Visual social media - the new phenomenon

Facebook now gives users the option to upload a photograph with every single status posted, while one can only draw the parallels between Pinterest’s high levels of traffic and the quality images it hosts – it is now the fourth largest traffic driver worldwide.

According to research, 44 per cent of users are more likely to engage with brands it they post pictures than any other media. In August last year, Instagram surpassed Twitter for daily active mobile users, growing its user base by 8.5 times in six months.

Businesses and brands have to take note of these stats in order to leverage the power of visual marketing, using images, photos, videos and other media in their online marketing in order to boost the chances of readers viewing their messages. In turn, this drives people to your website and connects with them, promoting a sense of brand loyalty.

Want to harness the power of visual social media? Here’s how:

1. Why tell if you can show? A picture tells a thousand words. Wherever possible, use visuals to share your message through pictures, images, infographics, videos, graphics or animations. Facebook’s timeline format gives marketers the opportunity to show off stunning visuals and feature them prominently on the page.

2. More than 80 per cent of pins on Pinterest are re-pins, not original content. Be the original 20 per cent and create your own work, whether it be through professional graphic design or photography.

3. Tell your own story. Instagram is a great platform for storytelling and sharing your brand with the world. The mundane is made beautiful through the social medium’s photo filters, so snap and share away.

4. Infographics are a great way to showcase facts and figures without turning your post into a snorefest. Highlight valuable, up-to-date information through creative, colour charts and cutting-edge design – this makes sure people are engaged with your brand and read what you have to say.

5. Last but not least: don’t forget to add words to your image. Make sure you caption and tag where you can, but make sure the text doesn’t overpower your visuals. Keep captions short, concise and to-the-point, while adding hashtags can often help you reach new audiences as well.

Don’t forget – this applies to your personal brand along with your business brand, so be careful of what you say, snap and post. And most importantly, have fun with visual social media and all it can offer you!

─ Eliza Sum