The Ultimate Guide to Visual Marketing [2023]
Do you know that almost 50% of your brain processes visual information? That’s why I like to say that visual marketing is the perfect antidote to boring content that leaves your audience feeling like… *yawn*
In this blog, we’re talking about the main types of visual marketing, including data storytelling, interactive infographics, explainer videos, and so much more as well as tips for each.
What Is Visual Marketing, and How Does It Help Your Brand?
Visual marketing is a dynamic and exciting way to promote your brand through compelling visuals that capture your audience’s attention.
But how does it REALLY help your brand, you ask?
Visuals Grab Attention
Let’s face it; we’re all guilty of scrolling past boring text-heavy content. But add a stunning image or a captivating video, and suddenly, we’re hooked! Visuals have the power to grab attention and draw your audience in, making them much more likely to engage with your brand. According to this study, visuals increase the willingness to read by 80%.
Convey Information Amazingly
Visuals are an excellent way to communicate complex information in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether it’s through an infographic or an explainer video, visuals can break down complicated concepts into bite-sized chunks, making it easier for your audience to absorb and retain information. So, a study shows how people following directions with text and illustrations do 323% better than those following text directions only.
Increase Engagement
Visual content is more likely to be shared on social media, increasing your brand’s reach and engagement. Plus, visual content is more memorable than text, meaning your brand is more likely to stick in your audience’s mind. Actually, people recall 80% of what they SEE AND READ, vs only 20% of the information they read.
Establish Brand Identity
Visuals are an essential part of your brand’s identity, and they can help you establish a recognizable look and feel that sets you apart from your competitors. Consistent use of visuals across all your marketing channels can help build brand recognition and loyalty.
Build Emotional Connections
Visuals can tap into emotions in a way that text can’t. Whether it’s through a heartwarming video or a hilarious meme, visuals have the power to make your audience laugh, cry, or feel inspired, helping you build emotional connections with your target market.
Improve Conversion Rates
Visuals can help boost your conversion rates by making your products or services more appealing to potential customers. Studies have shown that visual content can increase conversion rates by up to 80%!
Main Types Of Visual Content (+ Tips For Each One)
1. Data Storytelling
Data storytelling — the most amazing way on Earth to turn boring data into an exciting and engaging visual journey for your audience.
It’s one of the most popular types of visual content in the world of visual marketing examples, and for a good reason!
It is the art of presenting complex data in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging for your audience.
Also, it’s all about using visuals to tell a story, weaving data into a narrative that captivates and educates your audience.
That’s why effective data storytelling is a goldmine for your visual marketing efforts.
By keeping it simple, choosing the right type of visualization, and using colors very, very wisely, you can turn your data into an engaging visual journey that captivates and educates your audience.
2. Ebooks
An ebook is not only about a romance or sci-fi genre (You know that already.)
It helps brands too.
When it comes to your visual marketing strategy, they are fantastic for showcasing your brand’s expertise while also entertaining the audience.
Now, you might be thinking, “But designing an ebook sounds like a daunting task!”
However, ebook templates can really save the day. All you have to do is …a Google search.
By using a template, you can save time and make designing your ebook a breeze.
Plus, templates offer a great starting point and allow you to focus on creating content rather than stressing over design.
But what kind of content can you turn into an ebook, you ask?
Well, the short answer is…ANYTHING!!
Infographics? Articles? Blogs? Surveys? Reports? Boring research? MOTION GRAPHICS (more on that below)?
Yes, yes… and yes!
By combining different types of content, you can create an ebook that’s informative, engaging, and visually appealing.
It all depends on your final goal and your audience’s needs.
3. Infographics
We all know what infographics are. So let’s just skip to the part where I share some tips you have to keep in mind for your visual marketing strategy.
For example…It’s probably challenging to come up with ideas for your infographics.
So, here’s some brainstorming to get you started.
- Ride the Industry Wave – Keep an eye on the latest trends in your industry and turn them into a visual story that positions your brand as a leader.
- The Classics Never Die – Some topics are always relevant, no matter the season or industry. Take advantage of these evergreen topics and turn them into an infographic that will stand the test of time.
- Be a Trendsetter – Use popular social media trends to create infographics that capture your audience’s attention and increase your brand’s visibility.
- Newsy News – Keep up with the latest news stories and turn them into an eye-catching visual story. Who knows, it might just go viral!
- Share Your Expertise – Offer valuable tips to your audience through an infographic. Not only will you position yourself as an authority in your industry, but you’ll also provide valuable information to your audience.
Your infographic is not just a one-and-done marketing piece.
It can be utilized in multiple ways to maximize your brand’s exposure and engagement.
- Spruce up your blog posts
- Spread the word on social media:
- Power up your email marketing:
- Amp up your presentations
The beauty of infographics is that they can be used in many ways, and with the right design and strategy, they can help your brand reach new heights!
4. Interactive Infographics
This type of visual content is like “normal” infographics…but more fun and gamified, which makes them more amazing.
So…where do you start when it comes to brainstorming ideas for your interactive infographic?
What Do People Crave?
Your audience’s interests and questions should be at the forefront of your mind. Think about what topics are currently trending in your industry or what questions your audience frequently asks.
What Other Content Can You Build On?
Forget starting from scratch. You surely have some kind of reports, documents, or blogs (refer to those ideas we shared on the “normale” infographics above) you can make more fun. This will not only save you time when crafting your visual marketing strategy but also ensure that your infographic is based on reliable and valuable information.
What Data Do You Have That Is Underutilized?
Look for data that is not commonly discussed in your industry and/but that provides a unique perspective on a topic.
5. Videos
Videos can help you tell your brand story, showcase your products or services (etc., etc.,) and entertain your audience ALL AT ONCE!
Explainer Videos
Great for showcasing your product or service and explaining how it works in a simple, engaging way. Find out how to make great explainer videos.
Short Social Media Videos
With the rise…and rise…and rise of social media platforms, short-form videos have become all the rage. Create eye-catching, attention-grabbing videos that can be shared on these platforms to increase your brand’s visibility and engagement.
Youtube Videos
Don’t forget about the OG video platform, YouTube! Create longer-form videos that dive deeper into your brand story or showcase your products or services in action. Use the right keywords and use SEO-friendly titles and descriptions to ensure that your videos are easily discoverable by your target audience.
6. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are another element of visual marketing strategy.
In this case, it uses animation and graphic design to tell the story you want to tell.
But how is it different from other types of video?
Better Than Talking Heads
No one wants to watch a video of someone just talking to them. (It’s awkward and straight-up boring.) Motion graphics, on the other hand, use dynamic visuals and animation to keep viewers engaged and interested.
More Versatile
With live-action video, you’re limited by what you can physically capture (on camera.) Motion graphics – on the other hand – allow you to create ANYTHING you can dream up.
Easier To Update Than Traditional Animation
Traditional animation can take a long time to create and can be difficult and costly to update. Motion graphics, however, can be updated quickly and easily, making them a more flexible option.
More Memorable
While static graphics can be effective, motion graphics take things to the next level by adding movement and animation. This makes them more dynamic and memorable than static graphics alone.
Find out how to create amazing motion graphics in 2023.
Final Remarks
Now that you’ve learned about the various types of visual content, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into action!
Incorporating visual content into your marketing strategy is a great way to engage with your audience and build brand awareness.
Whether you’re creating infographics, motion graphics, or videos, there’s a visual content type that’s right for you.
Remember, the key is to know your audience and tailor your visual content to their interests and needs.
Whether you’re creating explainer videos or sharing interactive infographics, your visual content should tell your brand’s story in a fun and memorable way.
