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How Social Media Can Make Image Marketing Hotter

How Social Media Can Make Image Marketing Hotter

Pictures have always been a part of marketing. One of the primary rules of all marketing is to show whenever possible, don’t just tell. So finding the right picture for an advertisement, for example, was a crucial part of the entire process. This is still an important part of marketing online, even if a number of the needs, and so methods, have changed over time.

But there was a big change to the overall landscape a couple of years ago. Something that took the entire concept of image marketing and made it into something completely different and a lot hotter. That was social media, and now everything has been adapted into a more user-based and widespread form than it ever was before.

How do you use this to your advantage? Try these tips to use image marketing through social media better, with greater results.

Be Original

Be Original

Stock photos are everywhere, some cheap and others completely free. You will also notice that many stock images are very high quality, maybe even expressing exactly what you need. But you won’t be the only one thinking so, and you can bet the best stock photos have been used many times before. Making them less than ideal if you are using them for marketing purposes, where you want to stand out from the rest. Everything you use should be original, from the photo to how it is presented. If you have to use stock images, try using photos that allow you to manipulate them to create something new. Keep in mind that social media means these images are being shared more, so unoriginal content is going to be recognized more easily.

Don’t Capitalize On Memes

This might seem counter intuitive, as so many blogs out there will recommend taking advantage of trending memes to capitalize on their popularity. But again and again I have seen this done to cringe worthy effect. Misused memes, a lack of understanding of what could be considered offensive origins, and of course the dreaded ‘trying too hard’ problem many face makes memes a dangerous gray area for official marketing use. If you have an idea that involved a meme, do your research. Make sure you know the origins, the proper way to use it, and the level of popularity that is maintains at the moment. Too many memes are brought back from the dead long after they have stopped being funny, which looks desperate and can hurt your image marketing campaign. Especially since social networking sites are full of these memes being tossed around until they lose their traction and fall back into obscurity.

Start Using Pinterest

Pinterest

Surprisingly, while many brands have started using Pinterest, even more have not yet discovered its true power. The ultimate form of socializing image marketing, Pinterest is the fastest growing social network on the web. A great way of sharing content, increasing visibility and building quality links, every marketer should have a Pinterest account. Even if your brand is yourself (even more so in this case), you should be utilizing this tool to the best of your ability. Whether it is just sharing content, or a way to build a visual portfolio, Pinterest is an excellent resource.

Enjoy Facebook Covers

The way Facebook is now set up provides an opportunity for using images in a creative and dynamic way. You have a space for a large image where you can express the nature of your brand right there on the front page, where everyone will see it. Not only that, but it is a cost effective way that you can regularly rebrand your social media image with very little effort. Just take care to select a representation that really speaks to the nature of your page.

Try Infographics

Infographics

One of the most heavily shared forms of media on social sites these days are infographics. Full of information, visual and easy to share, Facebook and Pinterest have been instrumental in launching their popularity to new heights in recent years. Infographics are more likely to reach viral status as a pin, in particular.

Add Text Over Images

Another popular form of image for social sites is text that has been laid over images. These could be desktop wallpapers, or smaller in size. Most contain quotes from famous figured, books or other sources. Others just have phrases that express a certain movement or mentality, often representing a cause (such as anti-animal cruelty). Brands can easily use these for spreading their page through Facebook, though if you are uploading to Pinterest make sure to include a watermark.

Have any tips for making image marketing hotter than ever using social media? Let us know in the comments!

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, pinterest.

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About Ann Smarty

Ann Smarty
Ann is a search and social marketer running and promoting her own projects. Ann's expertise in blogging and tools serve as a base for her writing and tutorials.