Alia Alston, founder and CEO of Icebox Cryotherapy Studios, Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
So, you’ve completed your business branding photography session or are debating whether to book one and are wondering how to make the most of the new images. While you may have a few ideas in mind, there are numerous ways to use high-quality branding photos to support your business. Read on for some top suggestions, many of which also apply to professional portraits/headshots.
On Your Website and In Your Portfolio
Updating your website and online portfolio are fantastic ways to start utilizing new imagery. Besides replacing dated team, product/project, and general photos, comb through your entire website to find more areas to showcase new images in, such as a blog or “news” section. On the flip side, go back through all the final images you received and see if they spark additional content ideas beyond the initial uses you had planned for them during or before the shoot.
Samantha Dickey, founder and owner of Dirty Beauty, Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
In Online Business Directories
An online business directory listing that is updated regularly and features a curated selection of professional photos showcasing you/your current team and latest offerings or projects is an excellent way to show potential clients that you put as much care into your online reputation as you do your business.
Sites you may want to update imagery on include:
Google
Yelp
Thumbtack
Houzz
HomeAdvisor
Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
Yahoo! Local
Bark
Nextdoor
In Your Email Signature
The digital age can make it even harder to “put a face to the name.” Add a personal touch to email exchanges by incorporating a current photo of yourself in your email signature (and having your team do the same). You could also add the same photo to your Zoom or Microsoft Teams profile and any other profiles you have on platforms or programs used for business. These profiles tend to be an afterthought, so adding that dash of personalization is often appreciated and can make you stand out.
In Your Digital Newsletter
Fresh, original visuals can add new life to your digital newsletter and reduce or completely remove the need for stock photography (this applies to anywhere else you use stock photography, too). Additionally, incorporating more visual elements like photos and videos can help a newsletter—or anything else with writing—feel less text-heavy and easier to read.
In Print Marketing
Print continues to be an important part of a well-rounded marketing plan, and there are a plethora of ways you can use images in it. Consider revamping ads, direct-mail pieces, greeting cards, thank-you cards, etc. Don’t forget about business cards and informational pieces like brochures, either. Having branding images can also open the door to trying different types of advertisements, such as sponsored articles in print publications.
In Digital Marketing
Much like updating your website, using new photos in your digital marketing is another no-brainer. Show off the images with social media posts and profile updates and use them in online ads. This could also be an opportunity to test your/your team’s creativity by experimenting with posts and ads that are a little outside your brand’s norm.
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Alyssa Fagien, founder of ATL Bucket List, Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
For General Public Relations
Great photos can take a PR pitch a long way. Take advantage of new images and use them to introduce your business, latest project/product, new staff member, initiative, etc., to print and online media outlets.
Professional photography is one of the best investments you can make for your business and its brand stewardship. Click here to learn more about the CatMax Photography Personal Branding Experience and see what others have to say about it.
Sources:
EyeEm, “How to Use Images Effectively in Your Brand Marketing and Design”