Small businesses evolve. When you start out, you make a plan and put the pieces in place to execute that plan. Over time, the plan changes and the pieces you put in place may or may not work anymore.

What happens when you want to take your small business to the next level?

Chances are you’ll need to make some changes to get there. The process starts with developing a solid brand messaging plan and creating marketing collateral to support it. This is often when businesses refresh websites and increase marketing efforts.

Your brand message is extremely important, but it’s also important to look at the images you’re using to convey that message. Make sure the visuals you’re using reflect where you want to go, not where you currently are. You don’t want to confuse clients by using the wrong images!

Savvy business owners know investing in custom brand imagery can really change the perception of a business. It’s time to ditch the stock photos. Here are four ways brand photography can help you reach the next level.

It Increases Your Perceived Value

Are you looking to increase your prices or attract a higher-level clientele? You may be familiar with the phrase: “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” It’s a similar concept when it comes to up-leveling your business. You have to look the part.

You can’t just say you’re worth more, you have to show people you’re worth more. You do that with a consistent brand message and images that support that message. Branded, professional photography that shows what you do and how you do it can help people understand the value they’re getting by working with you.

It Helps People Connect with You

Clients often choose to work with a small business because of the people behind it. Generic stock photos don’t build connection like authentic, branded images do. People want to connect with people and can definitely tell the difference between a stock photo and something created specifically for your business.

What if a potential client is checking your business out online before contacting you? Seeing images of the people they’ll actually be working with in the environment they’ll actually experience is a powerful way to build trust. It makes them feel familiar with you and your business—even if you haven’t met yet!

It Shows You’re Invested in Your Business

Spending the time, money, and effort involved in establishing a consistent look for your business speaks volumes. It sets you apart from those that don’t. It tells potential clients that your business is stable, well-established, and that it cares about quality. If you’re not willing to invest in your own business, why should potential clients be willing to?

It Saves You Time and Effort

Do you like marketing? Many business owners don’t. Marketing can be overwhelming, even for those who know what they’re doing!

Professional brand photography can actually make marketing easier. A well-planned brand session can generate a library of images that can be used for months down the road and in many different ways:

•          Need a photo for an advertisement? Choose one from your library.
•          Need social media content? You have a series of images ready to go.
•          Need to create some new marketing material? No need to hunt for stock photos, you have exactly what you need right at your fingertips!

Think of all of the time and stress you can save with a library of custom brand images!

There are many ways to elevate your brand perception and professional photography can really make you stand out. Is it time to level up? We can help. Contact us today to find out how.