Image editing is a bit like playing with reality. This reality is of perception and how you use strategies to get the best results, and in this case, it’s marketing and branding.
Sure, image editing plays the most pivotal role in marketing and branding, and their impact on getting your brand to the top is undeniable, but here we will dissect all that and allow you first to get a grasp of what it is while guiding you with the best practices.
Let’s dive in because we have bonuses in store for you that will take your brand to the next level.
The Evolution of Image Editing in Branding and Marketing
Image editing was never quite the buzz back in the old days when brands relied mostly on painting billboards and printing flyers. In 1990, having image editing skills on Adobe Photoshop 1.0 was a superpower, bending the reality captured by cameras.
Since its release, it has empowered people with the ability to morph realities and integrate newer, more compelling, more memorable, and favorable designs for marketing and branding.
Now a necessity, image editing is leading branding strategies with its ability to tell stories. Image editing has come a long way, and everyone’s taking a slice,
Where’s yours?
Understanding the Basics in Image Editing
Brands have been able to speak for themselves with visual representations that go beyond basic image editing processes such as clipping path, color correction, and image manipulation. There’s a whole science behind colors & designs that propel the effectiveness of brands to represent their existing entity. Basic image editing was centered around marketing when businesses showcase the images of their products to static posts about services, but the extra jiggle comes from knowing more than basics. Let’s help you understand the innovative image editing strategies that affect marketing and branding success.
The Effect of Image Editing on Branding & Marketing
Knowing the process of image editing won’t get you places until you understand its impact. Image editing has a significant impact on branding and marketing, influencing consumer perceptions, engagement, and, ultimately, the success of marketing campaigns.
So what exactly can you expect when you employ a better strategy for image editing? Below are five statistics that showcase the effects of image editing in branding and marketing; let’s elucidate.
- First Impressions: It takes only 13 milliseconds for the human brain to process an image, according to a study published by MIT. First impressions come from images, and if you’re utilizing the best strategies, you’ll make a colossal first impression!
- Consumer Engagement: Consumers are always looking for shiny and vibrant images. With strategic image editing, backed by the science of color and background, you will have a higher consumer engagement compared to raw and bland images.
- Social Media Engagement: Images process faster than texts, and its effect is visible on social media. Posts with images have a higher chance of engagement compared to those that only contain text. Your branding & marketing efforts require this extra drop of juice for growth and success.
- E-commerce Conversions: With the world heavily reliant on E-commerce, the importance of image editing stands as the fine line that separates the best from the rest. Moreover, with professionally edited images, you are 67% more likely to make conversions on your E-commerce listings.
- Content Credibility: Would you trust an informative blog that has grainy and low-resolution images or those that lack color and flair? Well, of course not! The credibility of your content is at stake, and the better images you provide, the more likely it is that readers will take your info as credible, boosting your brand identity.
11 Image Editing Strategies for Branding & Marketing
This is the part you’re here to learn. Here are the lesser-known and more impactful strategies in image editing that can guide your branding and marketing efforts to success.
Well, here it is.
Visual Consistency
Brands have consistent colors and designs across all its products and published media. Apparently, this helps build trust and brand loyalty over time. According to a recent study conducted by Forbes, brand recognition shoots up to 80% when consistent visual identity.
Platform Optimization
Reach out to the 3.6 billion global social media users by elevating your content for each platform. This not only maintains image quality but also keeps user engagement high. Cast a wide net, bring in engagement, and boost your brand!
Product Image Enhancement
Image editing once again, but this time, your product images! Enhance them, add a dash of color and vibrance, make them appealing, and leverage buyer decisions. It goes a long way in adding a positive rep to your brand. According to MDG Advertising, 67% of consumers value clear, detailed images over product information or ratings, setting a high priority on product image enhancement.
Text and Graphics Integration
Do blog images leverage brand image? Of course, they do! A BuzzSumo study states that articles with an image every 75-100 words get twice the social media shares. Enrich your blog with images, get more hits, and boost your brand image; it’s that simple!
Emotional Resonance
With roots deeply embedded in the heart of human psychology, images evoke emotions. Think of it this way, the FIFA World Cup creates a buzz, and images of footballers or the trophy are bound to connect with a large audience. What emotional resonance can your brand evoke? Choose carefully!
High-Quality Imagery
Nobody wants to see low-quality imagery, your brand will tank the hit, but it will stick forever. Adding images of optimum quality shows the superiority of your brand. Adobe reports that 38% of people will stop engaging with a poorly designed website. Keep your quality in check, and make indelible impressions along the way!
Creative Composition
Creativity captures the eyes and sends a message to the subconscious. Visuals receive 94% more views than text-based information, as noted by digital marketing expert Jeff Bullas. When you’re looking for the perfect strategy, none stands stronger than making a creative visual for your brand.
Extra Razzle-Dazzle
Dominate social media with breathtaking image editing that involves filters and other effects, keeping up with the latest trends. Instagram reports that 60% of consumers discover new products on their platform, and getting to that status will require you to shape your images in the perfect way.
Image SEO Optimization
To beat the game, you have to rank on Google Images, which accounts for 22.6% of all internet searches, according to Moz. Optimize your image file sizes, use file names that have relevant keywords, and include alt text with keywords to improve your chances of popping up on search results.
A/B Testing of Images
Continuously test and optimize your creative visuals for the best results. Find what your audience engages with most. A/B testing various images and editing styles can lead to a 27% increase in conversions, as reported by Optimizely.
Adapt New Technologies
With the advent of AR and VR taking the world by storm, why should you miss out?
Augmented reality pushes the envelope when it comes to branding & marketing, with capabilities that transcend anything you’ve ever seen before.
It’s not rudimentary image editing, but it has the potential to push your brand to fame and recognition.
Successful Branding & Marketing Campaigns Empowered by Image Editing
Not convinced by our claims? Here are a few examples of how image editing has impacted some of the most well-known brands.
Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
Coca-Cola turned each bottle into a personal experience, integrating unique names into their classic label design through simple image editing. This worked wonders by boosting sales and also creating a personalized brand connection.
Airbnb’s Real-Deal Imagery
Getting back to basics, with no flair and flamboyance, simply posting original images of rental spaces, Airbnb boosted their operations tremendously. It may be minimalist, but the effect was beyond measure.
Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign
Dove took beauty standards to realistic levels as they featured models with simplistic and minimalistic image editing. Showcasing “Real Beauty” has allowed Dove to reach out and connect with more and obviously boost their brand recognition.
Nike’s Dynamic Social Media Visuals
Nike, on the other hand, has adopted the feature of “Action” into their product listings, showcasing their products in use through vibrant and hard-hitting imagery, which helped the brand foster recognition, and boost sales substantially.
Sephora’s Virtual Artist App
The use of AR through the virtual artist app by Sephora has allowed their users to test out their products without even getting out of the comfort of their homes. This move has allowed a better connection with a brand and a much more exquisite customer experience.
Conclusion
Branding & marketing strategies will always depend on image editing, it is now the norm. Adopting these strategies is a must for businesses that are truly passionate about growth and expansion. We’ve highlighted the most effective strategies that can empower your brand to make the impact it needs to progress.
With their effects in mind, the next possible step is to partner with an expert and start crafting your path to success.
