It’s official: the word ‘brand’ is now a buzzword. Thank you, Wikipedia, for clearing that up.
Yes, branding has joined the ranks of synergy and influencer, which means every person you chat up about your brand will have a totally different definition in mind. It’s one of the biggest reasons that brand visuals have become so important in establishing your personal or business identity.
Everything from your logo to your website tells a visual story about who you are, what you do, and even why you do it. If you’ve considered tossing your headshots for images that will build your brand and really express who you are, you’re probably wondering… is it worth it?
One of the number one questions I get is “What will I do with all those photos?” The answer is oh so much! The aim of your branding session is to create a portfolio of images for you to use across all your marketing platforms – online and in print. Here are a few ideas to get you started
1 | On brand blogging, baby
Rather than using free stock photos, use images from your branding session to keep your visual content unique, consistent, and fresh. Oh and on brand. A great strategy is to dream up some blog ideas ahead of your photoshoot and have your photographer create images that will fit your content perfectly!
2 | Notable newsletter content
Brand photos are a great way to share with your readers what happens in your business. Give them a powerful visual to go with your new product launch, free download, or save the date.
3 | Photo quotes that tell your story
Overlaying your very quotable ideologies onto branded photos is a great way to create a shareable images that communicate what you’re all about in a snap. You can use them on social media, in your print materials, or even throughout your website.
4 | Give your products or personal brand a personality
During our branding session, we’ll incorporate your colors, style, and elements to give a well-rounded look to your final images. While you smiling at the camera will always look nice, you in your element and letting your personality shine through will always look incredible!
5 | Refresh your website by ditching stock photos
If you’re looking to stand out from the competition – rather than blend in – ditching stock photos is your first order of business. Your website is your digital calling card after all, so be sure it really reflects you and the brand you’ve built. Incorporate your branded images into your own blogs posts or website headers while you’re at it!
6 |Create new social media banners
Especially for those with a personal brand, social media banners and image posts are the perfect way to showcase your lifestyle. When potential clients or customers land on your Facebook page or LinkedIn profile, they want to see how you work with your team or tools. Instagram, SnapChat and Pinterest are highly visual platforms just begging for your branded images to post.
7 | Get fancy with business cards and brochures
It’s an increasingly digital world out there, but print materials go a long way to establish your visual identity. If networking or sponsorship are part of your marketing strategy, you need your business cards, brochures, and flyers to be memorable. By using your branded images, your print materials will echo everything your prospects remember about chatting with you.
8 | Create brand consistency in your social media
Your brand identity begins with the visuals. Make sure they’re consistent. Using photos that were created specifically for your business and your brand is the best way to keep your visual identity consistent. Plus your feed will look gorgeous and clickable!
9 | Brand your templates and on-boarding materials
Part of your brand is the experience you create with your prospects. Sure, that includes marketing materials, but it also extends to your client. Once you’ve inked a new deal, continue to provide branded visuals during on-boarding, because they will help you communicate all the reasons your new client just signed with you. It’s not just about mitigating buyer remorse, but reminding your clients, consistently, that they were attracted to working with you for a reason.
Oh and update your headshots
Duh. The most obvious thing to do with your branding photos is to make sure you have got your headshot updated in All The Places. Sure you will update the headshot on your website and social media, but don’t forget to update it in professional groups where there is a member page. Update headshots for your upcoming speaking engagements and other sites that might be promoting you, and for your guest blog posts and contributions. Your face is probably in a lot of places, keep it professional and up to date.
Ready to revitalize your brand with a branding photography session? Contact me today!