A Guide to GIFs: Tools to Create Your Own and When and How to Use Them
GIFs and videos originate from the same concept. The small space between pictures and videos if you must.
Want to know how to create GIFs and when to use them?
In this blog post I’ll share:
1. Tools to create your own GIFs
2. When and how to use GIFs in your digital marketing strategy
3. Where you can find free GIFs to use at your disposal
GIFs are especially useful when it comes to emails, assuming your email provider doesn’t allow you to embed videos directly.
Instead of sharing a motionless thumbnail, you can rely on GIFs as a sneak peek before your email list clicks off and converts to view your full video.
They’re also great for blog posts, social media posts, and anywhere there’s a message that needs to be announced.
Tools to create your own GIFs
1. Giphy.com
2. GIFS.com
3. Imgur.com
4. GIFMaker.me
5. EZGIF.com
6. MakeaGIF.com
When and how to use GIFs in your digital marketing strategy
Use GIFs to make your content stand out
A top tip from Buffer says that GIFs in tweets provide great results when it comes to engagement.
Not only are they more noticeable among Twitter’s endless streams of content, they have the ability to gain some viral traction.
Use GIFs to show a brief “how-to” or process
That old saying, “Show don’t tell” has never been more accurate.
Here HuffPost uses multiple GIFs to explain how to wear a scarf like a boss. Nuff said.
But honestly, how clever is that?
Okay and I felt that this one was also necessary to share. Any Schitt’s Creek fans out there?
Use GIFs to display a product in motion or in use
Think of it as a digital show room.
With more and more people shopping online, being able to show off a product in motion will make you stand out.
Entice potential customers by sharing ideas of how a product can be used.
For example, a clothing line might share a GIF of how their fabric lays or how shoes can be paired in multiple ways.
A beverage company might share a GIF of their product being used as a drink base or as a mixer.
Use GIFs in your Facebook Ads
Stop your ideal customers scroll by using GIFs in your sponsored content or paid ads.
According to Facebook, “shorter videos get more views.”
Falcon.io states, “For shorter videos that present your brand and main message early on, it makes sense to follow 3-second video views as a measure of success.”
If you ask me, from my personal experience with Facebook ads, all of the above is accurate.
Next time you don’t have the time or budget to create a full-length video, try using a GIF that embodies your ads caption.
Use GIFs to show your brands personality
Although you should always have a goal in mind when sharing content and a designated CTA, not everything should be a sales pitch.
Sharing GIFs to show off your witty personality and referencing pop culture trends are great ways to humanize your brand.
Not to mention, posting funny GIFs makes for a positive experience.
Where you can find free GIFs to use
Before you begin using GIFs, make sure to read copyright policies. Some platforms may require attribution.
1. Cliply.co
2. Giphy.com
3. Tenor.com
4. MotionElements.comGyfCat.com
If you need a second opinion on your digital marketing strategy, feel free to email me at: KimYangCreative@gmail.com – I respond within 24 hours.
Sources:
1. Buffer.com
2. Giphy.com