on a specific point in a post or explain data.

Memes & GIFs

Of course, the world always needs a laugh. They say humor is what unites us all, which is why memes and GIFs have become so popular on social media. These small animated images or static clips are a great way to add personality, expression or even humor.