Brand Photography is a collection of professional images that represent your business visually, it fits with your visual identity through the use of colors, tone, props, etc. These can include photos of you, your team, your products, your process, your space and other things that make your business unique. Brand photography showcases your brand values in a visual form. Depending on what type of business you run it can feature images about you, your products, services, your team, or spaces, places and items that reflect your brand. So why should you invest in professional brand photography?
Love to skim? The main points are in bold for you below.
1. Photos help set you apart from your competitors
The online world is crowded with people already successful within your niche. You may think dancing on TikTok is the only way to stand out but trust me, you don't have to shake your booty to make an impression. Some will tell you to research the competition and then show up differently - that's not what I am here for. Standing out amongst your competitors will benefit your brand greatly. Focus your energy on creating beautiful photos that look and feel just like you, with all of your unique and wonderful quirks. There is little benefit to stalking the competition when you are clear and confident in your mission and message, when you have a clear business strategy and brand in place. Keep your eyes on your own business and your energy focused on your goals.
2. Photos build trust
Your photo is the very first touch point for your customers. Seeing you images allows them to get a sense of what you are like to work with and provide a human connection. Having branded imagery with your face will create a know, like and trust factor that every successful business strives to achieve. Take Oprah for instance. We have all come to know who Oprah is because she is the face of her brand. We know from her imagery that she is strong, confident, is a great source for information, wears modest clothing and has amazing big curly hair. We like her because she says what’s on her mind and asks the hard questions. We trust her because she has shown up over and over again to build the brand that we have all come to know, like and trust. Who is always on the cover of her magazines? You guessed it, Oprah.
3. Brand photoshoots are customized for your business
Tell your story and why you love doing what you do, on repeat. Brand visuals are a way to create a relatable, emotional connection to you, your why, and your business. Experts will tell you to curate your photoshoot with your ideal customer in mind. By now you know I think a little bit differently, right? I believe your images should tell your brand mission and story but also who you are, especially if you are the face of your brand and the person they will be interacting with. Let your clients and customer know who you are by showing your face and confidently sharing your message, the impact you are here to create. A photoshoot for you and your ideal customers will not go unnoticed. Let them see get to know, like and trust the person behind the services or skills you provide.
4. Photos show your expertise
Having photos tailored to your business will position you as an expert in your field. Having a clearly defined mission & message and bringing that into your brand photoshoot will distinguish you from those who don't specialize in your niche. Having branded photography will take solidify your perceived authority and help set you apart, as we explored earlier. You will show up differently, confidently representing your offers and sharing them with your community, building the business of your dreams. Photos are a powerful marketing tool, making you instantly recognizable on social media as the go-to person for that particular skillset & service, easily associating you with the solution they are looking for.
5. Photos attract clients & bring in sales
Have your brand vibe and clients in mind when shooting your imagery. How do you want them to feel when they see your photo? Safe? Empowered? Inspired? Create an emotional connection with your photos, one that brings people in and allows them to see themselves inside of your brand. Don't worry about being the right fit for everyone. Photos that truly look and feel like you will help distinguish between the clients who are right for you, and those who aren't.
6. Investing in photos sends a message
It's says "Hello world, I mean business & I am confident I am the person with the exact solution you need." When you do a photoshoot that is tailored for your brand, people know. Your customers see that you have taken the time, money, energy, to invest in yourself and your brand. There is confidence behind your ability to succeed when you show the world you are willing to invest in yourself. That you are confident in your level of expertise. It says you care about your business and the product you put out into the universe. Professionalism in your business matters to you and you will do what it takes to stand out from your competitors, to help the right people find you.
7. Photos create consistency & a cohesive brand
We hear this all of the time, be consistent across all platforms, but what does that actually mean? A branded photoshoot will create consistency across all online platforms so you are easily recognizable to your audience. I love to wear an orange hat, when my clients see that on my website, TikTok and Instagram, they instantly know it is me. Photos create powerful recognition. When a potential client or customer goes to your social media or website, they should be seeing the same face of the company, the same color palette and related images that tell your brand’s story. Remember the Rule of 7, an old strategy but still applicable. The rule of seven simply says that the prospective buyer should hear or see the marketing message at least seven times before they buy it from you. It still applies, even more, today where so many businesses are online and working to define their presence on social media.
And I do mean everywhere. Click here for 20 ideas to put your photos to work for you right now. You made the investment, now it's time to put those beautiful images to work. Use them on social media, your website, Pinterest pins, Facebook ads, content creation guides, the list goes on and on. An investment in a branded photoshoot is worth every penny and goes a long way. Along with a great business strategy, photos are one of your best investments you can ever make towards your business branding.
Can’t I Just Use Stock Photography?
Sure stock photography is very appealing but remember the images won't be unique to you! Other's will certainly be using them so when a customer sees the very same image on two sites their trust in you may go down. Also, stock photos are so generalized they don't identify YOUR business. Use them thoughtfully, in a way that compliments your custom branded images. Too many stock photos can leave you with a brand your customers can’t connect with.
If you are nervous in front of the camera, I am the photographer for you. I shoot beautiful photos that look just like you, photogenic not required. Reach out to me to plan your shoot.
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