Adding visuals to your content is one of the most important things you can do. Photos and videos grab user attention and hold it there longer than standard text. Social posts that contain images and videos are also more likely to be shared, liked and engaged with more than posts containing only text.
Humans like images because our brains are hardwired this way. People remember visual information 6x better than information they have read, and the brain only needs 1/10 of a second to make sense of an image.
To ensure that you are using visual content effectively, here are seven tips to keep in mind.
1. Pick images that are easy to understand
Images are an asset to your marketing, but you don’t want them to become visual noise. Each photo should have a purpose and support the context of the page. This will help people understand and consume your message.
2. Use a variety of visual content
People consume visual content in different ways. Think about how you can use photos and videos to share information and keep users engaged. For example, you can use an infographic to share statistics, a graph to show numbers and a screenshot to support instructions.
3. Opt for original photos
There is nothing wrong with using stock photos, especially in a pinch, but original photos are ideal. These genuine photos show a unique side of your business that can’t be replicated by anyone else. When people visit your site, your photos will speak volume about your brand.
4. Follow copyright laws
All visuals are protected by copyrights. If you made the photo, you are the owner of it. If it’s not your photo, you’ll need a license or written permission to use it. Stock photo sites generally require you to pay for a license, and then you are free to use the photo as long as it does not go against the guidelines.
5. Optimize images and videos for SEO
Like your other content, visual content should be optimized for the search engines. The search engines are getting better at recognizing visual content, but they still need keywords and descriptions to tell them what the image is about. Always include the ALT attribute to describe your photo.
6. Add social media buttons
Add social sharing buttons so that users can easily click and share the content to the network of their choice. That goes for you, too. Don’t hesitate to share your visual content across your most popular social networks.
7. Develop a cross-promotion plan
It’s helpful to develop a cross-promotion plan that features your content on multiple channels. Share your posts to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Post visual content to relevant groups or special interest communities like Reddit or Medium. Schedule posts for the times and days you see the most engagement.
All content, whether it’s a blog post or social media post, should have a supporting image. Be sure to follow the tips above so that you can use visual content as effectively as possible. To learn more about beefing up your visual content strategy or optimizing photos for SEO, contact WSI Internet Partners today.