Episode 179: Killer Visual Content with Amy Balliett
Jul 17, 2020
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Amy Balliett, CEO and founder of Killer Visual Strategies and author, shares her expertise on the power of visual communication. She highlights how quality design fosters trust and branding. The conversation dives into the use of custom illustrations over stock images, effective social media strategies, and the impact of layout in engaging content. Amy also discusses the success of Warby Parker's visual strategy and sheds light on using display ads to connect with consumers. Her insights are essential for anyone looking to enhance their visual content.
The evolution of Killer Visual Strategies reflects a shift from infographics to diverse visual content, emphasizing the need for adaptable branding strategies.
High-quality visuals are crucial in capturing audience attention and enhancing engagement, underscoring the importance of effective visual communication in marketing.
Deep dives
The Evolution of a Visual Content Agency
The conversation outlines how Killer Visual Strategies transitioned from an infographic design agency to a broader visual content provider. Initially focused on infographics to boost SEO, the company shifted its offerings as client demands evolved, incorporating motion graphics and interactive content. This change necessitated a rebranding from Killer Infographics to Killer Visual Strategies, reflecting the expanded scope of services. The founder's background in film and online marketing allowed for a unique approach to visual storytelling and strategic marketing.
Visual Communication as a Strategy for Engagement
The concept of visual strategy revolves around using visual content to effectively engage and drive audiences toward action. Visual communication is defined as the graphical representation of information, aiming to convey meaning with minimal reliance on text. By capturing attention in milliseconds, high-quality visuals can influence first impressions and improve audience retention. Emphasizing the importance of context, it is recommended that content should utilize visuals that succinctly convey their messages without overwhelming text.
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Client Needs
Client engagement starts with identifying specific goals, target audiences, and preferred content distribution channels. Depending on client needs, tailored content formats, such as motion graphics for social platforms or infographics conveying data points, are developed. The agency also places emphasis on creating visually appealing micro narratives that enhance engagement across social media. By employing a dedicated project team for each client, consistent relationships are built, fostering collaboration for future projects.
Practical Tools and Tips for Effective Visual Content
To create successful visual content with limited resources, the discussion highlights the author's new book, which serves as a guide for both designers and stakeholders. It includes actionable exercises and insights into hiring and managing creative talent. Visual strategies are further emphasized through practical tips, such as utilizing custom illustrations over stock images to enhance blog engagement and maximizing video content for higher conversion rates. Tools like Canva are recommended for quick content generation, though hiring qualified designers is encouraged for higher-quality marketing solutions.
Quality visual design is a symbol of trust — but how can companies visually communicate their brand to earn that trust? Our guest today is Amy Balliett, CEO and founder at Killer Visual Strategies and author of the book of the same title. You’ll learn about the best visual strategies along with specific tips on branding, image and palette selection, illustrations, infographics, display ads and social media.
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