(Average Images = Average Brand)
Marketing your business can feel overwhelming. After all, there are so many elements to consider.
Hearing that you also need professional brand images may cause you to question, “is this really necessary? Why can’t we just use stock images?”
We’re here to show you that if you want your brand to be distinctive then investing in professional images is non-negotiable.
Why brand images are important
Visual content plays a critical role in shaping your brand’s identity and connecting with your audience. People draw conclusions about your business by observing your visual identity. This includes your brand images – the visual representation of the essence, values, and personality of your business.
Essentially, every image present on your website, social media platforms, and other touchpoints, is wordlessly describing what your brand is like to your potential clients.
With that in mind, the importance of quality images suddenly becomes self-evident.
What’s wrong with stock images?
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with stock images, they are completely unoriginal. It’s impossible that the unique brand identity you’ve spent time and money creating is going to be accurately represented by any one stock image.
At best, average imagery communicates “average brand.” At worst, using stock images to convey your brand identity comes across as lazy and untrustworthy.
A business (like yours) that is looking to deliver excellence, needs excellent images too. Unfortunately, a stock image on your website of people pretending to shake hands does not encourage your ideal client to “book a call” with you.
Smartphones and their limitations
What about using smartphones for your brand images? Constant improvements in technology have resulted in smartphones with excellent cameras.
Smartphones are a great option for capturing spontaneous moments and producing behind-the-scenes footage for social media. However, relying solely on your phone for your website and marketing materials can hinder your brand image and communicate a lack of professionalism. It’s best to only use your phone camera when revealing a more casual side to your brand.
Professional photos are a worthwhile investment
Professional brand photos showcase your unique business identity and help create a positive emotional connection with your target audience. They ensure that your brand stands out in a sea of generic imagery, and they communicate – and strengthen – your key messages.
By using professional images across all marketing channels, you generate increased brand recognition and begin to cultivate a sense of trust from your target audience. This is the power of authentic images.
Say Cheese
Simply investing in professional brand imagery will result in an elevation of your brand – prior to any other work being done. Brand images are foundational for a strong visual identity which, in turn, contributes to the wider success of your business. This is a great benefit to receive in exchange for simply being in front of a camera this year.
