Topic > The importance of image in social media marketing

IndexIntroductionImage in social media marketingConclusionIntroductionThe maxim "A picture is worth a thousand words" is truer than ever. Nowadays, under the cover of social media around the world, it is not only a familiar means for people to update themselves and get more information, but also a powerful tool for business marketing strategies. However, the large amount of data contained in such networks and the fast pace of life simultaneously lead to the fact that people want actionable content and do not have time to read long articles, especially if that information is marketing-based. Therefore, marketers have found a solution: image transmission, the only effective way to convey a large amount of information. This essay provides numerous reasons that ascertain the importance of image as an indispensable factor in social media marketing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Image in Social Media Marketing First of all, when it comes to KFC, what is the first thing people think of? Is the fried chicken red or is it Colonel Sander's image? How can people remember these photos effortlessly? The answer is based on the mechanism of action of the human brain. According to advertising industry influencer Krista Neher, the human brain can process images up to 60,000 times faster than words. Therefore, after coming into contact with a series of photos that carry a synchronized and repetitive message, the brain tends to easily store and visualize these images each time they are evoked. In fact, customers are not interested in the marketing strategy or the media plan, they only remember the interactions between them and the brands, especially through image. For these reasons, many companies leverage the power of images to make marketing activities more attractive and memorable. A specific example that demonstrates this point is the story of Coca-Cola. Over the course of a decade, this brand has built its reputation through advertising campaigns with stunning images to attract buyers. One of the most memorable is "Taste the feeling" from 2016. The campaign used 100 photos that combined people's daily routines with familiar images of Coca-Cola, such as the unique container and the two-tone red and white. As a result, those images resembled a slice of the diversity of people around the world as they enjoy their “Coca-Cola” in the simplest and most customary way, leaving deep impressions and creating associations with customers. the majority have a limited attention span. In the Cambridge Dictionary it is said that attention span is the period of time during which people can keep their thoughts and interest fixed on something. As you may know, the average attention span of the notoriously unfocused goldfish is nine seconds, but according to a new study by Microsoft Corp., people now generally lose focus after eight seconds. Therefore, in an information age where data can quickly become overwhelming, you are not expected to save extra time reading long posts. If the post contains nothing but text, many subscribers may turn off. In this case, images can break up written content. Well placed, they can use persuasive words that go a step further and capture viewers' attention long enough to get them to read what is being brought up. For brands that are looking to introduce new items and clarify the subtleties better, this is impeccable in thatoffers an even more engaging and fragmented way to digest information. Furthermore, images also carry the mission of conveying emotions to users. Human emotions are something very complex and difficult to describe in words. However, images can simplify and convey the most appreciable feelings. It is clear that the emotional response (love, hate, frustration, or discomfort) to an ad model largely influences consumer purchasing decisions rather than content. An example of this is P&G's Welcome to Rio 2016 "Thank You, Mom" ​​advertising campaign. Looking at P&G's product portfolio: Pampers and Bounty paper diapers, these products explicitly cannot make athletes become Olympic champions. However, the common point of these articles is their target customer: the mother. By organizing the most authentic photos published on the fan page, P&G made it clear that behind the success of every Olympic athlete there is the infinite love and great sacrifice of mothers. As a result, this campaign tapped into the deepest parts of consumers' minds to drive purchase and became the most successful marketing effort in P&G's 175-year history. One of the reasons why images are so important is because they make consumers feel authenticity. An authentic image evokes emotions that can connect customers to it and make them feel like they are in the same space as they look at it. Therefore, giving customers a realistic feeling is very important in business, especially in the modern world, where the rapid development of virtual networks has led people to pursue something genuine. Posting photos about the purpose of the business or some behind-the-scenes images on social media can increase customer engagement. For example, Toms Shoes published many photos of poor children with new shoes in their hands and a bright smile. Not only did they help inform the company's charitable activities, but they also made fans more appreciative of seeing the influence a pair of shoes they purchased on the world. By using social media to show authenticity, enlightening customers about the true identities behind it, companies have a better chance of convincing them and thus gaining benefits. Therefore, to achieve these goals, social media is a crucial tool. Due to its prevalence and popularity among people all over the world, there is no doubt that it is the fastest way to spread images for marketing. It is estimated that 86% of the world's population uses social media at least once a day, and those who spend time going online several times a day represent 72%. Additionally, most people use Facebook (82%), YouTube (75%) and Instagram (53%) at least once a week. Therefore, posting images of the same topic on various websites helps increase brand awareness. When people see similar types of images, colors and patterns on Pinterest as they do on Facebook, they will associate those images with brands. Additionally, consumers now have a hobby of taking photos of food and drinks and posting them online for display. to their friends and express their personal taste. The way companies share photos posted by customers makes them excited and satisfied. This is not only the best way to express gratitude to customers, but also a great way to create new, inspiring, brand-related and, above all, content that brings companies and customers closer together. In particular, Starbucks always congratulates the people who are most important to the company: its customers. Starbucks posts Instagram fan photos to share customer opinions about their products. In this way, the increase in popularity is promoted through word of mouth from fans.