With the growing popularity of visual social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, photo sharing is now more important than ever before. Imagery has also become a vital part of engaging with consumers (and potential customers) on Facebook and Twitter. If pictures really are worth a thousand words, then as Christian marketers, we should be using visual images that say something about our faith-based products and services. A variety of visuals should be an integral part of our media mix.

When posting a photo to any social media platform, the end goal should always be for consumers to share it. The more “shares” or “pins” you receive, the farther your reach. It’s simple, really:

More shares = More exposure for your brand, product or service

Of course, when something becomes popular, competition is greater, which means marketers have to get more creative and intentional about the images they share. Here are a few helpful tips for photo sharing:

1. Stay on-brand. Make sure all of your images reflect your brand. Don’t just post photos randomly ad nauseum. Be intentional about what you post and when you post, and make sure all imagery points back to your specific brand or product. A great way to do this is by providing your official website at the bottom of every image. (Note: the url should be small so as not to take away from the image, but large enough to read).

2. Be creative. Stay ahead of your competition by finding fun and unusual ways to engage consumers through imagery pointing to your brand. Quotes are extremely shareable and effective. Have a professional designer create web-friendly images containing song lyrics from one of your artist’s songs or a quote from one of your author’s books. Visuals are also a great way to share Scripture. Post personal, candid shots in real time from live concerts, book signings, speaking engagements, trade shows and other events. Create online galleries to organize your photos to make it easy for consumers to view them.

3. Tell a great story. Above all, allow your images to tell the story of your brand, product or service. So much so, that if you gathered all of the images you post together, you could create a cohesive collage that accurately defines the product, service or brand you are promoting. Make sure your images are telling a story you’re proud of, a story that engages them, excites them and gives them reasons to follow you, friend you or like you. Above all, make sure you’re telling a story worth sharing.

For some examples of picture posts, see the posting streams at a couple of our client’s Facebook pages:  Every Man Ministries and Prayer Bowls.

What story are you telling with your social images?

Let FrontGate brainstorm some creative ways to integrate imagery into your social media strategy. Click here for more info.