It’s no longer realistic to publish a blog post solely made up of text and expect it to resonate with countless online readers.

Indeed, with over 200 million blog posts published every single day, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out from the content clutter; hence, the supreme and undeniable importance of visual marketing in 2016.

Not surprisingly, we saw the marketing industry shift and change shape in 2015 and beyond.

The importance of the mobile platform was solidified by Google; carousel and video ads grew in popularity on Facebook and Instagram; and the birth of Meerkat and Periscope – as well as the continuous growth and adaptation of Snapchat – spawned the unprecedented creation of video, livestream, and interactive content. All of this has only accelerated the demand for more visual content.

Visual Marketing Is No Longer a Suggestion – It’s Vital to the Success of Any Marketing Strategy

To help put the importance of visual marketing into perspective, HubSpot gathered 37 Visual Content Marketing Statistics You Should Know in 2016. We decided to round up 23 of the most eye-opening stats and present them to you visually (of course) in infographic form. Enjoy!

(Infographic designed by Kathryn Wheeler)

Key Highlights from the Infographic:

  • Posts with color visuals increase willingness to read by 80%.
  • Relevant images boost information retention by 65% after three days.
  • 51.9% of marketers report video content offers the best ROI.
  • Shoppers who view product videos are 1.81x more likely to make a purchase.
  • Infographics are shared 3x more frequently than other types of content.
  • Directions accompanied by visuals are 323% more effective than text alone.
  • Facebook posts with images see 2.3x more engagement than text-only posts.
  • Instagram photos featuring faces receive 38% more likes than those without.
  • 60% of marketers predict an increase in infographic usage.
  • Mobile video views exceeded desktop views in 2015, highlighting a major shift in consumer behavior.

How to Create Effective Visual Content

  • Understand Your Audience: Tailor your visuals to resonate with your target demographic, considering their preferences and interests.
  • Incorporate Strong Branding: Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos to strengthen brand recognition.
  • Prioritize Simplicity: Avoid clutter and focus on clear, concise messaging that captures attention quickly.
  • Use High-Quality Images and Videos: Ensure visuals are professionally crafted and optimized for all devices.
  • Leverage Data Visualizations: Transform complex data into easily digestible infographics or charts.
  • Include Interactive Elements: Encourage engagement through clickable infographics, quizzes, or interactive maps.
  • Stay Platform-Specific: Design visuals suited to each platform, such as short videos for Instagram Reels or detailed infographics for LinkedIn.
  • Add Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Direct viewers to take the next step, such as visiting your website or making a purchase.

Measuring the ROI of Visual Content

  • Track Engagement Metrics: Analyze likes, shares, comments, and click-through rates to evaluate performance.
  • Monitor Conversion Rates: Assess how well your visual content drives sales, leads, or sign-ups.
  • Use Heatmaps: Identify which parts of your visual content attract the most attention.
  • Measure Website Traffic: Monitor changes in web traffic from visuals shared on social media or email campaigns.
  • Analyze Retention Rates: Determine if visuals are improving viewer engagement over time.
  • Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Compare production costs of visuals to the revenue or leads they generate.
  • Leverage A/B Testing: Test different types of visuals to identify what resonates most with your audience.
  • Utilize Analytics Tools: Platforms like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or social media insights can provide actionable data on visual content ROI.

Wrapping Up

The data clearly showcases the monumental role visual content plays in modern marketing strategies.

From boosting reader engagement to driving purchase decisions, the inclusion of high-quality visuals is no longer optional. Videos, infographics, and visually engaging social media posts can substantially elevate brand visibility and customer retention.

In today’s crowded digital market, leveraging visual content is key to standing out and resonating with audiences.

What statistic was the most surprising to you? Did we miss any important visual marketing stats that convinced you to focus on creating content? Let us know in the comments below!