When it comes to digital marketing, content is king. As more modern marketing has found its home online, traditional marketing is slowly decreasing. Now is the time to understand the great amount of value that can be found in visual content marketing.
This shift in marketing types is greatly credited to popular social media platforms. Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube can be seen as the driving forces in the marketing paradigm shift. Visual elements such as photos, videos and gifs are scattered throughout these platforms, allowing them to gain viral recognition and spread like wild fire.
But, let’s take a look at the depths of visual content marketing and understand why it is so important.
(We have also included mood boards throughout, to get your inspiration flowing!)
What is Visual Content Marketing?
When referring to visual content marketing what is meant is the incorporation of images into a marketing campaign, with the aim of conveying valuable information in an engaging way. The use of images has the ability of speaking to different target groups and cultures in a more attractive and convincing format.
Keep in mind, visual content marketing is not only limited to images. In order to create an outstanding marketing campaign you should play around with images, videos, memes, gifs, and infographics — to name a few.
Images by Fanette Guilloud and Mafe Espitia
Why is it so Important?
Human communication does not only consist of verbal communication, rather we incorporate visual transmission everyday. From gestures to behavioural expressions, we can communication to one another without having to directly say what we are thinking.
Visual content marketing is the new way in which you can reach customers and attract them to your website and offerings. It goes beyond written communication and builds on the attractiveness of a marketing campaign. Have you ever heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words?” Well, this aphorism couldn’t be more relevant here.
Studies have shown that content marketing that includes visuals is viewed 94% more than those without. Visual marketing has a great impact on the emotional appeal of a person, as well as engaging on a sensational connection. Both of these fundaments are vital in creating a good experience for the customer and maintaining their loyalty.
Looking at the internal branding factor, the incorporation of appropriate visuals will complement your content and help support your selling points. It is extremely important to find images that align with what you are trying to communicate, as this will help cement your message in the minds of your consumers.
How to Profit from Images Successfully
When text is accompanied with visual content, your brands message will be stronger. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you are successfully speaking to your target audience, through both written and visual communication, the likelihood that your marketing campaign will be shared is extremely high. Remember, everyone has seen a cool campaign and shared it with family and friends!
One of the main reasons why your brand will greatly profit from the inclusion of images, is that visual content marketing creates a lasting impression on your target audience. The human brain is known for connecting to images better, and people usually remember a picture better than text.
Also, a visualisation can make your brand seem more comprehensive to the consumer. If you have a more complex product or service, then including an image can contribute to the campaigns success. The reason for this being is that the consumer will not have to try to understand what you are saying because they will see it.
Images by Tareck Raffoul and Maria Kokkinou
How Do You Achieve an Effective Visual Content Marketing Approach?
So, now that you learned why it is important for your brand to incorporate a visual content marketing strategy, let’s discuss how you will achieve an effective approach.
Share Attractive Visual Content
In order to grasp the attention of your target audience, your visual content needs to be attractive. As shallow as it may sound, people like to look at nice things.
Due to us living in a fast-paced environment, the attention span of an average consumer has decreased greatly. But, by making your visual content aesthetically pleasing, the chances that the consumer will stop and look are increased. The image should be the focal point!
In order to achieve content that is attractive, you should prioritise authentic and powerful images. Also, if you really want to stand out from your competitors, it is always a good idea to incorporate original content, opposed to stock images. This way your content will have more of a wow affect.
You need a creative professional to produce your original content? That’s what Cherrydeck is for!
Cherrydeck allows you to filter out a vast selection of photographers, that could bring your marketing campaign to the next level. The main benefits of using Cherrydeck for an efficient visual marketing approach are that you can find a photographer specified to your needs, budget and location. With +55,000 registered photographers worldwide, you are destined to find the one.
To know exactly how to find amazing talent with Cherrydeck, check out our 5 tips to help you find the best photographer.
Images by Felix Speller and Yasmin Gross
Present Something Relatable
In order for a marketing campaign to be successful, it is important that your content is relatable. From the format, to the style, and even the cultural detailing included — all these aspects must go hand-in-hand.
Through a relatable visual marketing strategy the message communicated will generate a stronger connection with your audience. Images and videos are a powerful way of enhancing a brand’s storytelling capabilities, which is an indispensable part of visual content marketing. Using visuals as a mean of storytelling increases the relatability across various cultures and language barriers.
If your consumers think of a past-moment in their life when looking at your campaign, then you know you’re on the right track!
Stay Relevant and Trendy
It is important to portray relevant moments and topics into your visual content. No consumer will be interested in purchasing a product or service if the brand does not seem to portray a relevant moment in time.
For example, many businesses are building on the idea of lockdown through including visual references of masks and staying at home into their marketing campaigns. In a way, the Covid-19 referencing has developed into a trend of sorts.
Now that you were able to get a better understanding of visual content marketing and its importance, it’s time to get started!
Start planning your next marketing campaign and don’t forget to use Cherrydeck to find the best creative professional for the job! Or signup for a brand account and we will take over the search for you!
Want to know more about achieving an effective content marketing strategy, check out the blog post. ?
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