How to Stay Ahead of the Competition with Visual Content Marketing Trends

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Visual content marketing is growing in popularity, and for a good reason. Studies have shown that visuals are more engaging than text and can help you connect with your audience deeper.

When people are exposed to information presented in a visual format, they tend to retain the information better than presented in the text. This is because visuals grab our attention more effectively.

Here are seven visual content marketing trends to watch in 2022. 

1. Use Infographics in Place of Plain Text

There has been a trend in visual content marketing to use infographics in place of plain text in recent years. This is likely because infographics are more visually appealing. Thus, it can communicate complex information more concisely than plain text.

Also, research has shown that people are more likely to remember information presented in a visual format. Therefore, using infographics in your content marketing strategy ensures that your audience remembers and understands your message.

This shift towards more visual content is due to several factors, including how our brains process information and the proliferation of mobile devices. 

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, presenting data in a visually appealing way can help it stand out and be remembered. 

The below image shows a template of infographic content that builds user engagement.

Tips:

• Keep the design simple and use white space to your advantage.

• Make the infographics downloadable.

• Don't forget to brand your infographics.

Read: Infographic & SEO: Everything You Need to Know

2. Create Ephemeral Content

Ephemeral content is designed to be consumed and then disappear. It can take many forms, such as images, GIFs, or videos. 

The goal is to create interesting and valuable content that people want to share quickly. This type of content is perfect for capturing people's attention and sparking conversation. 

Because it disappears relatively quickly, ephemeral content can be seen as a way to generate hype and urgency (works exceptionally well for eCommerce sites!) Instagram stories are one of the top ways of ephemeral marketing content. 

If you aren't living under a rock, the chances are high that you might have come across disappearing content on some platform. WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook — you name it, they have it!

This type of content is often used for promoting a product or service. One of the key benefits of ephemeral content is that it can help to drive engagement and encourage interaction. One can also use it to increase brand awareness and create a connection with the audience.

Tips:

• Make interactive ephemeral content. 

• Use polls, surveys, etc.

• Don't spam but post regularly (at least a few times a day)

3. Create Shoppable Visual Content

With shoppable visual content, businesses can create a more interactive experience for their customers. You can include product information and direct them to the purchase page. This type of content is also very shareable, which can help you reach a larger audience.

So, what makes shoppable visual content so successful? 

It's all about making it easy for customers to find what they're looking for. With shoppable visual content, customers can see products up close and in action, making it easier to decide if they want to buy. 

For example, check out how Net-a-Porter uses the "Read and Shop" section to beautifully merge visual content and products.

And with social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest becoming more and more popular, it's more important than ever to create shoppable visual content that will catch customers' attention. 

The screenshot below shows product visuals and a link directing the purchase page. 

This type of content is growing in popularity because it is convenient for customers. They can buy products without leaving the page they are on. Businesses can sell products without even having to create a separate eCommerce website.

Two helpful tools:

• Taggshop - Used by more than 3000 brands

• Linkpop - An app to sell online with a shoppable social media bio link

4. Create Short-form Videos

In today's fast-paced, constantly connected world, customers want information quickly and visually. Traditional long-form marketing videos don't work as well as they used to. 

Customers are more likely to watch a short, snappy video that gets to the point quickly. Creating short-form videos is one of the top visual content marketing trends for 2022. Even giant platforms like YouTube and Instagram launched their short-form video sharing platform. 

The below screenshot shows a well-known automobile brand sharing a bit on Reels. 

These videos are perfect for highlighting the features and advantages of your product or service. They're also a great way to show off your company's culture and personality. And since they're quick and easy to watch, they're perfect for getting your message out there on social media.

One can use short-form videos to introduce a new product, show how it works, or explain why it is the best option for customers. Videos can be funny, creative, or informative. They are a great way to connect with customers on a personal level.

Tips:

• Be authentic and focus on storytelling.

• Repurpose videos across platforms

For example, your TikTok videos can be used as YouTube shorts. But resize it before uploading for optimal reach. The ideal size for shorts is 1280 x 720. For TikTok, it is 1080 x 1920.

5. Use Augmented Reality

Visual Reality, also known as Augmented Reality (AR), is a type of visual content that uses digital overlays to change what people see in the real world. You can do this with a smartphone, and You can use it to show how a product would look in someone's home or how it would work.

It is an exciting new technology that is still growing in popularity, and businesses that use it can stand out from the competition. One can use it to create engaging and interactive content that draws people in and makes them want to learn more. 

The below image is a snippet of an AR video from City Painters that allows users to spray paint on the walls, cars, objects, etc. 

It's also a great way to show off products in a new and exciting way. Doing so will help customers see the potential for products they may not have considered before.

Check out how Ikea uses AR to its advantage.

Read: Ultimate Guide to Augmented Reality for Local SEO

6. Gamify Your Content

Gamification is one way to make visual content more interesting and engaging for customers. It is the process of adding game-like elements to a product or service to make it more fun and engaging. 

Gamification can also involve using challenges and quests to motivate customers to use the product, as shown in the below screenshot. 

It can help increase customer engagement and loyalty and encourage them to share their experiences with others. Gamification can also be used to collect data about customer behavior, which can improve the design of the product or service.

Tip: Add points, levels, badges, or awards to the content to encourage viewers to stick around longer and learn more about your product or service.

7. Use Live-streaming

Live streaming is a visual marketing trend that is growing in popularity. It involves streaming video of a live event or activity to a remote audience in real-time. This allows people to connect and share experiences in a new and exciting way. 

As in the below screenshot, you just need to hit the ‘Go live’ button to connect with the audience (Ensure your device has a camera). 

You can also use live-streaming for various purposes, including marketing, education, and entertainment.

One of the benefits of live streaming is that it is very versatile. You can use it for various purposes, such as promoting your products or services to customers.

For example, being a pet store, you could use live streaming like Petstep to teach customers how to set up their new collapsible pet ramp.

Visual Content Marketing Trends - FAQs

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1. Is Visual Content Marketing Going To Cost Me More?

Absolutely no! There are both costly and inexpensive ways to do visual content marketing. For those who want to do it without breaking the bank, you have TikTok, Reels and Shorts, and ephemeral content. You need to have a decent smartphone with a stable internet connection.

2. How does Visual Content Fares Better Than Text Content?

Perhaps the following data is enough to demonstrate the power of visual content. According to the Social Science Research Network, 65% of human beings are visual learners. 

3. What Are The Latest Visual Marketing Trends?

Metaverse, Psychedelic art, and the Y2K aesthetic are the three hot visual marketing trends. Metaverse refers to a digital landscape wherein users can create and navigate an avatar that represents them. 

Psychedelic art from the rock music and hippie culture of the 60s and 70s is making a comeback in 2022. 

Key Takeaways:

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• Invest time and resources in short-form videos.

• Create ephemeral content to stay relevant.

• Gamify your visual content to improve engagement and conversion rate.

• Consider using AR technology for an immersive user experience.

• Make your visual content shoppable. (Example: Digital lookbook)

• Use infographics to explain points.

• Adopt upcoming technologies such as Metaverse.