A picture is worth a thousand words

Craig Hoggins
June 17, 2016
Marketing

Learn the meaning behind images

Pictures are powerful. Researchers say the human brain processes a picture 60 000 times faster than words. A complex thought can be communicated instantly; an expression, a colour, or a feeling.

How can you make this work for your business? A complex or abstract message – whether it is product information or a new way of looking at the world -- can be conveyed instantly in a picture. It can literally take thousands of words to explain the same thing.  And all those words take time. Long before your reader is finished reading those thousands of words, they have moved on. How do you get people to read your information?

How does yours stand out amongst the millions of pieces of information bombarding your reader? The short answer is by being visual. Information that is portrayed in the form of a picture is called an infographic. It can include charts, icons, graphs, and pictures.

There are many different ways in which an idea can be conveyed in a way that is interesting and exciting. It is only the imagination of the creator that limits what is possible. Have a look at our Content is king infographic on this page - https://onlinemarketingguys.co.za/contentmarketingseoThe idiom says, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.  It is a way to portray your message and capture the attention of your reader. To really appreciate this, it helps to spell out the power of the infographic.


6 Ways that pictures grab attention: How can the infographic help to reach your audience and convey your message?

1. Pictures grab attention

People are visual. They are processing millions of pieces of data in every moment. When presented with a picture, they will instantly process it and form an opinion. Experts say that you have 8 seconds to capture the attention of a potential customer. It makes sense to use a picture to do it.

2. Infographics raise brand awareness

When you create an infographic you can include your brand information. This could include your name, logo, website, email or contact information.  It is an opportunity to get your information out there.

3. Infographics can go viral

Compelling pictures get shared. People like to share interesting and clever pictures. A powerful infographic can be syndicated and shared across many websites. It is linked backed to you so, when your contact details are displayed on the infographic, potential customers can easily find you.

4. Infographics can get you followers

Visual content stimulates much more interest than text. An interesting picture generates “Likes” and is shared. If you consistently create interesting visual content, people will follow you. They will also share your content. Infographics can be copied and shared easily by readers. It is possible to embed code in the infographic in order that it will link back to your site.

5. Infographics are more universal than text

Pictures are universal. They cut across cultural and language barriers. They create a connection, and they invoke the power of storytelling. The language of business is English. Infographics, because of their visual content, are accessible to those for whom English is not their first language. You can convey your message through the power of pictures.

6. Infographics can get your message across clearly

An infographic is a small, bite-size piece of information that is immediately understandable. It makes things clearer for the reader. Perhaps it gives a new perspective. Most importantly, it needs to be relevant to the customer.

7. Infographics position you as an expert

The use of clever graphics and interesting perspectives illustrate to followers that you know what you are talking about. It expresses to them that you understand the nuances of a subject. It demonstrates that you are an authority. People like to follow expert opinion, and they like to share this information.

Paint an appealing picture for your (potential) customers. It makes sense that you should present your information in the form of pictures. Humans are essentially visual. People love beautiful images. With an infographic, you can present information in such a way that it adds value to the reader. The case for using infographics is well made. But how do you make infographics?  Surely you need a background in design?  

You must need expensive software packages and technical understanding. Infographics can be very easy to create. There are a number of applications that are easy to use. They are often template-based and customisable. They turn boring data into interesting and accessible snippets of information. Many of these applications are free, or at least have a free version. Don’t let your message get lost in a sea of words. Make sure that your message stands out. Most important of all, be relevant and add value to your reader.

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