As anyone who’s spent time on YouTube knows, most videos are preceded by short video advertisements that typically make you watch for 5 seconds, then give you the option to skip the rest. Though potentially annoying to some, this type of in-your-face functionality allows the service to stay free, and eventually becomes the inoffensive “norm” to most users. SnapChat would have to do things a bit differently, though: since their videos are personalized between friends and can be no longer than ten seconds, it’d make sense that the preceding ads would have to be even shorter than five seconds. This could prove creatively difficult, but if the SnapChat developers have proven anything about their platform so far, it’s that they’re up to the challenge.

Self-Destructing Promotional Codes

One cool thing about SnapChat is that unless you specify otherwise, all photos and videos sent to your friends will disappear forever after a maximum of ten seconds. This dynamic raises some interesting possibilities in terms of exclusive promotions. It could be something simple as a business sending a photo from their official account to their followers along the lines of “Quickly! Write down this code and enter it on our website for a discount.”, so that the users have to really be paying attention in order to catch it in time. This type of client interaction would be unprecedented of sheer speed, and wouldn’t be difficult or expensive for businesses, even small ones, to adopt.

Photo/Video Contests

Businesses, particularly ones that sell physical/tangible products or services, would be wise to encourage their users to advertise their wares for them by offering some form of incentive. For example, if, say, a fashion label is releasing a new seasonal line, they could offer their customers the opportunity to model their clothing in a public SnapChat forum in exchange for some form of discount or stipend if the photo happens to be selected. This would create an atmosphere of competition and visual flare that would benefit both the business and the end user.

With the goal of being seen and shared on the world’s social networking sites it’s good to build your posts knowing that images get 94% more views and are digested 60,0000 times faster than those without. Not to mention, the alt tag (or image description) acts as a second layer of SEO. Below is a breakdown of 4 different types of images that can enhance your content.

Personal Photos

A most effective tactic is to completely personalize your material. You can do this by infusing your writing with your own photos. As a content creator, every one of your experiences has potential to teach the world.

For example, in your post on Mexican woven textiles, including snaps of your trip to the factory can evoke an emotional attachment by giving readers the feeling that they are actually with you.

Charts, Graphs and Infographics

Instead of making your reader scan and re-scan your words, try making that dense post much simpler by putting the data where it should be – in visually appealing graphs. Charts and graphs give you the opportunity to use colour to help separate themes and thick visible lines and numbers to easily compare outcomes. If your post is all data, an infographic is the perfect way to tell your story. What would normally be consumed in 15 minutes, can now be swallowed, digested and retained in a matter of 3″

Stock Images

Stock imagery includes photographs and illustrations that can be bought on a royalty-free basis. In many instances they can serve as an inexpensive alternative to hiring a photographer. To make sure you stay on the right side of intellectual property laws, opt to purchase or license imagery, or find images under Creative Commons licensing at sites such as Flickr or www.500px.com. The quickest option is to look for photos that require attribution only which calls for a simple credit to the photographer and a link back to their page.

Imagery acts as a break from text where an engaging, relevant and carefully placed visual is not only great for setting the pace of your story but it helps assure the reader that your post will be short, digestible and useful, thus increasing your website’s average session duration.

Funnies

Comics can act as a wonderful outlet for your sense of humour. When relevant, it works to make heavy content lighter while still being effective at getting your point across. Comics are an acceptable way to poke fun at the ridiculousness of your industry or a life experience that might be shared by your readers in general. Most stock libraries will offer comic illustration options. Be sure to follow the copyright instructions to continue to protect and enrich your brand.

Personal photos, charts & graphs, stock images and funnies are all great images that are sure to enhance your content. A picture is worth a thousand words is a very old saying that is relevant now more than it’s ever been.

Photo credits:

Mexican Textile Factory: Angela Sevin, Flickr; Comic Strip: Duncan c, Flickr