In the last blog, we discussed why visual content is key to your brand credibility. Visual content should illustrate what your written connect cannot. What impact do photos really have on how a business is perceived? Well, a lot. Visual content is the first thing people see but many organizations take the quick and easiest path by supplementing written words with the cliché stock image. We have all seen these ubiquitous images of cheery, diverse office mates sharing a “way to go” moment while sporting crisp new power suits. Most organizations don’t look like the people you see in these photos. Who are they fooling?
Documentary photography has been used for storytelling for more than a century and adds authenticity and reality to your brand. Here are several ways businesses have used custom photography to showcase their organization’s greatest assets.
# 1 Visuals tell a lot about your relationships with people.
• Images of your staff (don’t forget they are your internal customers) convey appreciation and recognition and ensure loyalty.
• Featuring photos of your employees in your marketing messages, gives outsiders a preview of the unique and authentic culture within your organization.
• Highlighting employees who solved a particular client need or problem shows that your company is successful.
• Highlighting teams of employees or groups involved in product improvements or engaged in an event again makes your company standout. Show that your employees like their job.
• Show employees being rewarded for going above and beyond to help customers.
• Highlight your management team – Add special notes about outside interests, backgrounds or special skills that make these individuals unique.
• Challenge pre-conceived ideas – lawyers, as one example, are sometimes seen as aloof and stodgy. Photograph your partners or associates doing something other than sitting in an office.
Conclusion
Business relationships are built on personal relationships and trust. Your ability to build on these two factors can be greatly enhanced with visual stories. For more information on how to create a visual story about your business, schedule a photo session with staff members or at an upcoming event, call or email Milhem Images for a free consultation.