The history of communication shows an evolution from orally-transmitted information which then moved on to being spread via the written word. The final and current phase is visual – which developed out of the invention of the camera and video. This form of engagement with your audience is by far the most superior and effective way to communicate ideas and information. In short, your business needs fresh graphics. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are five reasons that might help make the argument.
Engage your audience/customers on a visual level:
Whereas words (spoken and written) are apprehended by the mind’s linear, abstract processing, visuals impact with much more punch! The eyes and ears instantaneously interpret the visualized information which then remains indelibly – and that much more powerfully – imprinted upon the mind and heart. Words, on the other hand, are imprinted only by our short-term memory – which is little help for snagging the loyal, long-term attention of your customers. This is like the little baby who learns about and understands his world (objects, ideas, meaning, emotion, relationships) completely and solely through what he sees, long before he learns to speak and write.
“Seeing comes before words.” – John Berger
This innately human reflex of communication is definitely a potent resource worth tapping into!
A picture paints a thousand words:
According to psychologist, Albert Mehrabian, a whopping 93% of communication is non-verbal! Other studies show that the brain processes image-elements simultaneously – as opposed to the laboured, linear deciphering of language (spoken and script), meaning that we process visuals 60 000 times faster than text. In fact, we think in pictures.
“…unless our words, concepts, ideas are hooked onto an image, they will go in one ear, sail through the brain, and go out the other ear. Words are processed by our short-term memory where we can only retain about 7 bits of information. This is why, by the way, that we have 7-digit phone numbers. Images, on the other hand, go directly into long-term memory where they are indelibly etched.” – Dr. Lynell Burmark
Contemporary and on-trend graphics are dynamic marketing materials
There is nothing more off-putting for a potential client than being confronted by outdated, stale graphics that reek of old-fashioned mindsets and perhaps even a whiff of failure. Using fresh, Boldly on-trend graphics will project proficiency, efficiency and a constantly evolving and innovative approach to conducting business.
Transform your marketing approach with Infographics
Communicating visually is a time-saving device which will benefit both you and your audience by dint of the split-second transmission of information. Utilising data-visualization and infographics is an excellent way of presenting information in a concise, powerful way that transforms raw data into strong graphics that grab maximum audience-attention – and by direct consequence, drive sales.
An excellent tool with high DIY-functionality is infogr.am into which your VA can use input your data, and effortlessly extract information-rich, visually appealing graphics.
Drive traffic to your site with Pinterest
Despite its reputation for being a girly site for collecting pretty eye-candy about shoes, make-up, jewellery and décor, Pinterest is now one of the top-ranked social media tools being very successfully used for even non-visual businesses. Pinterest has the option to create ‘business pages’ to promote your products, as well as generate leads and sales. In fact, it generates more traffic than Yahoo! and Linkedin combined.
Here are just two ways that image-based Pinterest will grab audience attention:
– Create a ‘Popular Products’ board with an SEO-optimised, key-word rich description of the board itself, as well as for each product’s picture pinned to that board. (It is critical that this board be maintained regularly and with great accuracy. In fact, this is a perfect routine-task to outsource to your virtual assistant.)
– Generate leads by sharing premium content such as e-books, reports and case-studies. Be sure to gate it with an opt-in form on the landing page. Using a Boldly attractive and punchy image on the landing page is absolutely key!
Harness the power of these visual marketing strategies and watch your sales soar!
