Here’s an interesting fact: as humans, we tend to remember visuals more than written or spoken information. As visual creatures, our brains are naturally wired to process visual data with relative ease. This preference for visuals translates directly into the world of commerce, where eye-catching and memorable images can significantly impact a business’s success.

The importance of brand photography in driving e-commerce sales cannot be overstated. According to recent statistics, content with relevant images attracts 94% more views than those without. In this article, we will discuss what brand photography is and how it can help small businesses boost their sales.

What is brand photography?

Brand photography encompasses all the unique and engaging images businesses use to promote their products or services. These span various platforms, such as social media, websites, and other marketing campaigns. Professional photography helps distinguish the brand from competitors by showcasing its personality. It also appeals directly to consumers’ emotions.

For product-based businesses selling online, clear product images are essential for showing potential customers what they’re purchasing. After all, they can’t physically feel or touch the product before buying it, so a visual description closes the sale.

On the other hand, service-based businesses rely on striking photos and videos to establish a strong connection with their audience. It helps them introduce themselves online while demonstrating their qualifications and expertise.

In both cases, businesses need an experienced brand photographer to consistently create content that resonates with potential buyers. 

How brand photography can help boost your sales

Incorporating professional and captivating imagery into your marketing strategy has numerous benefits. This section will discuss how brand photography can help small businesses increase customer engagement and sales. 

Create a positive first impression

A single image has incredible power in instantly conveying mood and tone. In fact, it takes the average person only 0.1 seconds to form an opinion about a product or service after seeing it for the first time.

That means that if you don’t have compelling photos, those potential customers will quickly click away from your page without a second thought. You effectively create a memorable first impression by providing potential clients with attractive imagery that represents your unique brand identity. This often sparks interest in exploring further or making a purchase decision.

Increase views on your content

Marketing materials across various platforms greatly benefit from relevant images. It’s no secret that content is king in the digital marketing world. But, if you don’t add compelling visuals to your posts, they won’t get the attention they deserve. Brand photography is a great way to increase views on your content and draw more people in.

Make your product more memorable

When viewers associate visually striking images with a particular brand name or logo, that emotional connection becomes ingrained in their memory. This leads to better recognition and loyalty over time.

Build a personal brand

Startup founders, small business owners, and influencers alike can leverage personal brand photography. Many times, it includes visually engaging pictures featuring the person behind the company. This strategy allows potential customers to connect emotionally with the entrepreneur’s passion and dedication.

Show real-world applications of your product

Brand photography also provides an excellent opportunity for showcasing your products in actual applications and situations. Thereby, they create interest among prospective customers. When people can easily visualize how an item would fit into their daily lives or routines, they are much more likely to explore further information about it. They may even be inspired to make a purchase right away.

With numerous Shopify stores popping up every day globally (many right here in Alabama), partnering with a reputable product photographer is vital for any e-commerce business looking to stand out amongst the crowd.

However, it’s important to remember that consistency is key with visuals. Our next section will explore strategies for incorporating successful visuals into your brand and product photography.

Creating consistency with brand photography

A significant factor that sets top brands apart is their ability to maintain a consistent visual presence across all marketing channels – from their personalized website to myriad social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.). These cohesive visuals create a strong and distinct impression on the minds of their target audience. 

A skilled Fairhope photographer can assist small businesses in developing this essential consistency. They can capture images that genuinely reflect their brand’s personality and values every time. The result? Increased trustworthiness, authenticity, and credibility for the business. As you know, this exponentially improves chances for sales growth!

Brand Photography & Your Website

Pictures tell a thousand words and brand photography can say even more about your business. High-quality images of your products, store, and team can make all the difference in your website engagement. They help you to build an unforgettable online presence that showcases the best of what you offer. 

As a wise Shopify article noted, “Brand photography is a powerful tool contributing to increased sales because it makes your website more appealing, increases engagement on social media, and helps build brand awareness.”

In other words, the right visuals can be a game-changer for your online presence. It’s well worth investing in good photography to ensure your business stands out from the crowd and looks professional. Many website themes nowadays shine a spotlight on visuals, and your website visitors will be expecting to find crisp, eye-catching images.

Create Consistency with On-Brand Images

You can tell a genuine story about your business and its values with cohesive, on-brand visuals. Tell this story with images throughout every stage of customer interaction, from browsing through search results up to the decision point when they decide to buy something from you. This ensures that customers recognize your brand and can trust it.

Here are some touch points throughout the customer journey where you should use consistent on-brand images:

Website

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Therefore it should be visually consistent with other marketing channels where people might learn about your shop. Start with images through every part of the user experience. From the home page, product pages to the checkout process. You can use stunning product shots or model poses right down to testimonials from happy clients.

Social Media

Social media is a tricky one because it often requires a more informal approach. Plus, you’ll likely be posting regularly, so you don’t want to use the same image all the time. However, you can still incorporate on-brand visuals into your posts.

We suggest setting up brand guidelines around your imagery, such as colors, tones, and styling of images you use across all platforms. Then, you can get as creative as you like! Whether your customers are scrolling through Instagram or getting lost in a sea of pins on Pinterest, they will always see engaging content that reflects your personal brand.

Ads

Putting the investment into consistent advertising is crucial to reach out to new potential customers and warm audiences. Unfortunately, it is a known fact that people are starting to dislike the idea of seeing ads all over the place. Many people even purposefully skip past them.

That’s why it’s so important to create stunning and eye-catching visuals that draw their attention without being too pushy.

Email

Email marketing is an ever-present part of many users’ days. It also remains one of the marketing channels with the highest ROI. But running an email newsletter requires much more effort than emailing a friend or colleague. While the former might be a simple line or two of text, the latter must be crafted carefully.

Visuals become a real game-changer in email marketing, as they create intrigue to draw the reader into your message. Whether you decide to use an image of a person or product or some kind of graphic that reflects your brand values – visuals will be key to ensuring your emails stand out from the rest and stay out of the dreaded spam folder.

Print Collateral

Both digital and print marketing materials should harmoniously synchronize in aesthetic quality. This creates another invaluable bridge between you and potential customers. Print collateral includes things like:

• Brochures

• Business cards

• Magazine ads

• Posters

• Flyers

• Sell sheets

• Catalogs

• Booklets

• Stickers

For example, catalogs sent down brick-and-mortar aisles ensure everyone receives the same message loud and clear. 

Product Boxing

Your visual messaging doesn’t stop once you finally get that customer to purchase your product or service. Instead, you want to throw in a few extra touches with your packaging. It can make all the difference regarding customer satisfaction and loyalty. When you add an element of surprise, like using custom-made boxes for retail items, you are sending customers a signal that you go the extra mile for them. 

Plus, it’ll make them feel great about their purchase and more likely to talk about your brand with friends and family.

Get started today with Focus Creative

Don’t underestimate the power of visuals when connecting with your ideal customers and growing your business revenue. As an e-commerce business owner or operator, invest in brand photography today to give your company the professional presence it deserves. To book a skilled Alabama photographer, such as Fairhope or Birmingham photographers, visit Focus Creative to find the perfect partner in bringing your brand vision to life.

Contact us today to get started.