Text isn’t dead but it may be dying.
If it isn’t dying there is no doubt that it is rapidly losing market share.
We recently had the privilege of attending The PR News Digital Public Relations Conference in South Beach (Miami).
The message was clear. Social Media. Storytelling. Engagement. It all hinges and depends on visuals. The numbers, data, and success tell one singular truth. Photos and video rule drive engagement and hold interest. More people are interested in compelling visuals than lots of text.
There is no doubt that rich visuals impact your communications. Get on the visual train now as there will be no going back. Those that don’t focus on including rich media such as photos, video, and graphics in their storytelling will be left behind. Even worse? You’ll be telling stories that could be compelling, but no one will be listening. I can’t think of a bigger communications crime.
One of the speakers, encouraging people to live tweet, had this very appropriate comment before she began her presentation:
“It’s no longer about applause. You can tell how engaged your audience is by their thumbs on their phones tweeting.”
With that in mind, let’s turn to the Twitter stream from the conference hashtag #PowerofPR for our main takeaways:
Creating video doesn’t have to be hard or complex. Don’t overthink it.
I recently received a video update from a member of a volunteer organization in which I serve. At first, being a text kinda guy I scoffed at it. But after watching it I think it’s a great way to deliver updates. Think about this for newsletters, internal communications, and communications to customers.
Instead of sitting down and typing, put a camera in front of you and make a video response @Ekaterina #PowerofPR
— PRNEWS (@PRNews) June 3, 2015
Your inner Scorsese is waiting: 6 Tips for Shooting Great Corporate Video Interviews http://t.co/x1HNmXFv5y #PowerofPR
— Matthew Schwartz (@mpsjourno1) June 3, 2015
The numbers don’t lie and the trend says video is a driving force.
Check out www.si.com, www.cnn.com, www.huffingtonpost.com — all traditional news sites that have now gone to a media rich, masonry style of delivering content. They’re not doing this because they want to. They’re doing it because they HAVE to.
Developing trends: FB messenger, vine videos, buzzfeed style content, video creation and photo apps @KrisleighH @American_Heart #Powerofpr
— Jessica Pantages (@JPantages5) June 2, 2015
The Press Release isn’t dead but it has changed significantly.
It’s all about multimedia releases with rich images and video that tell a story.
'The press release is not dead' – it can be a great storytelling platform but don't overuse them – @allison28 of Zumba #powerofPR
— Diane Schwartz (@dianeschwartz) June 2, 2015
Look at the example press release shared by @Serena from Business Wire. Which would you rather read? Which one catches your attention and makes you feel something?
RT @BusinessWire Every news release should include social sharing links, multimedia (esp video), strong headline and localization #powerofPR
— @Serena (@Serena) June 2, 2015
The ability to create rich, studio quality video has never been more accessible.
Also being creative in the ways you share rich content can elevate your brand. Slideshare is becoming an indispensable, goto tool for corporate America. Free tools and apps make everyone a storyteller.
Just like the typewriter leveled the playing field so does today’s technology. Just like the typewriter the best storytellers will differentiate themselves. The rest will be noise.
MT @taniavenn: Slideshare and video response are underutilized by marketers and PR pros.Don’t discount them. @Ekaterina #Powerofpr
— Business Wire (@BusinessWire) June 3, 2015
Takeaways for PR pros on video. Don’t script. Be authentic. Be emotional. Know your brand. Distribution matters. @AnastasiaKhoo #PowerofPR
— Tania Venn (@taniavenn) June 1, 2015
DIY video apps: Kinomatic, Flipgram, Videon, iSupr8, Magisto, Hyperlapse, Horizon, iPhone camera via @prtini #powerofpr
— Business Wire (@BusinessWire) June 1, 2015
$1500 gets you an amazing aerial video setup! My how times have changed. Expect explosion of aerial footage @Plotkint #PowerofPR
— wildstory studio (@wildstorystudio) June 1, 2015
In the age of infobesity, visual storytelling is the key #powerofpr @Ekaterina
— PRNEWS (@PRNews) June 3, 2015
Survey says! Visuals create more engagement.
The statistics are scary and the numbers don’t like. People are looking at video and photos and NOT reading text.
The average person is watching at least one video on #Facebook per day. #PowerofPR
— Matthew Schwartz (@mpsjourno1) June 1, 2015
Video stats: Click-through rates are 40x higher using videos versus text. #PowerofPR
— wildstory studio (@wildstorystudio) June 1, 2015
73% of consumers said they are more likely to make a purchase after watching a video. #PowerofPR
— marc gutman (@marcgutman) June 1, 2015
Silly Rabbit. Trix and Snapchat are not just for kids.
Platforms like Snapchat appeal to 25-30 year olds. Not just kids. Will 400 million snaps, that’s a LOT of eyeballs.
400 million snaps are sent on Snapchat every month, 1% are business. But you need a long term visual strategy to do this. #PowerofPR
— Business Wire (@BusinessWire) June 3, 2015
After 10 seconds 20% of users will leave a video. Focus on quality content. #PowerofPR
— marc gutman (@marcgutman) June 1, 2015
Brands aren’t about logos and colors.
And perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it’s all about Emotional Storytelling. Brands aren’t about logos and colors. It’s about connecting emotionally with your employees and customers. Everyone has a WILDSTORY it’s about telling it in a way that touches the hearts of others.
Video helps you tell the compelling stories that are inside of all of us. @prTini #PowerofPR
— Tania Venn (@taniavenn) June 1, 2015
@Ekaterina Visual storytelling is a solution to leaving your own footprint on the hearts of others. #PowerofPR #profoundskills
— blakewoolsey (@blakewoolsey) June 3, 2015
Some of the most amazing video content is raw, emotional, candid, but not professional. #getcreative @prTini #PowerofPR
— Tania Venn (@taniavenn) June 1, 2015
To learn more about how to improve your visual storytelling in your digital public relations strategy, check out these blogs on how to Create Enticing Graphics Online and through Mobile Apps.
Lastly, please feel free to contact us directly. You can always send us a message via our contact form or email me directly at: mgutman@wildstory.com
