Saying less – and using imagery – can have a great impact on your consumers. Visual marketing focuses on using unique and relevant images, paired with specific design elements to grab the consumer’s attention to make them aware of, for example, a product or service. In fact, humans process images 60,000 times faster than text.
The impact of imagery, however, goes beyond quick processing. Studies have shown that people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read, and around 80% of the things they see or do. Furthermore, studies also suggest that 65% of people are visual learners.
Due to these figures, it’s no wonder that visual marketing has become one of the more popular styles of advertising and marketing – both in the traditional sector, as well as the digital marketing sector.
Visual marketing can be tricky sometimes, because consumers have diverted points-of-view when looking at an image.
Three of the best guidelines that can be followed are creativity, consistency and correctness.
When starting a visual marketing campaign, graphic designers and marketers have to look at visuals that will bring their message across in the right way. They need to look at a colour pallet that will complement what is being marketed, as well as the intended demographic, in order to grab the attention of target audiences.
Consistency can make or break your business’ visual identity. Using consistency when rolling out visuals across different mediums helps consumers receive the same information and avoids confusion. Visual consistency also helps consumers recognize a brand, which has the knock-on effect of brand trust and brand loyalty.
Digital visual marketing is one of the fastest growing marketing trends at the moment, with Facebook and Instagram being two of the biggest digital platforms to advertise with. Videos, images and gif animations are just a few of the instances, where marketers use visual marketing with social media campaigns and the like.
Within the traditional marketing sector, visual marketing comes in many sizes and forms – from billboards to flyers, posters to advertisements in the printed media, and even something as simple as a business card.
It is of key importance, however, when working across various mediums, to adapt to those platforms, whilst still holding onto brand consistency.
Larger corporations that work across target demographics and mediums, should ensure that their content adapts to grab the attention of the intended consumer – this means, using the correct image, colour and layout within the guidelines of a brand identity, to grab the consumer’s attention. Whether you’re targeting young people, working people, or even perhaps the elderly: use visual marketing to get your message across in a way that your consumer understands.
Need help giving your business the visual marketing edge? The Blue Room has an in-house graphic design studio that can assist and get you there! For more information, contact info@theblueroom.co.za or call us on 021 553 0315.
To view our full list of graphic design and branding services, click here.
Written by Melanie Reyneke: Graphic Designer, The Blue Room