How Professional Photos can Take your Business to the Next Level
Why does Quality Photographing Matter?
Look, let’s keep it real. People can tell. They can tell when your media and photos are professional and when they are not. When visual media and images are crisp, coherent, and purposeful they make a positive statement about your business. When the lighting is poor and the image presentation is inferior it sends a different type of message. Awareness of the impact of our business visuals is key to cultivating a brand image that helps our target market discover and connect with what we are about. Professional photos can take your business to the next level by helping others see the dream you have for your small business and how supporting it can add values to their lives.
We Live in a Visual World
Humans are highly visual creatures within a world that reflects this. We make split-second judgments daily based on nothing more than visual input. What we see impacts which apples we put in the bag, the houses we buy, and even the perceived desirability of potential partners. Businesses on the whole, but small businesses in particular, depend on customers choosing them over ‘other’. Like it or not, this choice is influenced by visual branding and media marketing.
Is Image Important for All Business Types?
Absolutely! Whether you are big or small the image you present to the world and potential customers matters. Small businesses starting out need to be especially aware of the importance of branding in the virtual world and should include it in their budget. Any business where relational elements are required between the owner and client such as one-on-one services (think yoga teachers, fitness trainers, therapists...) as well as the creative arts (artisans of all types) need to be particularly conscientious regarding the power of imaging. As owner connection is key to small business success (1) and professional quality images help to facilitate trust and connection.
Trust & Connection
Individuals are more than consumers and correspondingly they want more and expect more from the business’s they engage. From sustainability to diversity to social responsibility and the like, potential clients are fully aware they are in a buyers market and they hold the power to choose how to spent their resources. A considered branding and visual strategy informs potential clients of your business values and motivation. Clear and authentic representation calls out to your tribe and reverberates with them. Connection, trust, & loyalty are interconnected and tied to what people see.
The Power of a Well-Considered Image:
The right images serve multiple purposes.
Showcase brand aesthetic
Create consistency across mediums
Speak to your desired market
Tell the story about your brand/business effectively
Evoke curiosity
Encourage engagement
Build connection
Likewise on the Flip Side, Poorly-Considered Images:
Detract from your mission and image
Come across as disorganized
Appear Unprofessional
Demonstrate a lack of attention to detail
Fail to inspire trust
Best Place to Showcase Quality Images:
Websites & Virtual Content (banners, bio, team members/partners, products, newsletters, etc.)
Printed materials
Marketing Materials (fliers, signs, ads)
Social Media Platforms
*Note: It is easy to make a case for professional photos on Social Media; but if that’s overwhelming even consider starting with your website. At the bare minimum your business website should be priority number one!
Getting the Right Images
It’s not complicated! Instead of thinking big, think concrete and focus on the details. It is possible to get a wide variety of exceedingly versatile quality professional images from as few as one or two highly curated professional photography sessions. In order to do this one must think through what they need and truly prepare ahead of time. Depending on your type of business this will include defining needs, obtaining props/products, preparing ‘space’, informing team members, readying self.
Always Evolving!
Finding your footing and growing your business from the ground up is hard work. Congratulate yourself on all the ways in which you’ve worked to make your dreams a reality! If you aren’t yet where you want to be; there is time to plan and think through actionable goals. If you are ready for more; go get it! Remember, the images that ‘capture’ the spirit and ethos of your business journey are always evolving. If the time is right for change, consider a professional photograph session to refine or redefine what people ‘see’ when they scope your business endeavors and offering now and in the future
Specializing In Small Business Marketing, Personal Branding And Yoga Photography
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