But where should you get these images from? What should you be posting? What works?
In this post, I share 3 reasons why you should consider creating your own content in the form of images, to use across social media platforms (it's not just about Pinterest!).
Original images get shared. Creating them is easier than you think. So, let's take a look at why you should consider creating your own content in the form of images:
3 Reasons to Create Your Own Image-Based Content on Social Media
#1 Original Images Get Shared
80% of content is shared content. This stat is thrown around a lot with regards to Pinterest. I am fascinated by how so many people are yet to consider it in their marketing. It is my belief that the stat would not be so different on Facebook – or any platform that showcases images for that matter.
I have posted previously about the results you can get from sharing original content, and the fact that “we love new content”. You can read about it here. We love to share anything new or different. Be in the 20% that Creates Content for 80% of us to share. Create original images.
#2 Images Evoke Emotion
It's true. An image can get a visceral, emotional response faster than any other medium. Faster than video. Faster than audio. We connect with an image instantly, and add meaning to it in a split second – based on our experiences, our beliefs and the context in which the image is presented. Yes, we can add words for context. Yes video and podcast connect with us too, but the instanteneous nature of images is what makes them work so well.
We want our community, fans, followers to take action in some way – to click through and read our blog, to comment, to like, to share, to purchase something. An image can get that response faster than any other medium, and a fast, emotional, from-the-gut response can help someone to make a snap decision and take action. We feel compelled to engage with images.
Use Imagery in your social media. Think in terms of Visual Social Media and not just Social Media. Because Social Media is….well…”meh” without images. Visual Social Media? Boom!
#3 You Own the Copyright on Your Own Images
I get asked this question every week (every day it would seem, some weeks) – How to avoid copyright infringement when using or sharing images. There are many answers to this, and for the most part, yes, it is a great option to use stock photos (if they are royalty free and you follow the user guidelines), you can share content of others on Pinterest or Facebook (as long as you use the correct sharing functionality and don't upload someone else's image as your own), and you can benefit from user generated content from your community. It's mostly common sense, but all the fine print can be easily misinterpreted.
Here's the thing. Nothing can provide the security of knowing that you have the copyright on your own images. If you take, create, edit your own images, they are yours. You can use them in any way you want and you never have to think “I wonder if it was ok to use that photo on my page”.
Consider creating your own images.
Where to from here?
You know that you should be creating your own images, but you are hesitant. I hear you. The idea can be overwhelming…you are not creative…you have to be a designer…….the list goes on.
You don't.
Images do not need to be fancy and they do not need to be designed by a designer to be successful. Sure, if you have a graphic designer in house, then you are set! If not, then I have a solution for you.
I have been able to get massive reach, referrals and results from images that have been created using a few simple tools. Tools that I now can't live without. If you want to get the skinny on the tools that I use (that my clients use too) then click on the image below to check out some simple strategies and tools for getting started when creating your own traffic-driving images.
Over to you. Do you have any success stories with images on any social media platform? I would LOVE to hear about them. Let me know about it in the comments below!
Donna Moritz
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Timely post, was just playing around in imgur.com, but have not yet mastered it!
Great article! Images are shared more than quotes. I often use my husbands scenery pictures and add quotes to them with my url. Works like a charm. 🙂
Oh awesome Cindy – it’s so great when you have access to great background shots. Lucky you!
Thanks Donna, I use a mixture of things on my FB page, including images. The images nearly always get the most views, although the occasional status update does really well (wish I knew why?!). I enjoy creating the content and need to expand my repertoire so will be looking around your blog for inspiration! Thanks!
Hi Nicola – that’s great that you are using images. The trick is definitely to mix it up. Facebook definitely favours text updates too as far as reach, but images tend to get more engagement, so it is good to have a mix of both. It depends on what you are posting – some posts lend themselves to a quick status update and others are better when you can add some visuals. Thanks for letting me know what is working for you – it’s always useful!
Thanks, Donna. Many people happen to be visual learners so it makes sense to reach out with images. Great article!
http://pennymcdanielspiritualguidance.blogspot.com
No problems Penny – glad you found it useful and yes, many people are visual learners (though we all tend to respond to images at first glance).
Thanks Nikki – I haven’t seen that site before, so I will check it out.
Thanks for the vote of confidence for creating your images. Would love to download your free report. Great read!
Great Lynne! Let me know how you go!
I’m surprised more social media experts do not recommend Photoshop. A one time purchase of about $100 for Photoshop Elements coupled with royalty-free images from any number of websites and you’re set. Photoshop Elements is actually great for beginners because it offers 3 different levels: Quick, Guided and Expert so as the user becomes more experienced the software will advance with them. Not to mention, having Photoshop software skills is actually very bankable and it looks great on your resume. Plus it’s fun! You work offline so no internet connection is required, and Photoshop has tools and effects PicMonkey and Canva don’t offer. You do not need to be a software expert or Graphic Designer, as anyone can run Photoshop Elements.
Great point – funnily enough I have been putting together a new post on tools for image creation from desktop or mobile and Adobe Elements is definitely a great option – I used mainly photoshop until a couple of years ago and admittedly I am not super skilled at it so Elements is a great in-between option. I do still love Canva and Picmonkey etc for giving people new tools they can access to design with but thanks for your input re Elements – I agree, it is great that adobe are making their tools more accessible and i LOVE the cloud options. I also love Adobe Voice for creating short animated videos on iPad – they are doing a lot currently that is very cool, for sure.