Changing role of visual images in social media

Changing role of visual images in social media By Raquel Borrayo

overview • Evolution of social media content • Using images to promote a brand/tell a story • Using images legally

Evolution of social media content • Social media sites like Facebook and Google+ have changed their design to emphasize visual content Facebook Google+

Evolution of social media content • Visual content allows brands to showcase their personality on social media Pinterest Instagram

Using images to promote a brand • Companies use social media to help humanize their brands • Emotions! • Use images and video to evoke emotions • Content that makes the audience feel something is more likely to be shared • Chipotle: The Scarecrow

Using images to promote a brand • Find things that make your brand unique • Themes • Kate Spade: “color” • UMatter: “it matters” slogans • Butte Environmental Council: incorporating Toter’s signature color in promotional materials

Using images to promote a brand • Keep in mind how images will be displayed on social media websites • Many pictures appear as thumbnails • Close up shots are better than those from far away • Make sure the focus of the image is clearly displayed • If people cannot clearly see or understand the picture or thumbnail they are less likely to click on it versus

Using images to promote a brand • Put a face to your brand • Take pictures of staff and customers • Posting about your company and their interactions with the public helps others feel connected Caption: PDitty preps for group Ratatouille #swag #spirit

Using images to promote a brand • Make photos pop! • Use different filters on Instagram • Make sure there is good/interesting lighting Caption: Our staff is ready and playing a game of HOBY pony to kick things off! #hoby #hobynorcal

Using images/video to tell a story • Don’t be afraid to combine multiple media elements into one story • Journalism Times/Building Bridges: use photo and video to complete the storytelling experience • New York Times: Snow Fall • Rolling Stone: Geeks on the Front Lines

Using images legally • All images used in client material must be LEGALLY owned by the client • Pictures that the client personally has rights to or purchased • Getty Images • Butte Environmental Council: will NOT be using images of the Lorax

Using images legally • People appearing in images must sign a release form • Children under the age of 18: parent MUST sign a release form

Using images legally • Legal images can be obtained from a manner of sources • Creative Commons • Pixabay • Pay attention to the way in which you are required to cite the original content owner

Images can be used to tell a story how will you stand out? Talk to Deb or Raquel if you have questions!

Changing role of visual images in social media