What was the most important thing you learned in grade school? There are a lot of possible answers. However, today’s “lesson” is about how people learn in different ways. The VARK model breaks down the four primary types of learners: visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic.
Why is this important to you now? Because it directly relates to how you need to create content for your audience. Long white papers may be hugely successful for those learners who grow by reading. Yet, you are missing out on those who need visual components. Visual content is just as important as text.
Writing stellar content is the first step, but how can you enhance the readability and comprehension?
Here are some fantastic ways to add visual – and some auditory – elements to your content:
Photos
(Source: Zion Industries LinkedIn photo)
While even a stock image can boost your visual content, its best practice to use original photos when applicable. Take photos of your products so you can add them in content when referenced. Have images of all your facilities, including processes in motion. Then use these photos across multiple platforms, like Zion Industries’ use of photos on LinkedIn.
Other uses of photos include industry events – like trade shows – and company news. When you have various photos from an event or on one topic, you can create a slideshow. Slideshows can be strictly visual, or set to music or with audio commentary for the auditory learners.
Videos
(Source: Blair Rubber)
When debuting a new process or procedure, a video is a solution for both visual and auditory learners. Putting text in the video can help with reading leaders as well.
In this video, Blair Rubber shares rubber lining procedures for applicators. This walks through the steps so that an applicator can get a glimpse into the work before doing it themselves.
Other video uses: employee or customer spotlights, new product demonstrations and virtual tours.
Infographics
(Source: Scoop.it)
Infograhics are all the rage when it comes to visual elements in your content. These informational graphics take the key point of your article and puts it in visible format. For instance, there are a lot of different ways that you can repurpose content to create different forms for your audience. While you could easily write this down in text, it would take a long time to drive the same point home.
One of the biggest benefits of infographics is their ability to be re-used or shared.
Charts
(Source: HubSpot)
When you have a lot of statistics, charts are exceptional ways to create digestible pieces of information.
The above chart is a HubSpot report detailing how consumer behavior has changed and sales need to as well. Like infographics, these have the ability to easily be shared and re-used. They hold much information but in a quick and easy way to process.
Timelines
(Source: The Learning Coach)
One of my personal favorite visuals is the timeline. Celebrating your company anniversary? Build a timeline. One of the most useful facets of a timeline is that it creates an engaging structure for your information.
It’s easy to follow for a wide range of informational topics. Do you have a product line that you keep adding new products to? What about creating an enhanced version of the same product? Regulations or legislation that impacts the industry? Any kind of story that has a series of events can benefit from a timeline.
Need help with adding visuals to your content? We’d love to help!
