Beyond the standard still image, there are graphics that can expand your reach to your brand or client’s target audience.
Content containing visuals get 94 percent more views than content without, according to HubSpot. For social media, this corresponds with about 3 times more likes and shares. So whether your graphic is being created for social media, ad campaigns or promotional material, having one will help catch the eyes of more people.
When trying to break out from the normal still image binds, consider:
Infographics
When presented with information visually, rather than in a press release or news article, your brain is 90 percent more likely to retain the information. Infographics can simplify a difficult process, as in the following example:
Combining images, colors, movement and content draws the eye and guides the viewer through the graphic. While you normally would have to scan an entire newspaper article for all of the important points, an infographic does that work for you. Minimal text will keep the viewer on the page longer, getting your message across successfully.
Motion Graphics
Animated images, short bursts of text and voiceovers/audio collaborate to create motion graphics. For more serious, standard purposes, this is the formula you would use. Viewers can grasp topics easier when these infographics are displayed in motion – much like a movie.
Once you learn how to create motion graphics, most commonly using Adobe After Effects, they can be used for fun, too! Here are a few examples of short, fun motion graphics we’ve created for our client, Michigan Retailers Association’s Buy Nearby campaign.
GIFs
Creating still images and turning them into animated GIFs are an easy and effective way to draw more attention. Much like the fun versions of our motion graphics, they serve as an attention-grabber. Especially for social media, a GIF makes the post stand out among others on a newsfeed.
These require less design experience, since you can make GIFs through online generators. Our choice at the office is Giphy.
For more advanced users, they can be created in numerous Adobe programs.
