The sharing of “the visual” over the internet is now widespread. When developing an internet campaign on Facebook or Twitter, there is one thing that media savvy writers take for granted and it is usually the visual effects. Twitter has proven you can lock interest and develop followers on good, solid content. But is that all it really takes? The internet landscape with the introduction of social media has evolved throughout the years and increasingly the importance of clear, crisp visuals paired with engaging content is vital. Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, Pinterest and Flikr are all platforms purely based on sharing videos and photos personally and business wide.
Nike’s business platform has a strong visual internet platform on Instagram.
Although Instagram was developed and still primarily used as an app on a mobile device, after Facebook purchased Instagram last year, they have integrated a more web-friendly site. Here you can see the heading of Nike’s Social Media Site with over 570 pictures being shared worldwide.
A photo from Nike’s Instagram account featuring its line of baseball equipment and apparel. Comments and Likes show that Nike’s decision to focus on artistic advertising – like images works very well and is widely becoming the new normal. With over 1 million followers already, Nike has developed an Instagram space that solely shares its product, defines its target audience and successfully incorporates artistic photography, its current fashion appeal and its promise to be the best fitness apparel out there. So why does this matter? It matters because while you’re writing, someone else is writing and sharing a picture. It’s all about being up to date and keeping engaged with what people want to see, learn about and connect with. Visuals on a social media campaign can increase followers, likes, quality, authenticity, and generally attract more people and interest to your online brand. So start building those high-quality visuals and pair it up with your message. On many social platforms it is a must and sometimes you won’t have a choice.