You’re generating content regularly. You’re choosing strategic focus keywords and writing with SEO in mind. But you’re still competing with a lot of other stuff. Here are 5 quick tips for getting your digital content noticed by the right people more often.

It’s pretty clear the marketing world has discovered the power of content. That’s why there’s so much of it. The good news is it’s a lot easier to get your content noticed when you use design as your “secret weapon.” Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Eye on the Brand

The most successful brands today understand the difference design can make. And they know it’s not just about dropping pretty pictures into your website, blog or social post in an unplanned way. Defining your brand’s visual language is essential. Every visual asset needs to be part of your brand’s larger, continuous story–whether it’s a photograph, infographic, illustration, or video.

Elements with a cohesive visual story build on each other, creating a larger footprint that communicates and enhances the value of your brand. Create a plan to convey specific messages to a specific audience, then create visuals to match it. The result is a collection of assets that build on each other, making your brand stronger.

2. Use Relevant Images — Really

No matter how good your content is, an image captures the reader’s attention much faster. People are busy and attention spans fleeting, so including an image in an article is a must as it significantly boosts brand awareness and search results. In fact, articles with images get 94% more views.

Relevance is key when creating or selecting images. Don’t choose something just because it looks good. Visual elements need to convey the concept of the article quickly to be most effective. (Check out our recent article on Visual Storytelling for more tips.)

3. Don’t Settle for Stock

Many bioresearch brands turn to stock images simply because images cost less and take less time to acquire. But they nearly always involve some compromises. The image may not precisely match the content or your target audience. You may have to retouch to remove unwanted elements or add your own branding. Continuity from one piece of content to another becomes a big challenge. And lastly, there’s always a chance one of your signature images might show up on someone else’s brochure or website. If you are in a highly-specialized category of research this possibility is even more likely and of greater concern.

A library of images unique to your brand is a valuable asset. It establishes your brand as thought-leading and distinctive no matter where your content appears. You gain the creative control you need to appeal directly to your audience with targeted content, including your own products. And you build a set of assets you can use again and again with confidence.

4. Use Infographics to Make Data Reader-friendly

Infographics are a growing communications trend and a perfect fit for Biomedical Nonprofits and Life Science companies that need to communicate heavy data and grab their readers’ attention. Stories that rely on statistics or other data often get bogged down in long explanations. We retain only about 20% of what we read at the best of times, but readers often lose interest faster when there’s a lot of data. With infographics, long stories become quick visuals that help readers absorb and understand data more easily. Clever infographics not only get content noticed, they can even boost reader interest.

5. Tap the Power of Rich Media

Sometimes video, animation, or motion graphics are the best way to tell a story. They’re ideal for visual or personal stories, such as product demonstrations or interviews. Video also boosts search results. Audio content gives prospects the option to listen on the go. Animation, sound, or interactive elements can also enhance infographics.

You can tell a richer and deeper story when the power of motion and sound come together. Rich media also holds the viewer’s attention longer. That’s a two-edge advantage, since prospects know they’ll need to invest more time when they click a rich media link. A compelling reason to click is an essential introduction to rich media.

Content May be King, but Branding is Queen

We put branding first on this list for a reason. It should guide the other four strategies at all times. Content gets read, remembered, and shared more often when branding guides the images or rich media you create.

Want to tap the power of design for your content? Give us a shout. We’d love to help.

Sources: Bright Local