Visuals are not decoration. They are communication tools. Provide three strategic reasons why visuals are essential to effective web content. For each reason:

• Clearly explain the concept

• Provide a real-world example (not generic statements)

Marks are awarded for depth, not surface-level answers. (6 Marks)

Three strategic reasons why visuals are crucial and are effective for website content is because visuals improve comprehension, transmit information quicker, and increase engagement. As discussed in class and shown through the powerpoints, people are able to effectively process images quicker over written text. In fact, visuals have been found to improve learning by up to 400% percent (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals – W26, slide 12). Visuals allow people to quickly comprehend and understand material without having to read large paragraphs. Visuals allow a sense of organization and communicate ideas more effectively, with 40% of people responding better to visual information than written text (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals – (W26), slide 4,13). A real world example that shows how visuals are effective is Spotify Wrap. Spotify has a feature where they track your most played songs and most liked artists in a year. Instead of collecting this data and presenting it in a written format, Spotify uses colorful graphics to show personalized graphs and creative imagery to communicate an individual’s favorite artist of the year, most played song of the year, and listening time with many people sharing their results on social media platforms like instagram. Not only does Spotify collect data effectively, but they also collect data and present it in a more creative and engaging way. 

In addition to visuals improving comprehension, visuals also allow web users to transmit information quicker. Visuals play a crucial role not only for web content but for day to day life. With 65% of the population considered to be visual learners (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals – (W26), slide 5). Visuals transmit messages faster as the human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than written content (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals – (W26), slide 9). This is crucial for website content because users often scan through pages for less than a few seconds and are fast to leave a website if their needs haven’t been met and have to read large portions of written content. A real world example that uses visuals for transmitting information quicker are hotel websites like Expedia. Expedia uses images of different hotel rooms, with images that display what the room offers. Rather than reading long descriptions, people who are looking to book a hotel for a vacation  are able to quickly scroll through these images and find and book a hotel that meets their needs and expectations. 

My last strategic reason on why visuals are crucial and effective for website content is that it increases user engagement. Visuals are more appealing to web users and draw viewer attention rather than long descriptive paragraphs. With users forming  impressions of websites in just 50 milliseconds (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals in Web Content – (W26), slide 2). Strong visuals not only draw attention, but also encourages web users to interact with your website by remaining on the website’s page and sharing a website with others. In fact, visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media platforms (Briscoe, The Power of Visuals in Web Content – (W26), slide 3). A real world example that demonstrates how visuals boost user engagement is Amazon. Amazon utilizes visual images of their many products with zooming features that allows web users to see a product in different angles. Amazon does a good job engaging users and makes it simple for them to share their favorite products. Overall, Amazon is a good example of a website that utilizes images that keep web users interested and makes a user more likely to make a purchase. 

This is a multi-part question. Please create a visual post for your blog on a topic specific to your business and answer the questions below. You will create a visual-first blog post for your business website. This involves critical thinking. What is important to your business and visitors? This is not a written article with an image added. This must be:

• Image-led

• Message-driven

• Minimal text

• Strategically intentional

The image(s) must carry the meaning. You may use:

• Photography

• Original graphics

• Screenshots

• Edited visuals

• Multi-image carousel format

• Before/after comparison

• Visual storytelling sequence

• Etc.

The key requirement – If the text was removed, the visual would still communicate the core message.Please pay attention to what was discussed in class. Ensure that you include a link to the blog post in your answer. Do not forget that this needs to be included in your hardcopy. I am marking what you hand in with your hardcopy but also need to see the digital version on your blog. If it is not online for me to view (in addition to the hardcopy), I cannot mark this question. (4 Marks)

You must:

• Include the visual post in your hardcopy.

• Publish the post on your blog under a category titled “Assignment 4”

• Include the direct URL in your hardcopy

• Ensure your blog navigation is working and accessible

Designed with Indesign Adobe and Photoshop Adobe

Why did you choose the specific image(s)?

Your explanation must include:

a) Business relevance

b) Target audience alignment

c) Image intent

d) Why this visual works better than alternative visual approaches

I chose this specific image and used the help of photoshop and indesign to make it relevant to my business’s objective and goal of preventing rusting and tarnishing of affordable gold plated jewelry. My business, Everlast Jewels, focuses on creating a solution that limits jewelry from rusting from any form of water exposure permanently. By showcasing gold plated earrings, one which is shiny and new and one that is rusted and dull looking side by side represents a common issue in the fine jewelry industry, and how my product solves it. This visual for my blog effectively communicates and resonates with my target audience, specifically those who are all time jewelry lovers who wear jewelry daily and seek affordability and durability. This visual relates and aligns with my target audience because it’s a common experience, where jewelry rusts over a short period of time, making the visual seem relatable and addresses a common issue seen in the jewelry industry. The image intent is used to create contrast, similarly to create a before and after approach to what protected and non-protected jewelry looks like. By showcasing both shiny and rusted gold plated earrings, it makes viewers understand and relate to the common issue without having to read the text fully. Personally speaking, I feel that this visual concept works better then other visual approaches because it effectively showcases and communicates the common issue and an ideal solution. I felt that a single product image wouldn’t effectively communicate the industry’s issue and a lifestyle image wouldn’t be as direct. Therefore, I came up with a before and after/ side by side  concept that makes it more effective by showcasing both at the same time, making viewers grab the concept faster.

Explain in detail how the image(s) strengthens the post from a digital marketing perspective.

You may reference:

• Attention economy

• Scroll behavior

• Visual hierarchy

• Brand perception

• Trust building

• Emotional triggers

• Information processing

• Conversion influence

Be analytical. This is not a design reflection. This is marketing reasoning.

The image strengthens the post from a digital marketing perspective by capturing the attention of viewers quickly and communicates a common issue in the jewelry industry. When it comes to web content, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than written text (Briscoe , The Power of Visuals in WebContent – (W26), slide 2). Large written portions are often ignored and scolded passed, which is why its crucial visuals capture an audience’s attention instantly. The side by side/ before and after visual showcases one shiny earring and one rusted one catching the attention of jewelry lovers and a common issue faced in the jewelry industry, making them immediately interested in the post. In addition, the visual image also showcases visual hierarchy . At first glance, the viewer notices a pair of gold earrings and the contrast between the quality of earrings. Where one is shiny and one is rusting, along with supporting text and heading. Additionally, the visual image utilizes one of the 6 principles of design, emphasis (Briscoe,W9- The Power of Visual Content- (W26), slide 45). By making one earring rusted and dull, it draws the attention of viewers, while also being relatable. The visual allows the audience to better understand the concept and objective of my business while also making it more eye-catching and simple to comprehend. The visual image also captures brand precipitation and trust. Showcasing the issue of jewelry rusting visually, and the desire of long lasting and protected jewelry. The visual blog post is meant to directly reach customers and offer a solution. Building a sense of trust, and becoming  more meaningful rather than just a promotional blog post. As mentioned in the powerpoints, words and images combined are 5 times more memorable then words alone (Briscoe,W9- Enhancing Content – (W26), slide 41). The visual along with the short written text makes the brand feel more thoughtful and reliable. Another key aspect of how my blog visually connects to a digital and marketing perspective is through the use of emotional triggers. Visuals cause a stronger and faster reaction than words alone (Briscoe,W9 – C- Importance of Visuals – (W26), slide 15). Jewelry can be personal and significant value financially. Therefore, seeing rusted jewelry can often trigger a feeling of sadness or irritation. On the contrary, a shiny earring creates a feeling of reassurance, making viewers feel a sense of trust and reliability. The image creates a strong message and provides a desirable solution. Lastly, the visual also encourages conversion influence because it explains and shows the product’s benefits in one visual. Viewers are able to connect with the product and its benefits through the contrast of shiny and rusted earrings. Increasing the likelihood of viewers to engage in a post and proceed to purchasing it. Especially if they feel that a product meets their specific needs. Overall, the visual I created with the help of Photoshop and inDesign better strengthens my blog post from a digital marketing perspective by making the message clear and direct, faster to comprehend, memorable, and persuasive.

Visit the St. Clair College website. Analyze it strictly from a visual marketing strategy perspective targeting: Local domestic high school students.

You are to provide three strategic visual enhancement recommendations. For each recommendation:

1. Clearly identify the issue or missed opportunity (3 x 2 = 6 Marks)
2. Propose a specific visual improvement (3 x 2 = 6 Marks)
3. Explain why it would improve recruitment effectiveness (3 x 2 = 6 Marks)
4. Connect it to student psychology and digital behaviour (3 x 2 = 6 Marks)

When it comes to St.Clair’s visual marketing strategy perspective, The St.Clair College Website home page utilizes a lot of images and offers news detailed information for college students, but they lack a clear message and is overall overwhelming with the use of  drop down options, text boxes and sliders, and website transitions, making it difficult for domestic high school students to find their way around the website. For my first recommendation, a visual improvement that can be proposed is instead of having multiple images with transitions and repetitive internal links, offer a more simple layout, utilizing a more balanced layout rather than having multiple directories . A simple but strong call to action like “Book a Tour” or “Get Started”  would also be beneficial for domestic students to get to know the classes and campus. This would improve recruitment effectiveness because reducing the amount of images and visuals causes less confusion and makes it easier for students to navigate though the St.Clair Website and encourages students to explore what St.Clair has to offer. Connecting through a student’s psychology and digital behavior point of view, High school students have a lack of attention span and only spend a few minutes on a website deciding whether or not a College or University is the right fit for them. High School students want a simple and easy to understand layout when it comes to applying to college as the majority of high school students are nervous for the new transition. Therefore, by creating a more simple layout and limiting any repetitive internal links, St.Clair College would increase engagement numbers on their site and provide a more useful and less overwhelming experience to domestic students. A second recommendation I would suggest for St.Clair Website involves the program options and facilities. From the home page, students are able to explore the full time programs at St.Clair College and explore a list of programs and facilities St.Clair has to offer. When recalling my first year in College, the St.Clair website lacked emotional visuals and story telling aspects. Although there are strong informational videos, it lacks student centred visuals which  demonstrates real time events, clubs, visual  testimonials,etc. These aspects would create a strong relatable and personal feel to students building a sense of trust. By doing so, St.Clair College can improve its recruitment effectiveness, proving real time experiences becoming more appealing to first year college students. Limiting any uncertainty and concerns and encouraging students to apply to St.Clair College rather than other Universities and Colleges in Ontario. From a student’s psychology and digital behavior, emotional connection is a crucial factor. First year college students are influenced by peer experiences and are more likely to apply to a college they trust. Students value real time experiences though visuals that are direct and clear. This creates a sense of belonging and identity. Lastly, St.Clair offers important and valuable information other than programs such as financial aid, campus clubs and opportunities. However, the website does not visually display these features effectively. Similarly to recommendation one, the information is scarred across the website which is confusing and harder to navigate to. A well structured and organized layout can allow students to quickly navigate to important information, improving user experience as a whole. This can be achieved though limited text and strong short headings, icons, and visuals. Making St.Clair’s website is more visually appealing and easy to click though, encouraging  students to continue scrolling and engaging with content, improving recruitment effectiveness overall. High school students usually don’t read a website’s content fully and quickly glance through sections missing out on important and valuable information. With a strong visual hierarchy, students are able to navigate through St.Clair’s website and find important information quickly and limit any confusion and stress they might be feeling already. 

4. For question #2, what did you do differently from the original post? Please outline, explain and justify what you changed & why. Essentially, what did you learn from this new topic and what did you change and why?

(8 Marks)

For question #2, when writing my revised post, some changes I made to improve my written content for plain english writing and the F pattern successfully was improving my content structure and organization. I did so by taking the large paragraph from my original post and reducing it to smaller sections and headings. This allows users to effectively and quickly find important information and fulfill their needs and concerns, and reduces the chances of them clicking off my website. Additionally, I added built points for a more pleasing and visual look making it easier for readers to scan and save time without having to re-read the content. Readers spend 15 seconds or less to decide whether a website is worth engaging with  (Briscoe, W8 -Writing Website Copy and Plain Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 3). Therefore this was a key factor to consider to encourage people to engage and keep them interested  in my content. I also changed my written content from the original post by making the language more simple and accessible to all levels. I did so by limiting any complex words and removing any repetitive language, while also ensuring to fix any grammar mistakes (Briscoe, W8 – Plan Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 36). In conclusion, what I learned from this new topic is that the F pattern and Plain English are important factors in creating a well structured and effective content. Additionally, I learned that in order for a website’s written content to be successful in engaging and keeping the attention of web readers is by having content that is  well organized, accessible, and fulfills the readers needs and purpose. Not only does it effectively improve the trust readers have with a website, but also saves them time, limits any confusion, and becomes easier to navigate. Overall improving a web user’s experiences. 

3. For question #2, explain how your new post successfully addresses the three main objectives of Plain English writing as discussed in class. Provide a detailed breakdown of each objective. (9 Marks)

1.  Describe one specific technique you used to improve readability in your revised version and explain why it is effective. (4 Marks)
2. What was the most challenging aspect of applying the F-Pattern and Plain English writing principles? How did you overcome it? (5 Marks)

My new revised post successfully addresses the three main objectives of Plain English writing which consist of allowing users to find what they need, is understandable, and fulfills any question and concerns through written content that is simple, well structured, and organized, appealing more to web users. I ensured my content was well structured by writing more commonly used day to day words, in shorter sentence structures, with strong headings making it easier for readers to quickly navigate through important information and grab their attention effectively. The revised post is understandable through simple language that uses limited jargon and technical terms, and limits any wording that might be difficult and not easily understandable (Briscoe, W8 – Plain Language Writing Quick Recap (W26).pdf, Slide 3,7). Additionally, I ensured that my written content is well organized and clear, making  it easier for users to fulfill their purpose and needs  as they are able to easily scan the information and quickly find any questions they might be having. In addition to using these main objectives, one specific technique I used to improve readability was adding builtpoints instead of having a large paragraph. I felt this was effective because the majority of web users scan a website’s copy for 15 seconds or even less, and decide whether or not it’s worth reading (Briscoe, W8 -Writing Website Copy and Plain Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 3). With built points, it  grabs the attention of web users and is simple and pleasing to look at rather than a large paragraph with complex and fancy words. When it came to applying the F pattern and Plain English writing principles, I found the most difficult and challenging aspect was managing simplicity while also creating content that was informative. I was worried that with limited sentence structure and the use of more day to day words would make my written content seem untrustworthy and basic. I overcame this by separating my points that I wanted to get across in sections and focused on creating visible and stronger headings that would grab the attention of readers more effectively. In addition, I also added  built points to save reading and scanning time and took out any difficult and unnecessary words, to make my writing more welcoming and friendly. I found that the built points allowed me to include those implant details and information I felt was left out, and also makes the overall user experience less overwhelming and accessible for all levels. 

2. In a previous assignment, you wrote an introduction article in the “F” pattern. Based on what we discussed in class and based on the feedback provided in class, write a new introductory “content” incorporating “plain English writing for the web” in the “F” pattern including visuals. You are to include your “revised version” (if the version you submitted was not in the F-Pattern). Ensure that it addresses the three main

objectives of plain English writing. As a reminder, this is an introductory post for your business. Ensure you list it in your hardcopy. (12 Marks)

Revised Version

Jewelry Made to Wear Everyday! 

At Everlast Jewels, we make jewelry that doesn’t rust, tarnish, or fade after a few wears. Our Jewelry is made for everyone and is affordable, stylish, and trendy on a budget. 

Long Lasting Jewelry Quality

Our jewelry is made to last forever! with the help of our anti-rust, and water proof spray that creates a protective layer keeping your jewelry looking brand new. 

• Helps limit rusting from water exposer 

• Safe for all skin types
• Simple to Use on the Daily

Stylish and Trendy 

We have a large collection of gold plated jewelry from simplistic, bold, and fancy pieces made to bring any look to the next level! Our Jewelry is made to help our customers feel confident and fashionable, bringing out the best version of themselves. 

Jewelry Care and Tips 

Visit our blog page for jewelry care and styling tips to keep your jewelry fresh and looking its absolute best! Our blog offers tips and tricks on 

• Simple jewelry care and protection 
• Styling ideas and looks
• Answers commonly asked questions from customers

At Everlast Jewels, our goal is  to satisfy our customers making sure they feel confident, stylish, and effortlessly beautiful everyday!

Old Version 

Jewelry that Lasts Forever

At Everlast Jewels, we believe that jewelry shouldn’t rust within a week of wearing. Our business is dedicated to changing the jewelry industry, making affordable, long-lasting, trendy, durable gold plated jewelry with our anti-rust and water proof spray that helps prevent tarnishing permanently. 

We are passionate about good quality and affordable jewelry while providing strong customer satisfaction. Our Blog is the place to go when it comes to jewelry inspiration and jewelry care.  We offer a wide range of jewelry, starting from bold, simplistic, and sentimental pieces that will enhance your everyday look. With everlast jewels, our jewelry is made to inspire and build confidence effortlessly.

1. We spoke about Plain English writing in class. Please answer the following in detail:

1.  How would you explain to someone what “Plain English writing” is? (4 Marks)

Plain English writing is written material that allows readers to interpret and understand a message quickly. When writing and generating content, it’s crucial to have clear, concise, and correct content that provides relevance and understanding to the intended audience (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 3,9). When creating content, writers should consider what would appeal and grab the attention of themselves. Using Plain English writing saves time and money, creates clarity for readers, limits any dreads or doubts on content, and creates empowerment to your readers (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 14). Plain English writing is more effective to readers than long and difficult content where an audience has a harder time understanding, and is more likely to disengage with the written material. It’s important when creating Plain Language writing that you understand and know your audience, what your audience knows and what they are looking for and how you can answer any questions or concerns (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 29). In conclusion, plain English writing allows readers to understand, access, and gain information in a written format that is simple and concise to an audience.  

2. What makes plain English writing different? (4 Marks)

Plain English Writing is different from any other form of writing because it focuses on clarity, relevance, and accessibility to readers. On the contrary, other content might consist of more complex and technical writing where it makes it difficult for readers to engage, interpret and understand content. Plain English writing is direct and uses simple vocabulary and short explanations where readers can be more engaged. Plain English writing is important when it comes to creating written content because it limits any misunderstanding and communicates effectively to a wide audience. For instance, many people read in different levels of literacy and don’t always read content carefully, therefore it’s crucial to consider using written language where you understand the audience and their specific needs (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing (W25).pdf, Slide 36). Plan language writing utilizes simple everyday words that readers recognize, with short and clear sentences, in a well structured format (Briscoe, W8 – A – Plain Language Writing Quick Recap (W26).pdf, Slide 2). To conclude, Plain English Writing is different then other forms of writing because it consists of content that is clear, relevant, and accessible to an audience. Making content more engaging and effective to readers while creating and building trust with your audience.

3. What is plain language writing for the web and in detail and in your own words, why is it important? (4 Marks)

Writing plain language for the web is important because web users spend little time deciding whether or not a website is relevant and worth reading. Utilizing Plain language helps web users to navigate and find important information quickly. Unlike blog posts or reports, where they consist of a larger space to expand written content and ideas . Web pages utilize a limited word count to draw the attention of the brand’s voice, deliver valuable information, and increase conversion rates. Using clear short sentences and limited grammar mistakes allows an audience to be more engaged and reduces the chances of losing a reader’s attention (Briscoe, W8 – Writing Website Copy and Plain language Writing (W26).pdf, Slide 14-15). In conclusion, plain language writing is important for effective web writing because it determines whether or not  a user will engage with the content. Doing so by creating content that is  clear, concise and correct ensuring that users find any information effectively and directly. Engaging and improving web users overall web experience.

4. Second-Year Course Headline (4 marks)

Create one headline promoting second-year digital courses in this program, targeted to first-year students.

You must provide:

a) Provide the headline

b) Explain your reasoning clearly using class content

“Advance your skills with Digital Marketing and Advertising Second year classes at SCC and be prepared for the future!”I personally felt this headline was effective when communicating to the first year students because it directly states what the content is about and who the target audience is. The phrase “Advance your Skills” shows professionalism and connects to what the first year students want to achieve. Which relates to how relevance, like discussed in class, is an important factor to consider when developing effective headlines. The phrase “Digital Marketing and Advertising” is clear and direct, tying into clarity, which also increases first year’s trust. The phrase “Be prepared for the future!” creates an emotional connection and employment security without being overly exaggerated, connecting to students’ long term goals and builds trust and decreases worries of not getting a job in the future.