Online marketers who are skilled in visual trends understand that the old saying “a picture is worth 1,000 words” is completely false. They are worth much more. 3M research shows that the human eye can process visuals at least 60,000 times faster than the written word. This ability is crucial when we need to navigate treacherous terrain such as those found on the typical metropolitan freeway during rush hour. It is hard to overstate the importance and skill of using words. We all know online advertising and novel writing are two very different things. Visuals are key in the world of selling, buying, and browsing.
It is vital that business owners keep up to date with the latest visual trends. When you compete in eCommerce, it becomes more urgent. UCLA psychology professor Albert Mehrabian demonstrated that 93% of all communication is nonverbal.
No one would argue that the words we use don’t have any value. They have value. These skills are highly sought-after if you love language and the economy of words. The first step to online retail success is to convince users to stop scrolling endlessly and to give these words the chance to provide detail. These are seven trends you should be aware of if your goal is to grow your business.
1. Infographics
Infographics can be thought of as a “midway” between images and words. As a way to quickly communicate numerical information that is relevant to daily life, infographics are often found in technology publications. They communicate messages that transcend the written word and instantly map to the human brain.
Infographics that are well done can quickly convey scale. These infographics offer visual comparisons that are worth the attention of everyone who is interested in the subject.
Infographics are often used to great effect in finance publications. These visual aids help readers to get a sense of scale and also benefit from the proven ability the dollar sign (or other indicators of currency value) has. They encourage people to slow down and not rush past important information.
Do you need proof? Take some time to look around your local grocery store and observe how discount and rebate signs are being used subconsciously.
2. Animation and video
Motion is the most attractive thing that catches the eye. This reality is used by visual designers in online and social media to attract attention, but without being intrusive or too overbearing. The recognition that online audiences prefer to be in control of their own experiences has led to new levels of creativity. However, this can also be tempered with restraint.
The recent fortune reversal at YouTube shows that they may have overplayed themselves when it comes to monetizing videos using “unskippable” ads. YouTube, TikTok, and other similar video services gained prominence among younger viewers. Because they cater to increasingly short attention spans, this was why they became so popular.
Perhaps ad revenue has blinded them from the original reason for their success. YouTube users are leaving YouTube in large numbers. Users are becoming frustrated with the incessant stream of ads. This cautionary tale is important to keep in mind as you consider video marketing for your business.
Flash is long gone. Visual designers have long since abandoned the notion that users would download and install special software to view their creations. If you ask consumers to participate in any way with your design agenda, they will likely bounce. Instead, end-users have been able to experience a new level of visual movement through the use of SVG files and HTML 5.0.
3. Increased use of Gradients
In this moment of cultural change, however, it seems like the increased use of screens has resulted in a resurgence of color gradients to add visual interest. Images that gradually change from one shade or color to another work well to draw the viewer’s attention in the desired direction.
Designs that included gradients were at risk of being destroyed by low-resolution devices in the past decades. The “banding”, which was a common side effect of using gradients in the past, has been mostly eliminated. This is possible because of the increased screen resolutions available on consumer-level tech.
Visual designers have been able to use gradients in subtle and obvious ways due to their increased popularity. A gradient can be used as a background for almost any image. Designers are increasingly using them in logos and presentations, as well as brand books and business cards.
4. Nostalgia
It is a well-known fact that people crave simpler days when they are facing tough times. This all-too-common human reaction mechanism is not usually rooted in the harsher realities of past days.
You will hear car enthusiasts complaining about modern cars’ lack of space. Many car enthusiasts long for the era when there were tail fins and the Chrysler 440 engine. It’s easy to get sentimental when you forget about improved fuel efficiency, increased safety features, and satellite-powered navigation.
It’s not surprising that the Covid-19 epidemic, which was followed by record-setting inflation, has sparked a greater reliance on nostalgic visuals. Even though they read small business publications online, users will still be attracted to images that bring back a sense of nostalgia.
The most successful example of nostalgia-themed marketing was probably the introduction of the Nintendo Classic Mini in 2016. Young adults loved the retro-looking device. These young adults grew up with simple games that had low-resolution graphics and clunky controls. They also had limited abilities. It was loved by those who grew up in the 1990s. Within two years, Nintendo sold 3.6 Million units. It’s amazing.
5. Include Charitable Endorsements & Community Commitment
Virtually everyone wants to sell things online. Not everyone wants to sell stuff online.
One factor that has led to a greater focus on doing business well and doing it for the good of others is the rise of Gen Z and Millennials, who are often maligned.
What does all this have to do with visual imagery? What does a greater focus on benevolence have to do with how companies present themselves online? It turns out that there are many.
Online marketers quickly realize that consumers today are looking for companies that offer more than just quality products and competitive prices. Consumers want to help businesses improve their lives and not just their bottom line. Many consumers will pay more to support fair manufacturing practices and equitable treatment of others.
It can be difficult to navigate this visual design trend. Yes, photos and other imagery can be used to highlight company commitments.
You don’t want to play too big. It’s not a good idea to appear conceited. Zappos is an excellent example of a business that embeds its commitment to helping others in everything it does, even its imagery.
6. Consistency…Balanced by Variety
Your brand’s online identity is weakened by repetitive actions. You will need to communicate with your designers when it is okay to go off-road from time to time.
It’s important to pay attention to details when highlighting positivity in your messaging.
You will ask your visual designers to use trends in accordance with the brand guidelines. This guide will help designers know where they cannot violate standards (colors and fonts, logos, etc.). You will also show them where there is room for creativity. It would help if you also allowed your team, whether in-house or external, to explore new ways of communicating your message to avoid it becoming stale.
7. QR codes
Let’s suppose you have to communicate a lot about your products, services, and upcoming events. These details will only be sent to people who have expressed interest. The medium you have chosen does not allow for long text blocks.
Let’s take, for example, the possibility that your brand attends or hosts live events even if it is only occasionally. This is why your online messaging should be consistent in highlighting this fact.
Imagine that your company has purchased a booth at a trade show. You are promoting the opportunity to meet face-to-face through blog articles, LinkedIn posts, and your social media presence. Is there any reason to not include this information on packing slips and email receipts? You only need a catchy tagline and a QR code.
It is easy to communicate a lot of information by using custom QR codes. This is possible without having to rely on long blocks of text. This trend is becoming more popular. Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones to interact with brands. Audiences have the freedom to learn more (or not) without having read too much hype.
Wrapping up
Many small- and medium-sized business owners today are quick to echo this sentiment. The following is an example:
Although this sentiment is understandable, it ignores the fact millions of potential customers use their smartphones to save time and avoid driving.
Visual design services are available in all sizes to help meet this need.
No matter how big or small your company is, it is likely that you can outsource visual design trends to an expert. Online shopping has made it more difficult to remember the old “picture is worth a thousand words” maxim. Another shopworn cliche is rising in importance: “Advertising does not cost…it pays.”
Don’t let yourself be short-sighted by passing up this affordable item. You can combat the perils of quickly-scrolling thumbs by focusing more on visual trends if you are able to offer excellent products and services at affordable rates. You can find the perfect combination of important information and striking imagery with a little bit of knowledge and attention to detail. You will get a little more attention from others than a millisecond.