Why visual storytelling is more than a trend

Nine out of ten Canadians read newspapers weekly, but digital and social media have changed how we consume content. With 95% of newspaper readers accessing content online, we need to adapt how we develop stories for our internal and external communities. Readers want content that is relatable and empathetic. This is where visual storytelling comes in.

Visual storytelling puts the reader at the heart of the story. It can take complex ideas or hard to articulate information and make it easier for the reader to quickly understand. Including an image in your content boosts engagement, but with so many images online today, it’s important to think about how you can use visuals beyond a photo.

Visuals could be anything from photos, videos, graphics, infographics and designs. They contain so much context, so it is still important to design your story intentionally with a few key principles:

A well-defined beginning, middle and end

Whenever you prepare a story, however you incorporate visuals, you should ask yourself: Who is my audience, and what is the message I am trying to share? These questions should inform every decision you make about your story. When you decide what your ultimate message is, you can determine how best to illustrate it.

Clear organization

A good story is best told by organizing your thoughts to further support the discussion, whether it’s told through text, visuals or both. By presenting the message in a succinct and well-organized manner, it is more easily understood and absorbed. Stories that lack organization appear inconsistent and inefficient.

Visuals that support instead of distract

Using visuals to connect with your audience is one of the most potent ways of communicating. However, it’s important to keep in mind that more vivid, attention-grabbing visuals are not always better. The visual content that you build must be relevant, bolster your insights, and tell a compelling story. Distracting visuals do exactly the opposite.

Tying visuals into a narrative makes it easier to reach your audience and helps build an emotional connection.

Visual storytelling is more than just a trend. It has become a powerful tool for telling your story. By incorporating visual elements, you can ultimately create a story that your audience will find engaging and meaningful.

If you’re curious about how visual storytelling can work for your brand or client, take a look at our video reel and get in touch.