Viral Content: Images=More Credibility

A Claremont University study found that images — any images — boosted content credibility by 75%.

BRIAN'S TAKE

The results from this study were REALLY interesting.

Here’s how it went down:

The researchers showed people two versions of the same statement.

In version #1 the statement was text-only, like this:

(By the way, these are actual images that I pulled from the study)

Version #2 also had the same statement…with an image:

Amazingly, people saw statement #2 as 75% more credible.

By the way, Mona Lisa does have eyebrows…I looked it up 🙂

Here’s the takeaway from this research:

People aren’t going to share content unless they think it’s credible.

And when you include an image– any image — you give your content’s credibility a shot in the arm.

In fact:

Whenever I use a statistic in a blog post, I include a screenshot. The screenshots make my stats more credible.

So instead of saying, “I increased my traffic by 111%” and leaving it at that…

…I’ll show a screenshot of my Google Analytics:

But what if you’re not in an industry where screenshots make sense?

Remember:

ANY image will do.

Let’s say you wanted to convince people that blueberries reduce cancer risk. You’d include an image of blueberries with your statement:

And you’re set.