The Importance of Images in Social Media

by L. Diane Wolfe, @DancingLemurPre

Online media provides us few opportunities to express ourselves in our entirety. Text gives us a voice, but what about the other senses? We can’t taste, touch, or smell. But we can see.

Studies have shown that online all text is boring and difficult to read. Most news articles contain one or more images to ground the reader. Unless it’s reading an actual book, readers don’t want all text.

Images break it up. A long line of text leave readers almost gasping for breath. Unlike traditional book readers, people do not want a tome of information online. They want the important details and they want it quick. Adding a few graphics gives their experience more meaning.

Items with images are more likely to be shared. Look at your most shared blog posts, Facebook posts, Tweets, etc. Those with images were shared far more often. A line of text doesn’t convey enough. But add a graphic or a video and it gains new depth.

Consider adding images to your:

Blog posts – Mix images in with the text. Break up the monotony. Give readers a visual to connect to.

Twitter – Include an image where possible when you Tweet. Don’t just send out a link – send out a corresponding image. It’s ten times more likely to be retweeted. And be sure your pinned Tweet has an image. People don’t always trust just a link, but a link and an image will win them over.

Facebook – Add an image or two when you post on Facebook. People take notice of image posts sooner. Plus they are more likely to be shared. And if we are posting book information, we really want it to be shared.

Pinterest – Pin book covers and graphics with excerpts. Most important – don’t forget the link. You are allowed one link (make it to your book’s website) and a description. Take advantage of those. Marketing superstar John Kremer says Pinterest is the most lasting of all social media because while other media shares are buried within hours, a Pinterest post is not. It will be discovered for years to come and re-pinned.

So start adding images to your online media today. Jazz it up! And prepare to be jazzed.

Diane Wolfe
Owner of Dancing Lemur Press LLC, Speaker & Author
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/ – Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C

http://www.spunkonastick.net/ – Spunk On A Stick

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com – Spunk On A Stick’s Tips

http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ – Insecure Writer’s Support Group

HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!

By L. Diane Wolfe

SECOND EDITION

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