Visual Marketing Ideas

If your story doesn't hit in the first 5 seconds It's Over You don’t get minutes to earn attention anymore. You get moments. That’s why the best ads today don’t start by selling. They start by storytelling, fast. Take this campaign: It opens like a zombie thriller. Not a product demo. Not a stat dump. Not a polished brand shot. But a story that grabs your brain before it even knows what it's watching. So why does it work so well? 📌 It uses genre to create instant tension Within seconds, we’re in a world. It’s not just an ad, it’s a scene. A story. One you can’t look away from. 📌 It anchors emotion before explanation We feel before we understand. That’s what powerful stories do 📌 It educates through narrative By the time we realize the message (synthetic materials take 200+ years to decompose), we’re already emotionally invested. 📌 It aligns cause with creativity This isn’t preachy. It’s precise. The storytelling is the message. The product is the punchline. Want to build content that hits like this? Here’s a storytelling framework to try: 1️⃣ Hook with conflict Every good story starts with tension. Show us something broken, scary, or just plain weird. Make us lean in. 2️⃣ Introduce transformation What changes? What insight or solution comes next? Keep us moving through the arc. 3️⃣ Reveal your message last Don’t start with “what”, start with “why care.” Let the product or idea emerge from the emotion. 4️⃣ Make it feel cinematic Use sound, visuals, pacing, not to show off, but to bring your audience into the moment. 5️⃣ Keep it short, sharp, and story-first We’re in the TikTok era. But attention spans haven’t died, they’ve just gotten pickier. Stories still win. Always. The best storytelling doesn’t sell the product. It sells the belief behind the product. And if you want your brand to rise above the noise Stop pitching. Start telling better stories. #storytelling #branding #sellwithstories #marketingtips I share storytelling and creativity to help you and your company sell more and grow. Let's Connect! 1. Try my other course on LinkedIn Learning: https://lnkd.in/gTh8R5Mc 2. Join 10,000 others learning weekly growth tips at: https://lnkd.in/eCDKabp2 Use the 3-Act E.P.I.C Structure to turn stories into sales: https://lnkd.in/e9_eczTG 3. 3 Ways To Grow Guide: https://lnkd.in/gZaq56hT (no sign-up needed)

Did you know 75% of smartphone interactions come down to just scrolling your thumb on a touch screen? This means people don’t want to need both hands to navigate a mobile site. They want everything to be a thumb tap away. If your site is a hassle to use on mobile, people just won’t use it. As you think about designing your site, consider what thumb-only navigation, or "Thumb Zones," might look like. “Thumb Zones” are where users are most comfortable and likely to take action on a mobile device. You can see this in the diagram below (courtesy of Branding Brand), and includes the following: → Primary CTAs (like "shop now") in the primary zone. → Essential information and secondary CTAs (like “learn more” instead of “shop now”) in the secondary zone. → Controls to change the mode or initiate different tasks (including search, privacy policies, and navigation menus) in the tertiary zone. This reduces friction by establishing a hierarchy, keeping the subconscious engaged and it maximizes the “tappability” of your content. Now think about your current post-click landing pages and checkouts, would you change anything?

Your product is not boring, Your way of selling is. Have you ever watched a commercial that made you feel connected to your community? This cement ad does just that, and it’s truly inspiring. This cement company has captured attention for its innovative storytelling and emotional resonance, showcasing how even "boring" industries can create impactful narratives. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this advertisement exceptional and why every marketer should take note. 1. Engaging Hook The commercial opens with a scene that sparks empathy. Viewers relate to seeing a visually impaired person navigating the streets. This connection makes the audience curious about solutions in their own cities. 2. Compelling Story Structure The story has a clear goal of helping visually impaired people reach their destinations. The challenge is the absence of a navigational system. This relatable conflict keeps viewers engaged. 3. Character-Driven Approach Sol, the cement company, becomes a character in the story. This humanizes the brand and makes it memorable. Sol helps the protagonist (the visually impaired person) overcome obstacles. 4. Element of Surprise At 55 seconds in, the ad introduces a clever solution for the visually impaired. This twist captivates viewers and showcases the brand's creativity. It reinforces that traditional industries can make a real difference. 5. Human-Centric Focus The ad features real people in Peru navigating their streets. This focus on human stories makes the message relatable and impactful. It highlights the brand's commitment to improving lives. 6. Strong CTA The ad concludes with a clear message: people are at the center of the story. Obstacles are overcome, and the impact is clear. This leaves viewers feeling hopeful and inspired. This cement company's advertisement demonstrates how effective storytelling can elevate a brand's message. Video Credit: Sightwalks- Cemento Sol/ Circus Grey Perú Youtube #Advertisement #Marketing #DTC #Ads

The way colors interact with each other can make or break your brand’s perception. Yet, it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of branding. Many brands fall into the trap of relying on broad, generalized meanings for colors, like red for passion or blue for trust. ↓↓↓ While these are helpful, they aren’t the FULL story. The real power lies in how colors interact with each other within a palette. For instance, vibrant red and green appeal to the holidays, but pair that same red with deeper, muted reds, and you get a luxurious vibe. Hot pink might feel fun or feminine on its own, but combine it with black, and it suddenly exudes confidence and bold energy. The interplay of hues can subtly shift how customers emotionally connect with your brand. But don’t overlook trends either! Take Pantone’s recent Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. While it might initially seem bland, its ties to sustainability make it a valuable accent for eco-conscious brands. I used it strategically for a high-end chocolate brand, not as the main color, but as an accent. Combined with richer hues, it told a deeper story about sustainable production and high-quality craft, steering away from overused color palettes in the industry. 💡 What’s the key takeaway? Your brand is more than JUST a color. Color is one of the first forms of communication. And how those colors interact, tell a story, and connect emotionally with your audience. Look at how your hues interact across visuals, packaging, and marketing touchpoints. Subtle shifts in contrast or tone can make a big difference in how your audience connects emotionally. Always test your palette as a whole. One approach I love to use when designing brand identities comes from the principles of Joseph Albers, who studied how our brains perceive colors differently depending on their surroundings. For brands, testing how your colors interact with one another is vital. These combinations tell a story about your brand’s tone, energy, and message. Which colors are driving your brand today? Have you considered what story they are telling? #LIpostingdayJune

Stop Making Videos No One Watches We all know video is king, but let's be real—most of our content gets scrolled past faster than free food disappears at networking events. The stats don't lie: Videos with visual hooks get 27% higher completion rates and drive 41% more engagement than standard content. That's not just marginal gains—that's the difference between wasted effort and actual results. Try these 5 visual hooks that might look silly but are proven attention-grabbers: ✅The Falling Hook – Real estate agents using falling house keys or price tags saw 34% higher engagement (Coldwell Banker saw inquiries jump after implementing this in listing videos) ✅The Tapping Hook – Financial advisors using finger taps to reveal investment returns captured 29% longer watch time (Fidelity's retirement calculators use this brilliantly) ✅The Color Change Tap – Healthcare providers switching colors when highlighting critical services increased click-through rates by 38% (Mayo Clinic's symptom videos are masterclasses in this) ✅The Appearing Text – Tech companies revealing key stats with pop-up text improved information retention by 43% (Microsoft's product launches leverage this perfectly) ✅The Magic Hook – E-commerce brands using disappearing/reappearing product features saw 52% higher conversion rates (Nike's product reveals are legendary here) Is it sometimes goofy? Yes. Does it work? Absolutely. What visual hook will you try in your next post? #ContentStrategy #VideoMarketing #VisualHooks #LinkedInTips

Most people think direct mail is dead. But Alex Hormozi just sent me a fridge magnet that’s pure marketing genius: Last night I went to check my mail after being away from home for a few days when I saw a piece of mail from Alex Hormozi. I was confused. So I immediately opened it. Inside the envelope, I found a sales letter and a fridge magnet inviting me AND reminding me of his book launch live event. Now the sales letter deserves its own deep dive breakdown… (Let me know in the comments if you'd like me to write a post on that, by the way!) But I wanted to share a few things that I thought were absolutely genius in the way they designed the magnet. Because it clearly wasn’t an afterthought. 1/ Genius “placement” If you think about it, they could have made any kind of physical product or merch. So why did they make it a fridge magnet? My theory: Everyone checks their fridge every day, *multiple* times per day. 2/ Curiosity-driven headline They used the headline to just share the date when the event is happening, which is a little bit counterintuitive. But it works great because it immediately makes you wonder: "Okay, so what’s happening on that date?" 3/ Frictionless CTAs (in different formats) They added both a QR code *and* a super short URL. Then, they send you to a page where you can easily add the event to your preferred calendar app. Seamless. 4/ Perfect balance of text and visuals Lastly, they used just enough copy for you to know everything you need to know and take action. But also included a nice, compelling image of Alex on stage, which is what you can expect to get (at least from a visual perspective) if you attend the event. Very nice. Now, the smartest part is... This magnet is going to sit on people’s fridges for weeks leading up to the event. Which means constant exposure and reminders without feeling you're getting spammed. Absolutely genius. And that’s it! Hope you found at least 1 nugget you can implement to your own marketing. And if you did, let me know in the comments - I’d love to hear your takeaways.

Want to boost your Amazon sales? Start with your images. First impressions matter. And on Amazon, your images do the talking. Here’s how to make them count: 1. Multi-Use Call Outs: Showcase the versatility of your product. For instance, if you’re selling a laptop bag, highlight that it can fit both a laptop and a tablet. On the left side of your image, display the bag holding both devices. This visual cue is far more effective than just listing features in a subtitle. 2. Action Shots: Action speaks louder than words. If you’re selling a blender, show it in action blending fruits. This is more engaging than an image of the blender alone. People need to see your product doing what it promises. 3. Scannable Infographics: People don’t have time to read long blocks of text. Use short, punchy graphics to convey key benefits. For example, if you’re selling a smartwatch, create an infographic that quickly highlights features like "Heart Rate Monitor" and "GPS Tracking" with relevant icons. This helps shoppers quickly grasp the value. When creating these images, always ask yourself two questions: - Do shoppers care about these features? - How quickly will they understand them? If your images answer these questions effectively, you’re on the right track. 4. Main Image Props: Your main image should grab attention. If you’re selling a hiking backpack, add props like trekking poles or a water bottle to show its use in real scenarios. This not only makes the image more engaging but also gives shoppers a clearer idea of the product’s utility. Remember, your images are your silent salespeople. Make sure they are working hard for you. Want to transform your Amazon listings? Start with these image strategies. Experience the difference firsthand. #AmazonSales #Ecommerce #ProductMarketing

Nonprofits are sitting on a goldmine of attention… but most are failing to mine it. While brands have been printing money with influencer marketing for years, nonprofits are still relying on outdated tactics like cold emails, gala dinners, and Facebook fundraisers that nobody clicks on. Let’s look at the numbers: ✅ Influencer-driven campaigns convert 2x higher than traditional nonprofit ads. ✅ 25% of donors are influenced by social media to give. ✅ The average nonprofit engagement rate? 0.066% on Facebook. Influencers? 3%–10%—aka 50x more impact. Nonprofits That Cracked the Code 1️⃣ St. Jude PLAY LIVE – Raised $50M+ through Twitch gaming influencers. 2️⃣ The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Partnered with Instagram creators, hit a 20% engagement rate, and reached 240K+ users. 3️⃣ MrBeast & TeamSeas – $30M raised through viral, shareable content. What’s the Playbook? 🚀 Stop Chasing Mega-Influencers – Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) convert 5x better than big names. 🎥 Go All In on Short-Form Video – TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts. Gen Z consumes 68% of their cause-related content through video. 🤝 Make It Easy to Share – No long donation forms. No PDFs. Just frictionless giving and viral challenges. Nonprofits Need to Move. Now Stop wondering why your email open rates are 1.2% and your donor base is shrinking. Get out there, start building partnerships. With purpose and impact, Mario

Your brand’s colors aren’t just seen ↴ They’re felt. Ever notice how some websites instantly feel trustworthy, exciting, or calming the moment you land on them? That’s not luck. It’s color theory doing its thing. Colors have a huge impact on how people perceive your brand and interact with your website. They’re not just a finishing touch—they’re a strategic tool. Here’s a breakdown of what they can do: 🔵 Blue Builds Trust It’s why banks, healthcare, and tech giants like Facebook, LinkedIn, and PayPal love it. Blue whispers, “You’re in safe hands.” 🔴 Red Sparks Action Bold, energetic, and attention-grabbing. Red’s the go-to for urgency, passion, and those “act now” vibes. 🟢 Green = Growth From eco-friendly brands to wellness and finance, green screams nature, balance, and prosperity. 🟡 Yellow Grabs Attention Cheerful, energetic, and hard to miss. Just remember—a little yellow packs a big punch. ⚫ Black Means Luxury Timeless, sophisticated, and premium. Black doesn’t shout; it speaks with confidence and elegance. When it comes to website design, color isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating the right emotional connection. The right palette can: → Strengthen your brand identity → Guide user behavior (think CTA buttons that stand out) → Evoke emotions that align with your message For instance, a wellness brand might opt for calming greens and blues, while an e-commerce site uses red to create urgency during sales. So, be intentional with your colors. They’re not just design elements—they’re powerful psychological cues that influence how your audience feels, thinks, and acts. --- Follow Jeff Gapinski for more content like this. ♻️ Share this to help someone else out with web design today #colortheory #webdesign #psychology

If you want your event to get the most buzz and attendance - follow this one simple concept. Refuse to feel traditional. Organizations are reimaging how they produce events - and I'm about to tell you how to apply these ideas to your own event. 🔹 Immersive Brand Activations Spotify and LinkedIn took to Cannes Lions and transformed spaces into branded lounges that doubled as networking hubs. 👉🏾 Your Turn: Versus a Step-And-Repeat wall, create a space where guests get to interact with your story. Think: Hands-on demo Branded lounge with entertainment A Themed environment 🔹 Reinvented Corporate Conferences Shopify gave attendees hidden speakeasies, garage style brainstorming rooms, and teaming building via hackathon labs. 👉🏾 Your Turn: Get out of that ballroom beloved. BizBash reported on FX celebrated their season premier at a laundry mat. Unexpected venues will forever surprise attendees and spark interest. 🔹 Fan & Sponsor Engagement Wins During the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) All-Star Weekend, Nike and American Express built fan zones that converted foot traffic into measurable leads because they were interactive. 👉🏾 Your Turn: If you have sponsors, design experiences where guests are actively engaging with them and not walking past yet another logo. 🔹 Purpose-Driven and Sustainable Events Meaningful is the new Must Have. This goes beyond dietary restrictions and plant based food. 👉🏾 Your Turn: Add on elements that shows your value: sourcing local vendors including minority owned, reducing waste, and tying a cause to your event. My key takeaway: Your attendees don't just want to show up. They want a new lived experience, discover something new and have a story worth telling. The question you should always ask during the event planning phase is what story will attendees leave telling. P.S. Did you find this helpful?