Graphics matter and your branding matters. Today let’s explore why.

The Numbers

First, let’s talk about statistics. Get ready for a ton of numbers here. 32% of marketers say that visual images are the most important form of content. Tweets with images receive 150% more retweets than tweets without images. Articles with an image at least once every 75 to 100 words receive double the Facebook media shares as articles with fewer images. In fact, there is not a single person on our team who will a blog post or article with no images in it because there’s nothing visually appealing to hook you in and make you want to look at it.

Facebook posts with images see 2 and a half times more engagement than those without images. Articles with images get 94% more views because nobody wants to see a little naked article. That’s terrible. 51% of business to business marketers prioritize creating visual assets as part of their consistent content marketing strategy. Good visuals help with recall. You can recall up to 65% of visual content for as long as 3 days, versus if you just hear it or read the words. 41.5% of marketers say that original graphics, such as infographics, perform amazingly well. People will share an infographic 3 times more than any other type of content.

Here’s a really interesting fact: People will follow visual instructions 323% more than written instructions. So, if you can tell someone how to do something that’s one thing, but if you can make a graphic that’s branded or short video about it that’s even better. 74% of marketers use visuals in their social media content. It’s a huge deal. Your graphics really do matter.

It’s important to have the right visual for the right content. You want people to be able to recognize that it’s you. Now that you know the stats and can see you need good graphics, let’s talk about why they’re so important to your social media marketing plan.

It Makes Your Brand More Memorable

People should be able to look at your images and tell that they’re from you. It helps identify you, which is exactly what branding is all about. This is especially true if you are consistent and using your brand colors and font. You want people to recognize your stuff and know it was posted by you.

It’s Going to Attract Your Ideal Customer

People who are interested in you and what you have to say will gravitate to your images if they’re branded. They’re much more likely to see them and click on them because they want to have information from you.

It Makes Your Content More Shareable

People are much more likely to share something that’s visually appealing. If you have a blog post and it doesn’t have images, I’m not sharing it. I’m not even going to read it. I want pictures that show me why I’m there and what it’s about. People love stuff that is beautiful or funny. Think about the content you share. It’s probably in one of those categories.

They Tell a Better Story

You can really get some good information from a great visual. This is especially true on social media. Good content can go a long way. One great visual can get a ton of engagement. For instance, we created a meme for a client yesterday and in the past 24 hours, it’s gotten 71,000 views, 7,000 engagements, 400 likes, 74 comments, and almost 400 shares. That is huge!

Creating Your Own Branded Graphics Prevents You From Being Sued

There are copyright issues when it comes to graphics. You can’t just grab a meme and use it, even though we see this all the time. You can make your own meme on the meme generator tool. You can get inspiration from Pinterest and then go make your own. Use the inspiration, but create your own images and brand them. It will keep you from getting sued which is a pretty big deal. Seriously, there are many photographers struggling with copyright issues right now so make sure your images are branded.

For more information about the best apps for creating your own graphics, click HERE to read a previous blog about that.