Text and visuals complement each other so well that we should stop seeing them as individual elements of social media marketing. We’ve seen this as a great example in influential Instagram content: breathtaking visuals are complemented with in-depth descriptions that trigger people’s need to comment and react. The visual can intrigue the followers to pay attention to a longer text, and the textual content adds a new dimension to the visual.
Sometimes influencers will use visuals with descriptive text, which are presented in a carousel post. This is a smart way to give instructions or expose a list of text. Then, you can just convert image to text to add the description. You target both types of followers: those who prefer visuals and those who would rather read descriptive text, which adds more details to the main info.
We’ll list a few main ways to combine visuals with text, so you’ll engage social media followers on a deeper level.
- Create Infographics
Sometimes you want to share complex data via social media. It may be findings from your research, or statistics that are important for the points you make. Infographics are the best way to do it. You’ll combine text with intelligible visuals, which enable your followers to grasp elaborate data in the easiest way possible.
You have to make the infographic good! Use bold colors, but don’t go overboard. Complicated design may distract the viewer’s attention from the main elements. The text in your infographic has to be brief and highly relevant. You can give more details in the description.
- Create Fun Text Overlays
Text overlays give you a chance to present a unique message through a cool design. You can come up with phrases that inspire your target audience, and pair them with a lovely image that grasps the vibe of that phrase.
Let’s say you’re selling baby clothes. Most of the time, you use your social media pages to present your products. Text overlays can be a lovely way to break up the pattern. You can add a parenting message over a photo. You’re more likely to get more likes, shares, and comments on such a post.
- Use Screenshots to Make Instructions Clearer
Do you use social media platforms as a customer support channel? That’s a good idea. You’re making the process transparent, so people can see that anyone who uses your brand gets full-time support.
But sometimes written instructions aren’t enough, especially when you try to solve software issues. In that case you need to combine textual guidelines with screenshots.
- Share User Testimonials through Visuals
If we’re being honest, not many people will read the user testimonials on your website if you present them as plain text. You might get more views when you share them via social media updates. But if you combine them with visuals, you’ll attract even more attention.
Use the same text overlay technique we described above. You can use a product image, or any visual that corresponds with the message you’re sharing. The text should be brief, fun, and straight to the point. Most important of all, it has to be a real testimonial by a real user. Your audience is smarter than you think; they have an inner instinct that warns them when brands come out with exaggerated claims and fake testimonials.
- Visualize the Brand’s Tagline
This is what Red Bull does with its “gives you wings” campaign. It’s not just a slogan that’s easy to remember. It’s a complex marketing message that the brand combines with powerful visuals. The images and videos always grasp the point of that tagline.
Try using descriptive images that would enforce your brand’s message and make it memorable!
Benefit from Both Text and Visuals
Remember: visuals and text aren’t mutually exclusive. You can combine them in a single design, which has power to convey your point and attract a follower’s attention.
When people scroll through social media feeds, they rarely take the time to read full descriptions, unless you really make a point through the images, videos, or other visuals that you share. This is your chance to integrate these two aspects of your marketing campaign towards a powerful message.
Author Bio:
James Dorian is a technical copywriter. He is a tech geek who knows a lot about modern apps that will make your work more productive. James reads tons of online blogs on technology, business, and ways to become a real pro in our modern world of innovations.