Mention the phrase ‘Brand Photoshoot’ and many of us will stick our fingers in our ears and run in the other direction.
But it you want your brand (business or personal) to stand out in a crowded marketplace then it’s imperative that you develop a strategy that allows you to sell yourself effectively while remaining authentic.
Photos are processed 60,000 times faster than text alone, so presenting potential customers with walls of text isn’t going to work. Don’t worry if you ordinarily shy away from the camera: there is always hope and a helping hand. This is your time to get creative and yes, lens-ready.
So, we can all agree that visuals are important in marketing. But what about video? THE online trend of 2019 has been utilised in multiple ways, from simple ‘live’ clips destined for Facebook and Instagram stories to slick promotional videos that feature loud and proud on professional websites.
Highlight Reel for R Gill Photography A collection of clips to highlight the video and photo capabilities of R Gill Photography
But how can you, a sole trader or small business owner, employ photography and video to promote your brand? Where on earth would you start? Your to-do list gets longer and longer so you’re forced to push marketing to the furthest reaches of an already busy mind.
The trick is to outsource. Your Zone of Genius is your business, not marketing and promotion, so why would you pull your hair out trying to organise a brand photoshoot?
Here are some tips that will make marketing your brand a breeze.
- Clarify your goal. What do you want to achieve from your brand marketing? Have you identified your audience? Before you do anything else sit down with a notepad and pen and brainstorm what you want your brand campaign to convey to customers. If you want to demonstrate confidence and trustworthiness your promotional images and videos should reflect these core company values.
- Bring a professional on board. This is bread and butter to a photographer/videographer. Ask around for personal referrals because you don’t want to bring someone in that doesn’t gel with your vision. Once you’ve found them ask them lots of questions! They will guide you on this important journey, so open communication is key to success. The more you interact the more relaxed you’ll be during the shoot. Ideally, a pre-shoot brainstorming session will give you both the chance to iron out any kinks, leaving you both ready to go. The end result will be a collection of beautiful images and clips that can be utilised for multiple promotional campaigns: completely worth the initial outlay!
- Try DIY. If you own and are comfortable with a DSLR camera, can set up shots and create the correct lighting then give it a go! Just ensure that your brand image is consistently represented throughout. You don’t want consumers to be in any doubt that this is your brand.
- Be prepared. You know your brand inside out so consider how it could translate visually. Your logo should be reflected in your chosen colour palette for the shoot. For example, if your company colours are peach and grey, then you’ll want to incorporate those into your marketing campaign for consistency. Top tip: Pinterest is your go-to for inspiration. Arm yourself with material and props that will help you communicate your brand to the masses. The day before your shoot ensure your clothes are clean and pressed and that you’ve had a good night’s sleep.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate. As I stated previously, the relationship with your photographer/videographer is paramount. Don’t be afraid to ask ‘stupid’ questions and ask for advice.The more you do this the more natural and authentic your campaign will be. Your photographer will be practiced at putting clients at ease and prompting them to get the most of the experience.
I hope you found this useful. With the right preparation and support your brand marketing campaign can be a painless and bountiful experience.
If you want to promote your brand with confidence get in touch now tel: +44 (0)7557 780336 or email: [email protected]