See how making the switch from stock to personal photos can make your business stand out.
How often do you find yourself scrolling through Facebook or Twitter: scroll, scroll, scroll, aaaaand STOP! A photo catches your eye, and suddenly you are engaged. You wouldn't have noticed the text, but you read it all because the image caught your attention. You might even buy the product advertised in the photo.
You probably skipped over dozens of posts from your friends and family that blended into a wall of text. Or maybe you’re web surfing for a product or service and find yourself immediately closing a tab because the webpage you opened isn’t appealing – there are no pictures!
You’ll see and hear it every day: we live in a world of the visual. We can’t help being drawn to images, whether it’s on the news, in a store, or scrolling through our newsfeeds.
"Photography has always been about story telling and is a powerful tool to get your message across."
In many ways, photos and graphics dictate how we see the world. Businesses can sink or swim based on their visual image. How many restaurants do you search in advance to check out the menu prior to a big date?
Maybe you're not a restaurant, but how can you use photos to build your business?
Great question.
You don’t have to be a photographer, but it’s probably a good idea to know one. But what is most important is to understand your own branding. What message do you want to present to the public about what makes your company or product unique? Having clear branding provides your customers with a shortcut as they’re deciding between your product and a competitor, and professional photos are a part of that branding.
People don’t want to be told why they should choose your company over another. They want to see it for themselves. While there are dozens of stock photo sites available, these images will be limited in how well they can tell your story.
"Photography plays a crucial role in delivering the personality of your brand. It also enhances your positioning as an expert and this in turn gives you the competitive edge with purpose of increasing your sales,” says photographer Melinda Hird. “If you want to attract attention to your brand, you need to have an inspiring first impression through great photography.”
As you are building your brand, or perhaps re-branding to reach a greater marketplace, there are a few things you should consider.
1. Budget for a photographer – just like you would want to invest in a quality web developer, graphic designer, or even accountant, investing in a photographer who will listen to how you want your story to be told will make a world of difference. While “free” sounds great at first, stock images will cost you in the end. Chances are the exact same photo can be found on dozens of websites or blogs, defeating the purpose of a unique brand.
2. Hire a professional – sure, you have coworkers who have the newest iPhone that “takes great pictures” or your cousin who has a nice camera. But if you’re looking to build a quality business and attract quality customers, don’t risk losing that through low-quality images across your online or printed marketing materials.
3. Take the time to know what you want – your photographer can only give you what you ask for. Putting some thought into your branding will make things significantly easier for your photographer to get you the results you want. If you are not clear about what you looking to present, the photos may tell a different story than you intended.
Photography has always been about story telling and is a powerful tool to get your message across, business or personal. If you’re looking to improve your business, attract a higher quality clientele, and drive sales, it may be time to gain a better understanding of your own brand and invest in quality photos for your business.
Contact us to see how RFMG can help you develop your brand!
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