Adding a selection of eye-catching images to your content marketing materials can make all the difference when attempting to keep a reader hooked and engaged from beginning to end. If you are struggling to up your visual game early this year, consider a few of the pointers below.
The magic number
Before you start selecting images for your content, take a brief moment to set up a system for the number of images that should be added to each piece of content. These do not need to be hard and fast rules, but having a framework for visuals can optimise both your time and resources. Image totals should be defined by the type of content, the audience you want to connect with, and the topic at hand.
Stock photos have a place
Stock photos are a simple go-to option for blogs as they are pre-created, high quality and versatile. These images probably work best on the homepage of a blog or at the top of a piece of writing, but it is probably best to come up with something a bit more curated for visuals within the body content.
Bespoke visuals
You can really enhance your content with a selection of bespoke images. These visuals could be screenshots of important data from research or an infographic created specifically for an editorial that features useful facts. Sprinkling these images at intervals within an article can guide a reader and drive engagement while providing added value with insights and information that will help audiences.
Hold off on GIFs
GIFs are perfect for providing light-hearted relief for readers, but they can detract from core messages and may be unpalatable for more advanced audiences. They are best reserved for informal opinion pieces, so steer clear if you are looking to tap into new B2B markets this year.
Break up complex topics
Visuals are especially useful for synthesising complex ideas, data and topics. If you have an editorial with 1,000 or more words, take a moment to think how a few custom images could deliver certain ideas via layman’s terms and enhance credibility.
