10 Types of Visual Social Media Posts That Get Shared Like Crazy

 

 

By Anna Guerrero

Do you want double your social engagement and get your content shared like crazy? For small businesses and brands everywhere, posting multiple images on social media has been proven to have massive traction. It seems simple right? But if it was so easy wouldn’t everybody do it?

 

Like most good things, in life – there’s a catch. And it isn’t not needing a huge budget or incredible graphic design skills.

 

When it comes to content creation, many people make this simple mistake: they add more visuals just for the sake of it. This is a basic approach. Smart content marketers create a visual content strategy that reaches people’s emotions – content with real psychological impact.

 

If you’re not a graphic designer or artist, don’t worry. I’m going to walk you through you ten types of powerful visuals that are easy to create and can double your social media engagement. Let’s get started.

 

1. High quality stock photography

Beware: your fans will smell a cheesy stock photo from a million miles away. Not only will it lead them to discredit your professionalism as a brand, but will deter them from wanting to share your post.

 

On the other hand, high quality stock photography can do the complete opposite. As well as making your brand seem more credible, high quality and relevant images help establish your brand’s reputation and boost engagement. If you’re looking for original content, check out this handy article that lists and rates over 70 free stock photography websites.

Image: Elite Daily

 

Take a look at this post on Elite Daily’s Facebook page. By using relevant and high quality stock photography, the band achieves a “wow factor” which immediately tempts the viewer to click through to the blog.

 

After all, everything your audience shares on social media will reflect back on themselves. You can’t blame them for wanting to look good, but you can choose the right images to make it possible.

 

2. Screenshots

You’ve probably heard the old adage “seeing is believing.” In terms of visual content, the psychological lesson here is that when people can see something for themselves, they’re more likely to trust the source – which develops its credibility.



Image: Buffer

 

In this Twitter post Buffer gauges interest around one of its growth experiments by showing two screenshots of an A/B tested email. By doing so, Buffer is able to immediately impress the viewer, intriguing them to read on.

 

The text used to accompany the post is short yet effective: providing a hook for the article but letting the image become the compelling factor.

 

3. Infographics

The most basic way to understand why visual content is so effective on social media is to consider that the brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. When we’re scrolling through hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of posts, tweets and updates – images are simply easier to digest.

 

Infographics take this concept to the next level, allowing brands to capture complex pieces of information and turn them into engaging social media posts.

 

Notice how Charity World Vision have created a Pinterest board dedicated solely to its infographics. By doing so, they’re able to share large chunks of information in a single visual post.



Image: World Vision

 

By following design guidelines to ensure your infographics are easily readable and visually engaging, this is a great opportunity to increase impact beyond what a single image could achieve.

 

4. Personal photographs

The best way to connect with your audience on a deeply authentic level is to show them that you’re human, no matter how successful you are. If your business or brand doesn’t have a human face, people will find it hard to relate to.

 

To execute this personal element in your visual social posts, add snaps of your CEO or management staff. In this example taken from fashion retailer Nastygal’s Instagram, the brand’s CEO Sophia Amoruso is seen at a book signing of her recent book #GIRLBOSS.

 

Not only does this boost interest around the book, it builds the authenticity of the brand. Look at her: she’s a boss!

 



Image: Nastygal



5. Behind the scenes shots of your workplace

Another way to connect people to the human aspect of your brand is to show behind the scenes shots of your workplace. This exclusive insight fosters a personal connection with your fans and strengthens their brand loyalty.

 

This particular type of imagery is more suitable for Instagram and Facebook, which are often considered the more “social” mediums. Designer Jen Gotch does this well on her instagram account by regularly featuring quirky shots of team activities.

Image: Jen Gotch

 

These images show the “real people” behind the brand and even encourage fans to consider Jen as a friend.

 

6. Quote graphics

A throwback to those motivational posters in your school counselor’s office – a quote graphic is still very beloved, and highly sharable. In fact, quote graphics work on every social media platform, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

The three things to consider with a quote graphic are the quote, the font, and the imagery. Go for a short quote with words that are easily digestible. Consider a font that’s readable on smaller screens because a lot more people are viewing through mobile devices.

 

Be sure to find an image that captures the spirit of the quote without competing with it for attention. The image should serve as a meditation space for the mind to go while its considering the quote.

 



Image: Canva Quotes

 

7. Original designs

Branding your images is essential in order to build recognition on social media – a goal that should always be at the forefront of your visual content creation.

 

Also consider that generic images are rehashed over and over again, so creating unique content gives you a much greater chance of becoming memorable.

 

When designing your own images, always create a style guide to ensure brand consistency. This means determining rules for your fonts, color scheme, and image personality. The goal: you want your brand to be instantly recognizable.

 

Take a look at how Amanda Fuller, creator of Kaleidoscope Blog, uses a simple yet original design over and over in her posts on Pinterest. Whenever I see a pin from the Kaleidoscope Blog on my Pinterest feed, I know exactly who its from based on this unique calling card design.

 



Image: Kaleidoscope

 

8. Images that reflect the essence of your brand

If you want to create images that impact your target audience always consider: what made them choose you over your competitors?

 

The answer to this question is your unique selling point. By choosing images based around it, you’ll be strengthening the foundations of brand loyalty.

 

Consider VOSS Water. Propelled by brand values of purity, distinction, and social responsibility, VOSS Water’s visual social media posts always reinforce one (or more) of these ideals.

 

In the Facebook examples below, you’ll find the distinctive VOSS Water bottle featured prominently as anchor branding. Both images convey a sense of nature/natural living, and the fruit infusions look fresh and healthy, right on target with branding.

 



Image: Voss

 

9. Action shots

Stimulate the imagination of your audience with an action or experience shot. Nothing is quite as convincing as a still photo that captures a moment in time.

 

Charity: Water engages its audience with this vibrant image of clean water and outreached hands. Without reading, you instantly get the visual: What’s a bigger need than clean water? And what’s a great joy than having access to it?



Image: Charity Water

While you may not be providing clean water to those in need, you can still use this type of visual social media post to inspire your followers to feel good about you and themselves, also, for following you.

Share images of your product or service in its ideal use. There’s a reason why, depending on the brand, beer ads show customers partying at the hottest club or lounging on the beach – that’s the desired experience.

Whatever you’re selling, you want a product shot of your ideal customer actively reaping the benefits of it.

10. Images with a striking color palette

Colors can depict and elevate mood. Whether you’re looking to compel or commiserate, colors play a huge role in human psychology. Consider: what are the feelings you want to evoke from your social media audience? Try and replicate that feeling with the colors you choose.

 

An easy way to do this is to use a color picker tool to extract colors from your favorite images. Before you start designing, you should always set out to limit yourself to four main colors – this will help establish a theme or feeling for your designs and increase their impact.

Now it’s your turn!

Adding visual content to your social media strategy is a no-brainer, but using visual content that reaches your fans emotions and catches their eye is the smart marketer’s approach. Whether you’re creating original content, sourcing photographs or shooting your own, always consider how it will impact your audience.

 

To view the original article please visit: NewsCred

 

Want to see more articles like this? Check these out:

This Is How Retailers Are Using Social Media In Stores To Drive Sales

Five Ways Fashion Brands Can Succeed at Instagram

Todays Millennial Consumers May be Picky, But They're Loyal, Too

How To Drive Massive Referral Traffic From Pinterest In 2015

Point of Sale Reports: Preparing for the Holiday Season

By: Jamie L. Novick of Next Step Retail Solutions  

Traditionally retail is seasonal, Spring begins in January, Summer in April, Fall in July and the Holiday season in October. Accordingly, receipts are planned and floors are set.  Yet, when we look at the numbers from each season, retailers are finding a larger and larger percentage of yearly sales are done in Q4 / Holiday.

In some cases more than half of a total year’s revenue will come from the last three months of the year.  In today’s marketplace Q4 can start as early as August. How you prepare for this make or break Q4 / holiday season as a retailer in today’s economy is more important than ever. Not only do you have to be priced right and merchandised beautifully, but the buying decisions you made 6-9 months ago need to count! You have a very limited amount time to sell product and you need to move it fast!

So, how do you prepare? Preparation starts in the reports. For the apparel and accessory retail clients we consult we impress upon them how imperative it is that they are aware of what reports are available from your POS systems. Clients need to know how their product, merchandising, pricing and overall store demographics are impacting sales. By running key POS reports that capture daily, weekly, monthly sales and the inventory by department, style, size and color levels you will be able to better manage your inventory and positively impact your current and future sales.

From a visual merchandising perspective, retailers often focus on making the new receipts the biggest focus. This is important but keep in mind you should also run reports that show what styles are doing the majority of your business and what styles are taking up most of your OTB (Open to Buy) dollars.

The traffic driven into your store during the holiday is a key time to move through older goods. Customers do not know the difference, for example, between a basic black top that is 1 day or 100 day’s old. Especially if you make the old look new by re-pricing and with smart merchandising.

You need to have an awareness down to the SKU level of what you have on hand in units and dollars as you enter this holiday season. The time to start pulling reports and strategizing about how you are going to merchandise all of your product new and old is now! My clients are amazed when we look at the bottom 25 styles not the top 25 styles. Best seller analysis is important but so is inventory analysis.

For help with your POS report interpretation or to discuss your merchandising strategies as you enter your most lucrative season please feel free to contact me.

Twitter Accounts Retailers Should Be Following

Retail Tweeters

General Retailing, Industry News and Tips
Retail Week @RetailWeek

Retail Wire @RetailWire

RIS @RISnewsInsights

Hanover Research @hanover4bix

Retail Minded @RetailMinded

Retail Online Magazine @RetailOnlineMag

One Step Retail Solutions @OneStepRetail

Future of Retail Alliance @joinFORA
NY Times Retail Reporter @stephcliff

Retail Technology / Technology

Point of Sale News @PointOfSaleNews

One Step Retail Solutions @OneStepRetail

Tech Crunch @TechCrunch
Retail Digital @RetailDigital

Hiring / Personnel

The Retail Life @theRetailLife

Find Hire @FindHire

Work in Retail @WorkinRetail

NRF Retail Careers @Retail_Careers

Consultants / Training

Evan Carmichael @EvanCarmichael

Retail Smart Guys @danjab

Retail Touch Points @RTouchPoints

Retail Concepts @RetailConcepts

The Retail Doctor @theRetailDoctor
Retail Mavens @RetailMavens

Associations

NRF News - National Retail Federation @NRFnews

RSPA @RSPA

Board Retail Association @BoardRetailers

Florida Retail Association @FloridaRetail

Michigan Retail Association @MichRetail

Visual Merchandising and Design

Retail Details @retail_details

King Retail Solutions @KingRetail

DDI Online @DDItweets

Store Signs @StoreSigns

Promotion and Marketing

Snap Retail @SnapRetail

Brand Spank @BrandSpankShop

Plastic Resource @PlasticResource

Postcard Mania @PostcardMania

Retail Real Estate

Retail Traffic @RetailTraffic

CBRE @CBRE

Style and Fashion

Racked National @Racked

Lifestyle Lemonaid @LifeStyleLemonaid

Women's Wear Daily @WomensWearDaily

Refinery29 @refinery29


This list was compiled after an exhaustive seach of active Twitter accounts posting useful content for retailers in the US.

 

 

 

Brought to you by: One Step Retail Solutions
One Step Retail is ranked as one of the top resellers and service providers for some of the most comprehensive and state of the art retail POS software solutions in the industry. For a free retail technology consultation, click HERE.

Independent Retailing Like an Internet Giant - What You Can Learn From Amazon

When a company implements a wide internal campaign and then shares that knowledge broadly, it is not because they are only searching for more job applicants. It is because consumers will support a company that is giving back.

As a result of their recent (and ongoing) employee perks Amazon will not only have happier staff but they continue to establish themselves as the kind of company you feel comfortable supporting even if they are not "local" and they are the "big bad" on-line store.

How can independent brick and mortar stores integrate giving back to their staff and community in a way that makes you more appealing to customers? DO YOU give back to your community and your staff AND most importantly, are you making that information broadly known (press releases to media outlets, promotion through social media, blogs, etc)?

Related idea: A tip jar, if I see a tip jar and I get good service I almost always throw (at least) my change in there. Doesn't just have to be in place for coffee shops. It could even say "(insert name here)'s Paris fund" or "Let's help (insert name) fund her next year of college!". Each member of your team could even have their own box that they decorate and has labeled what they are saving for (travel, education, an iPod, etc).

As of July 24th this open letter can be found on the Amazon home page.

[Guest Article] Selling To Generation Y

By: Retail Minded

It’s actually scary to think that Generation Y, also known as the Millennial  Generation, are use to being engaged with technology for about eight hours a day. Yep, you read that right – eight hours. Between texting, social media, computers, phones, i-Pads and TV, Generation Y makes it tough to communicate with in terms of sales. Their attention span is minimal, and many are known to be very impatient when being waited on or helped. In fact, most studies tell us they expect – not just want – but expect immediate satisfaction. As an independent retailer, that’s a lot to respond to.

Born between the late 1970′s and into the early 1990′s, Generation Y are making up a large audience of potential customers. While it may seem obvious to market to them online and via technology driven avenues, it’s also important to provide traditional marketing and sales options. The key is communicating with them in a way they respond to.

For starters, Generation Y consumers typically love a good “cause”. Whether you give a percentage of sales to a local charity or provide attention to a great cause, this group of consumers want to hear about what’s going on in the world. Sure, they may not want to read a ten page report on something, but they care enough to contribute how they can. And this is especially true if they are shopping for one thing and can give to another all at once.

Just as much as they love a good cause, Gen Y also loves the uniqueness that everyone has. Their appreciation for being a “one and only” was built on upbringings that told them they were unique and could do anything. In response to this, you have to learn to react to customers a bit more uniquely, as well. Without truly profiling your customer, you can still learn a lot by how they are dressed, what they are doing (example: are they on the phone and shopping at once) and how they react to certain environments and shopping. Many want to be engaged, so stores without the option to touch things or experience products before purchase often miss out. Consider how your store would make a Gen Y consumer  feel. Does it speak to who they are? For that matter, do you want your store to?

Finally, don’t let time be on your side. Unlike many other consumers, Gen Y tends to be in a rush. They are constantly moving and looking forward to the next thing on their to-do-list, even if that’s tweeting or checking their Facebook status. So what does that mean for you? Don’t beat around the bush and get to the point in your sales and support. They’ll appreciate it, and so will you.

This article was contributed by Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Founder & Editorial Director of Retail Minded – the nation’s only retail lifestyle magazine dedicated to independent retailers both in and out of their stores.

Learn more about Retail Minded

Retail Minded is a part of the One Step Retail Retail Professional Association. Bringing together high-end retail industry experts and service providers.

[White Paper] Six Biggest Challenges Retailers Face Today

The Six Biggest Challenges Retailers Face Today is One Step Retail Solutions most popular white paper made available as a free download.

This comprehensive white paper covers hot topics (including but not limited to) the current retail environment, overcoming challenges related to achieving growth and where to start... strategy, execution and resources.

We are hoping that you will avail yourself of the key information found in this popular white paper.

Free Download

Some Etsy Success Points Retailers Should Know About

Etsy has created an impressively productive eCommerce site, I would like to take a few moments to highlight some of the things they are doing tremendously right. Hopefully retailers (both brick and mortar and online) can learn from what Etsy is doing right.

Founded in 2005 Etsy has expanded from nothing to 12 million+ buyer accounts. Think Amazon meets your Grandma’s keepsakes +  your friends awesome homemade projects. Etsy’s rise has relied upon word of mouth and smart marketing.

Things they do right:

1)      They have product features on their home page, following a theme of the day (colors, textures, patterns, styles).

2)      They have weekly Etsy Marketing tips that go out to assist their sellers and create a value add to their website.

3)      Features - Etsy runs features on shop owners. They tell their story and highlight how they make their products. This could translate to featuring a brand of clothing, designer or current trend.

4)      Their whole site is picture heavy, each product has multiple pictures representing them from different angles. When you first open the page you see picture after picture all organized in a systematic way. They have daily emails that go out to subscribers featuring new hot products.

5)      Their system for organizing their items goes wide. They have a category for “geekery” and “toys”. One could literally spend hours pursuing their site and all the possibilities.

6)      They have had a blog that gets consistently updated by guest writers since 2005. In the beginning the posts were less frequent, now they commonly have 2 or 3 posts a day. All interesting to and useful to their followers.

7)      Each member’s information is automatically stored and used for Etsy’s own continued marketing. Made possible by a hefty CRM on their end.

Take aways:

1)      Create a value add wherever possible. Make it so that your services go beyond the obvious.

2)      Be inspiring.

3)      Make it possible for your shoppers to see your merchandise from anywhere. Or at least get a taste for your aesthetic and want to find out more. (If you do not have an ecommerce site, create a blog, apps, etc)

4)      Update your clients and interact with them in more ways than just in store (email, social media, events, blogs, etc).

5)      Have fun and don’t shy away from being creative or pushing the envelope.

6)      Retain your client’s information and likes, ensure you have a proper system to go about doing this. Think of creative ways to get them to follow/like you on your social sites.

This information was made available by the marketing team at One Step Retail Solutions, leading retail technology consultancy company. If you need help finding a system with customer relationship management capabilities, mobile POS, full inventory tracking and more contact Amy to set up a free consultation or call 818-543-4777 ext 4116

Home Page

Etsy Blog

Featured Sellers

Sample Treasury List

Feature: Dan Jablons of Retail Smart Guys

We are proud to introduce you to Dan Jablons, President of Retail Smart Guys. Retail Smart Guys focuses on Open To Buy and Retail Consulting and recently won first place in the Management One sales category.  Dan is based out of California and working with retailers nationwide. www.retailsmartguys.com

What is your favorite thing about working with retailers? Helping them generate more cash flow by showing them how to properly buy inventory.

What would you say is the most helpful thing about your product or services for a retailer?  It helps them to understand the exact relationship between their inventory investment and what ends up in their checking account.

If you could offer any advice to retailers out there, what would you say?  The best marketing for a retail store is having the right merchandise.  Ensure that you have planned out what you are receiving, and make sure that matches your sales forecast.  You also need to revisit your vendor mix and assortment plan at the start of every season.

If you were a retailer, what do you think your favorite part of your day would be?  Opening the store.

If you were a retailer, what do you think your least favorite part of the day would be?  Physical inventory

Do you have any hobbies?  I am an actor as well as a consultant

How did you get into the industry and the focus on retail?  My dad got me my first job in retail when I was 17.  Have either serviced or participated in retail ever since.

In you could live anywhere in the world, where would you and why?  I already live in Southern California, which I think is paradise.  Really, I do!

Do you have any retail design favorites?  Too many to mention

What do you think are retailers worst habits?  Not analyzing the statistics in their business

What do you think are retailers best habits?  Working on strengthening customer relationships

Retail Smart Guys is part of One Step Retail Solution's Retail Professional Association. For more information on our association resources go to http://onestepretail.com/retail/recommended/ 

Fantastic Boutique Blog - A Pinners Paradise

I have been looking for samples and just happened across a blog that
nailed the "Pinterest-worthy" concept. Pictures, pictures and MORE
pictures. Note the Instagram feed running along the right hand side.

Pinterest Friendly Retail Blog that is is even attached to their online
store - hurrah!

Retailers - if you are on a budget and don't have an online store,
consider a blog like this.

Written for you, by Amy Hanson, Social Media and Business Alliance
Specialist at One Step Retail Solutions. Normally covering topics related
to retail technology but occasionally dabbling in more general retail
related topics.

Interview with an Associate Member - Rich from Plastic Resource

We are going to start periodically interviewing associate
members so that you can become more familiar with the

large retail service provider network we have established

over the past year.

Our first interview was conducted on Mr. Rich Junker of
Plastic Resource. Richard has worked in the gift card

printing industry for over 5 years, while Plastic Resources

has been in business for over 15 years and boasts over 100

years of combined experience in custom printing and design.

What is your favorite color:

Pantone 343 –hunter green

If you could offer any advice to retailers out there,

what would you say?

Make it easy on yourself, know your data from the

beginning, you’re the one that will ultimately have to run

the system or program.

What kind of cards and products are available

from Plastic Resources?

Loyalty cards, custom cards, business cards, gift cards,

phone cards, key tags, membership cards and card

carriers.

If you were a retailer, what do you think your

favorite part of your day would be?

Counting receipts from gift card sales.

What is your favorite meal?

Is there anything other than pizza?

Do you have any hobbies?

My kids, they’re doing everything I wish I could have

done more of.

Do you have a secret super powers or abilities?

I seem to have this incredible ability to repel fish away

from me wherever I am. The large ones anyway, I can

catch bait fish and salad (weeds) no problem.

What is your favorite climate?

Still investigating. I’ve not traveled to a tropical island

yet. I’m working on a way to disguise the sounds of the

beach to be able to work, “remotely”.

Name: Rich Junker
Position: Sales Representative
Company: Plastic Resource Inc.
What state are you in:

Minnesota (At this time there’s no comment about the Vikings).
Company link:
http://www.plasticresource.com/

For more information on our associate members, please

visit: http://onestepretail.com/retail/recommended/