1. Your images look like everyone else's.
When you post about your business you want to make a statement or share value with your client. If you choose a stock photo from an online library, that photograph has likely been used hundreds, if not thousands of times by other people in the same field. There's nothing about it that stands out.
We can take your brand and make it identifiable to you.
Consider a massage therapist, for instance, when you are wanting to book with one, you want to know that you're going to be able to relax in their space. What images are you looking for when you go to their site? More than likely a headshot, so you can see the face behind their brand, and an image of them working with a client. You'd probably like to see the actual room where you'll be relaxing to see that it's inviting. Instead of seeing those authentic images, you're likely going to see stock images in a sterile white location. In reality, most massage rooms have a calming ambient light, simple soothing decor, and tranquil music playing in the background. My ideal location would have the sounds of water tumbling over pebbles. Capturing sounds could definitely be done in a promotional video, but that's a topic for another day. Instead, for this particular image, your copy could say something about the soft music that streams through each individual client's room.
2. Your images aren't well lit.
This one is something most people take for granted. We've all got a phone in our hands constantly, and new phones have pretty good cameras on them.
Recently I took some portraits for an event. After reviewing the images, one of the facilitators said, "Those are pretty good. You must have a nice camera."
Bless his heart. (That's southern for I don't think he knows what he's talking about.) I'll admit, I do have a pretty nice camera, but saying that my camera took good photographs is like saying, "You must have nice pots and pans" to a chef. The camera does what I tell it to do.
When you trust your phone camera in its automatic setting, you're allowing it to tell you what looks best. That's why your images are always dark when the sun is to your back and you've got a perfectly colorful sky. Your phone is showing you the light. A professional photographer knows how to tell the camera what needs to be exposed; they decide for the camera rather than letting the camera decide for them.
3. Your images need some editing help.
I'm going to get stoned for this one. I already know it. There are endless filters available that can make or break your images. When you see a cohesive brand, its images flow. Think of any brand name, go to their IG account and what do you notice? It's consistent. Whether their images are all bright, dark, moody, cheerful; that's the aesthetic of their Brand. If your images are all different you're sending a confusing message. Your audience wants to know what your brand represents. Donald Miller of Storybrand says it best, "When you confuse, you lose." Using the same filter or no filter at all will ensure a consistent look across the board.
Whether you're a big name company or a solopreneur, your images speak for your brand. What do your images say about yours?
What if you had a Custom Stock Library of images to choose from?
Having a library of images that were made just to represent your brand is the way to ensure you've got the images that match your aesthetic when you need them. When we work together we'll delve into all the things that you're wanting your ideal client to know about you and your business. We'll plan everything from who, what, when, where and any props or products you'd like to include in your images. Rest assured that the lighting will be right. Whether I need to bring additional lights or use natural lighting, I'll give you a cohesive look to your images across the board. Your images will be consistent with your brand.
Now's the time to start planning for your social media future. Message me now to learn how we can work together to attract your ideal client.
People need to know that your brand is unique.
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