What is Visual Marketing? 10 Common Types of Visual Marketing Today

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One effective way to attract and increase engagement with potential customers in today’s digital transformation era is to skillfully leverage Visual Marketing. This approach can become an integral part of a company’s marketing strategy.

I. What is Visual Marketing? The Importance of Visual Marketing

1. Definition of Visual Marketing

Visual Marketing refers to the art of arranging images, videos, and other multimedia content to convey the message of a product or service, either directly or indirectly, in a way that customers can visually perceive. These visual identifiers may include logos, uniforms, graphics, colors, and their combinations.

For example, Apple’s consistent use of minimalist design and a sleek logo in its marketing materials reinforces brand recognition and communicates its commitment to innovation and quality.

2. The Importance of Visual Marketing

Content conveyed through Visual Marketing is quickly accessible and powerfully impacts customers’ emotions and memories.

Statistics indicate that posts containing images generate engagement levels that are over 650% higher than those with text alone. Additionally, products are 85% more likely to be purchased if customers have viewed a video showcasing the product’s features and benefits.

Moreover, Visual Marketing helps businesses attract more traffic to their websites and social media pages, thereby promoting their products/services, enhancing revenue, and increasing brand value.

II. 10 Common Types of Visual Marketing Today

1. Photo/Images

To succeed in a marketing strategy, companies need to design product/service images with high brand recognition that are visually appealing to customers. Content with images helps customers understand products/services more easily compared to traditional text-only formats.

For instance, a study by QuickSprout found that blog posts containing images received 258% more engagement than those with textual content only.

2. Infographics

Businesses make decisions based on data collected, but not everyone has time to read lengthy reports and studies. Visual Marketing Infographics summarize important information concisely, making it easy to understand and share. Companies can incorporate infographics into blog articles or eBooks, helping customers escape the monotony of traditional text. Additionally, sharing infographics on social media enhances the reach of the product/service message.

3. GIFs

GIFs are low-resolution image files featuring short, looping animations. This form of Visual Marketing is engaging because it allows businesses and internet users worldwide to share quick stories and messages that entertain.

For example, a company can easily create trendy GIFs using free resources to boost brand recognition among its audience.

4. Memes & Quotes

Memes and quotes are images featuring text that can rapidly go viral on social media. Memes typically have a humorous or entertaining aspect, while quotes offer deeper insights. Both types directly influence the emotions and moods of viewers, enabling brands to connect with their audience on an emotional level.

The formula for creating an engaging meme or quote is a compelling image accompanied by easily readable text. This straightforward Visual Marketing method can yield significant viral potential.

5. Screenshots

Screenshots are images that businesses use to showcase customer feedback, provide step-by-step guides, or introduce new product/service features. Screenshots deliver clear visuals that help convey the company’s message understandably and build customer trust.

6. Illustrations

Illustrations serve as visual representations of the content being discussed. They are essential for any Visual Marketing campaign, making articles more polished, attractive, and comprehensible. In many cases, illustrations can influence customer psychology and prompt quicker purchasing decisions.

For example, a blog post about a stylish handbag would benefit from illustrations to entice readers to buy.

7. Video Marketing

Videos can evoke emotions, explain how a product/service works, or simply introduce the company. Videos contain more content than images and engage multiple senses, helping potential customers learn about and become interested in your business.

It’s essential to optimize videos to be under two minutes (even 30-second clips can be effective) and present the most visually captivating images within the first three seconds. Also, ensure your videos are mobile-friendly and include captions to enhance viewer experience.

8. Slideshows

Slideshows display a series of images or information sequentially on a screen. To present a slideshow, specialized equipment is used to project the images/information onto a large screen.

Presentations using platforms like PowerPoint, Prezi, or Visme are typically more engaging and persuasive than lengthy text posts. While this Visual Content type may not be suitable for social media platforms, it is highly valued in professional communities.

9. Charts

Charts visually represent data fluctuations, accompanied by insights from analysts. They are popular forms of Visual Marketing content on social media, illustrating the growth and trends of products/services or market behaviors. For reports containing many numbers, a chart serves as the simplest and most comprehensible option, enabling businesses to communicate information effectively. The clearer the data, the more valuable the information, fostering trust among readers.

10. Call to Action (CTA)

A Call to Action, commonly abbreviated as CTA, refers to buttons or prompts that encourage users to take specific actions. The purpose of CTAs is to directly stimulate user behavior, converting them into customers or leads. Businesses should utilize design skills and software to make their CTAs stand out, resulting in positive outcomes in increasing lead generation.

III. Principles to Consider When Building Visual Marketing Content

1. Apply Mathematical Principles in Design

Certain mathematical principles are commonly applied in creating Visual Content Marketing, including:

The Rule of Thirds

This classic composition principle in photography involves two intersecting vertical and horizontal lines, dividing the frame into nine equal sections. An image that adheres to the rule of thirds has its subject touching as many lines as possible.

The Golden Ratio

Widely used in architecture and design, the Golden Ratio defines two quantities as having a “golden ratio” if the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity is equal to the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one.

For an image, if the width or height divided by the other dimension equals approximately 1.618 or 0.618, it possesses the golden ratio.

2. Master Color and Font Principles

To create captivating Visual Content Marketing, it is crucial to understand color and font principles.

Color Principles

Human perception and emotions are significantly influenced by colors. Research shows that 60% of customer purchase decisions are based solely on product color, often made within the first 90 seconds of interaction. Therefore, selecting the appropriate colors is key to the success of a company’s marketing strategy.

Font Principles

In addition to color, using suitable fonts can evoke customer emotions when they encounter a brand’s message. Typically, it is advisable to use a maximum of three fonts in a single piece of content for better readability and memorability. Harmonious combinations of colors and fonts enhance overall visual appeal.

IV. Three Visual Elements to Evaluate Quality Visual Marketing Campaigns

1. Recognition Ability

Images or multimedia content used in a Visual Marketing campaign should be high quality, distinctive, emotionally rich, and able to inspire customers about the company’s message.

2. Content Clarity

Content should be easy to read, understand, and accessible to all customers, generating interest, engagement, and feedback.

3. Practical Application of Visual Marketing

A Visual Marketing campaign helps businesses gain a deeper understanding of their products/services, motivating them to generate new ideas and explore additional features to diversify their offerings. This foundation is essential for successfully implementing future Visual Marketing campaigns