Beyond words: The impact of visual content in copywriting

Who knew when Instagram launched in 2010 it would garner 1 million users just two months later? Today, it boasts over a billion.

The meteoric rise of Instagram is just one example of the power of visual content. It's not just about photos – it's also about the stories, moments, and emotions captured.

Yet, while Instagram is primarily a photo platform, that little bit of text below can connect audiences with deeper narratives and even drive engagement through calls to action, hashtags, and compelling storytelling. 
A quick Google search shows how valued captions actually are. There are millions of results like 300+ Best Instagram Captions for Your Selfies in 2024, and 101 Best Winter Instagram Captions for the Chilly Months.  
Visual content and text each have unique strengths, but their real power lies in combining the two. So, how can visuals and copywriting work together to strengthen your message?

The science behind visual perception

Our brains are primed to process visual information with exceptional speed and efficiency. We process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. In a digital world where attention spans are shrinking, visuals provide a quick and effective way to communicate complex messages.

Now, you’re not here for a biology lesson, but it’s worth noting that our reliance on visuals comes from evolution. Early humans depended on rapid visual processing for survival—whether spotting predators, finding food, or navigating unfamiliar environments. While we’re no longer dodging sabre-tooth tigers on the way to Tesco, our brains still prioritise visual cues.

Half of the human brain is involved in visual processing, and although we have five senses, 70% of our sensory receptors are in our eyes. Our eyes are so good that it only takes us 1/10 of a second to make sense of a visual scene.  

The integration of visuals in advertising and copywriting

The integration of visuals in advertising and copywriting has a rich history that has evolved with technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours.

The earliest newspaper and magazine ads were text-heavy, but as printing technology improved, brands incorporated hand-drawn illustrations to make their ads stand out.

Pears Soap provides a classic example of newspaper advertising from the late 19th century, which included detailed, picturesque illustrations.

Post-WWII, television transformed advertising, and brands realised the power of combining visuals with storytelling. Iconic campaigns like those for Coca-Cola leveraged imagery and catchy jingles to build brand identity.

The advent of the Internet ushered in new advertising opportunities. Banners and pop-up ads became prevalent. However, they were often criticised for being intrusive. This period saw the beginnings of integrating visuals into a digital copy, emphasising user experience.

With the rise of social media and video-heavy platforms, brands began prioritising visually appealing content that could be shared virally. High-quality images, infographics, and video clips became the norm.  

Remember when the internet became obsessed with cats? While this advert from Fiskers is classed as advertorial content (rather than a straight-up ad), it's one of my favourite examples. To date, it's racked up over 20 million views.

Moving on from our beloved feline friends, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are opening new frontiers. Advertisements are no longer passive; they're highly visual, interactive experiences that engage consumers in novel ways.

Practical tips for melding visuals with copy 

From aesthetic alignment to narrative coherence, there are many factors to consider when blending visuals and text. Here are some essential tips for everyday projects:

1. Work closely with the designer  

Consultation between copywriters and designers at the onset of a project is crucial. Copywriters bring tone, voice, and narrative structure, while designers offer insights into user experience, trends, and emotional impact. Early discussions can highlight potential challenges and opportunities, allowing for a more integrated approach. 

Kick-start things by swapping sources of inspiration. Copywriters should consider what's suitable for visualisation and what's not. For example, an infographic might help if there are facts and figures to convey. While the designer will likely have their ideas, giving them some starting points can be helpful.  

2. Align visuals with brand identity and messaging

Consistent visual branding is essential for brand awareness and trust. When visuals consistently reflect the brand's identity and core messages, they reinforce its values and personality, helping to establish a solid emotional connection with the audience.

Furthermore, consistent visual branding across all platforms and touchpoints enhances credibility and trustworthiness, key factors in consumer decision-making. Brand guidelines are a typical place to start with this.  

Apple is a prime example—its minimalist design, clean aesthetics, and focus on usability all reinforce its brand identity.

Understanding the target audience is also crucial. Tailor your visuals to resonate with their preferences and cultural contexts. Furthermore, ensure that the visuals reinforce your messaging. Every visual element should serve a purpose: to evoke emotion, highlight a key message, or guide the viewer's attention. Consistency across platforms and materials is critical to building brand recognition and trust.

3. Balance between text and imagery

Avoid overcrowding. Too much text or overly complex visuals can overwhelm your audience. Aim for a balance that captures attention without causing confusion.

Let the visual and text complement rather than repeat each other.  Use visuals to illustrate or emphasise points made in your copy.

4. Consider hierarchy and emphasis

Visual hierarchy refers to how visual elements are arranged and presented to influence the order in which the human eye perceives what it sees.  

This concept is especially crucial in advertising because it guides viewers through the ad in a way that ensures they receive the message as intended. Effective use of visual hierarchy makes an advertisement more engaging and memorable. Canva explains more in this guide.  

5. Use high-quality visuals

While many websites have exceptional brand messaging, poor visuals can let them down. 

Quality matters, especially in today's competitive landscape. Use high-resolution images and professionally designed graphics. Poor-quality visuals can undermine even the best copy.

Take Patagonia, for example—its use of striking natural imagery alongside succinct, powerful messaging creates a compelling and cohesive brand presence.

6. Keep it simple

Simplicity is key, and that applies to both copy and imagery. Avoid using overly complex language or complicated visuals that could detract from your main message.

Your copy and visuals should quickly convey your message without requiring too much effort from the viewer.

7. Don't overlook accessibility

Web accessibility allows all visitors to use a website regardless of their abilities. Unfortunately, there are still lots of websites that need to comply with best practices.

To make your website accessible, ensure it's inclusive for everyone, including details like alt text for images and easily readable fonts and colours for text.

Final thoughts

Visuals are a powerful tool in the modern marketer's toolkit, and you don't need to be a neuroscientist to learn how to harness their potential to captivate audiences, communicate more efficiently, and create lasting impressions in the minds of consumers.

The most important thing is not to overthink things. Overall, the simpler your visuals and message, the more likely the reader will engage with and remember it.

As the saying goes: "a picture is worth a thousand words", and there's a lot of truth in that. 

Ready to Elevate Your Copywriting Skills? CIM’s Digital Copywriting for Social & Content training course can help! Whether you’re crafting Facebook ads, articles, or long-form thought leadership, this one-day course will empower you to create persuasive content that truly resonates. Sharpen your brand voice, generate fresh ideas, and optimize your copy for maximum impact.