Medium

When it comes to quickly getting your message across, a picture really is worth a thousand words. The rise of social networks that focus on images—such as Instagram and Pinterest present plenty of visual marketing opportunities to savvy businesses. There are opportunities on Facebook and Twitter, as well. Often, the best way to engage your Facebook network is to post a photo that your friends will comment on. Businesses should operate the same way. 1    Which visual medium is right for my brand? It’s important to understand the differences between the various visual social networks out there. There’s no better way to figure out which is the best choice for your brand than to spend some time on Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, etc. This will allow you to see what each network has to offer and help you decide which networks not to join, which is just as important. Are you a jet-setting business consultant? Tumblr or Instagram might be a better way to post both your whereabouts and day-to-day observations. If you operate a retail business or brick-and-mortar establishment, Pinterest may be more your style. 2    What does my brand offer visually? Before you come to the conclusion that your brand doesn’t have anything to offer visually, think outside of the box. Even if you’re not a fashion boutique, art gallery, interior decorator, or wedding planner, your brand can still have a meaningful presence on networks like Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr. Just like other social networks, these give you a chance to develop your brand’s personality, so be creative and have fun! Take a look at this article on unlikely industries that have leveraged Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration. 3    What about infographics? Infographics convey information in a visually stimulating way, allowing you to give more meaning to the data you are sharing. They’re a great tool for increasing your brand’s reach on social media. By finding, tweeting, and posting relevant infographics to your company’s Facebook page, you can draw more visitors and comments. If you have the time and the talent, creating an infographic is another option – and one that can win you some serious credibility in the thought leadership department. Some tips to keep in mind: make sure the data you’re sharing is timely and relevant, and try to tie it into a bigger trend. Images and visual brand strategy are just another piece of your big picture marketing strategy. Make sure any images associated with your brand relate back to your overall marketing goals. That said, don’t be afraid to have fun! The more compelling your photos, images, or graphics, the more likely they are to bring you more site visitors, and as a result, more business. To Your Business Success! Jim Beck