10 Types of Visual Social Media Posts That Get Shared Like Crazy

10 Types of Visual Social Media Posts That Get Shared Like Crazy

Do you want double your social engagement and get your content shared like crazy? For small businesses and brands everywhere, posting multiple images on social media has been proven to have massive traction. It seems simple right? But if it was so easy wouldnt everybody do it?

When it comes to content creation, many people make this simple mistake: they add more visuals just for the sake of it. This is a basic approach. Smart content marketers create a visual content strategythat reaches peoples emotions  content with real psychological impact.

If youre not a graphic designer or artist, dont worry. Im going to walk you through you ten types of powerful visuals that are easy to create and can double your social media engagement. Lets get started.

1. High quality stock photography

Beware: your fans will smell a cheesy stock photo from a million miles away. Not only will it lead them to discredit your professionalism as a brand, but will deter them from wanting to share your post.

On the other hand, high quality stock photography can do the complete opposite. As well as making your brand seem more credible, high quality and relevant images help establish your brands reputation and boost engagement. If youre looking for original content, check out this handy article that lists and rates over 70 free stock photography websites.

Take a look at this post on Elite Dailys Facebook page. By using relevant and high quality stock photography, the band achieves a wow factor which immediately tempts the viewer to click through to the blog.

After all, everything your audience shares on social media will reflect back on themselves. You cant blame them for wanting to look good, but you can choose the right images to make it possible.

2. Screenshots

Youve probably heard the old adage seeing is believing. In terms of visual content, the psychological lesson here is that when people can see something for themselves, theyre more likely to trust the source  which develops its credibility.

In this Twitter post Buffer gauges interest around one of its growth experiments by showing two screenshots of an A/B tested email. By doing so, Buffer is able to immediately impress the viewer, intriguing them to read on.

The text used to accompany the post is short yet effective: providing a hook for the article but letting the image become the compelling factor.

3. Infographics

The most basic way to understand why visual content is so effective on social media is to consider that the brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. When were scrolling through hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of posts, tweets and updates  images are simply easier to digest.

Infographics take this concept to the next level, allowing brands to capture complex pieces of information and turn them into engaging social media posts.

Notice how Charity World Vision have created a Pinterest board dedicated solely to its infographics. By doing so, theyre able to share large chunks of information in a single visual post.

By following design guidelines to ensure your infographics are easily readable and visually engaging, this is a great opportunity to increase impact beyond what a single image could achieve.

4. Personal photographs

The best way to connect with your audience on a deeply authentic level is to show them that youre human, no matter how successful you are. If your business or brand doesnt have a human face, people will find it hard to relate to.

To execute this personal element in your visual social posts, add snaps of your CEO or management staff. In this example taken from fashion retailer Nastygals Instagram, the brands CEO Sophia Amoruso is seen at a book signing of her recent book #GIRLBOSS.

Not only does this boost interest around the book, it builds the authenticity of the brand. Look at her: shes a boss!

5. Behind the scenes shots of your workplace

Another way to connect people to the human aspect of your brand is to show behind the scenes shots of your workplace. This exclusive insight fosters a personal connection with your fans and strengthens their brand loyalty.

This particular type of imagery is more suitable for Instagram and Facebook, which are often considered the more social mediums. Designer Jen Gotch does this well on her instagram account by regularly featuring quirky shots of team activities.

These images show the real people behind the brand and even encourage fans to consider Jen as a friend.

6. Quote graphics

A throwback to those motivational posters in your school counselors office  a quote graphic is still very beloved, and highly sharable. In fact, quote graphics work on every social media platform, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The three things to consider with a quote graphic are the quote, the font, and the imagery. Go for a short quote with words that are easily digestible. Consider a font thats readable on smaller screens because a lot more people are viewing through mobile devices.

Be sure to find an image that captures the spirit of the quote without competing with it for attention. The image should serve as a meditation space for the mind to go while its considering the quote.

7. Original designs

Branding your images is essential in order to build recognition on social media  a goal that should always be at the forefront of your visual content creation.

Also consider that generic images are rehashed over and over again, so creating unique content gives you a much greater chance of becoming memorable.

When designing your own images, always create a style guide to ensure brand consistency. This means determining rules for your fonts, color scheme, and image personality. The goal: you want your brand to be instantly recognizable.

Take a look at how Amanda Fuller, creator of Kaleidoscope Blog, uses a simple yet original design over and over in her posts on Pinterest. Whenever I see a pin from the Kaleidoscope Blog on my Pinterest feed, I know exactly who its from based on this unique calling card design.

8. Images that reflect the essence of your brand

If you want to create images that impact your target audience always consider: what made them choose you over your competitors?

The answer to this question is your unique selling point. By choosing images based around it, youll be strengthening the foundations of brand loyalty.

Consider VOSS Water. Propelled by brand values of purity, distinction, and social responsibility, VOSS Waters visual social media posts always reinforce one (or more) of these ideals.

In the Facebook examples below, youll find the distinctive VOSS Water bottle featured prominently as anchor branding. Both images convey a sense of nature/natural living, and the fruit infusions look fresh and healthy, right on target with branding.

9. Action shots

Stimulate the imagination of your audience with an action or experience shot. Nothing is quite as convincing as a still photo that captures a moment in time.

Charity: Water engages its audience with this vibrant image of clean water and outreached hands. Without reading, you instantly get the visual: Whats a bigger need than clean water? And whats a great joy than having access to it?

While you may not be providing clean water to those in need, you can still use this type of visual social media post to inspire your followers to feel good about you and themselves, also, for following you.

Share images of your product or service in its ideal use. Theres a reason why, depending on the brand, beer ads show customers partying at the hottest club or lounging on the beach  thats the desired experience.

Whatever youre selling, you want a product shot of your ideal customer actively reaping the benefits of it,

10. Images with a striking color palette

Colors can depict and elevate mood. Whether youre looking to compel or commiserate, colors play a huge role in human psychology. Consider: what are the feelings you want to evoke from your social media audience? Try and replicate that feeling with the colors you choose.

An easy way to do this is to use a color picker tool to extract colors from your favorite images. Before you start designing, you should always set out to limit yourself to four main colors  this will help establish a theme or feeling for your designs and increase their impact.

Now its your turn!

Adding visual content to your social media strategy is a no-brainer, but using visual content that reaches your fans emotions and catches their eye is the smart marketers approach. Whether youre creating original content, sourcing photographs or shooting your own, always consider how it will impact your audience.

Please like, share & comment!

0 0

Post Your Comment

6 + 3 =

Comments

Get In Touch