Whether you’re starting a new business or have a well-established business, the cost of professional photography might be an expense that you see as expendable. You have so many more important expenses you need to budget for, right? Surely professional photography is one item you can get by without. After all, you can just take pictures yourself or use stock photos to represent your business and its products.
Not so fast. Every business in every industry can benefit greatly from professional photography. No matter who your customers are or what you are selling, high-quality photography is an important asset that will contribute to your business’s overall success.
Why Should You Invest in Professional Photography for Your Business?
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Actually, these days, pictures are worth at least a thousand words. Photos enable you to show your clients and customers what you have to offer, rather than merely tell them. Consumers like to see things for themselves before making a decision about a purchase. The internet has made this increasingly possible, which means photos and videos of your products and services are more valuable than ever before.
Your Media Represents Your Business
Often times, the cost of professional photography tempts business owners to take photos themselves or find a lower-cost alternative to hiring a professional photographer. If this thought has crossed your mind, remember this: your photos represent your business. Low-quality, unprofessional photos will communicate the same low-quality message to customers about your business and the products and services you offer. That’s not what you want! You want your business’s image to convey the highest quality. For that reason, professional photography is a must for the following items:
- Headshots
- Primary Product/Service
- Real Estate
- Video Commercial
- Website
By investing in professional photography, you ensure that your photos communicate a planned, clear message. Such photos also improve your product or service’s perceived value. What’s more, you’ll be able to use these photos for a variety of promotional pieces (web and print), which will allow you to maintain consistent branding throughout your marketing. Your business’s photos are hugely important when making a first impression. Don’t skimp on them!
Customers Want To Know You
Stock photos are one alternative that some business owners consider when they feel a photo shoot with a professional photographer might be out of reach. While stock photos are certainly helpful for some purposes, they are not the best way to showcase your business. Why? Because they are not photos of your business. When people visit your website, they want to get to know you! Stock photos don’t help them do that, and they can actually give a false impression of what you have to offer. The best way for potential customers to get to know your business is by showing them actual photos of your organization, your team members, and your products.
Social Media and Instant Share
You may be wondering about social media. Without a doubt, there is a time and a place for the instant share photo. Such photos are one of the best ways to connect with customers and, therefore, should be part of your overall strategy. For instance, quick, personal photos appear authentic and seemingly unplanned. They allow followers to bond with you instantly. You can also get immediate feedback.
The downside is that such photos vary in quality, no matter how new your smartphone’s technology is. You can also miscommunicate your business message, which can cheapen your brand if done too frequently. While the instant share is relevant for social media, it should never supersede the more important professional photo.
Invest in profesional Photography For Your Business
When it comes to successfully marketing and promoting your business, professional photos are a MUST, no matter what industry you work in. The time to find and hire a professional photographer to showcase your business is NOW!
Dot Marketing provides professional photography services for use in your marketing materials. We can organize and collaborate your photo shoot, obtain props, secure locations, select and contract talent, and produce quality images for your graphic design materials or website. Contact Dot Marketing today for more details.
