The Importance of Branding for your Brand | Branding Photography & Website Design

This is a blog series based on a 4 part Instagram Series hosted by myself & Katherine Lewis with Brandhaus Labs that will help you show up like the expert you are & bring the heart and soul into your brand. Each week, I will share the Q&A from our chats and speak to different topics all relating to Branding Photography & hiring a Web Designer. Let’s dive in!

Website Design Focused

• What makes a website reflect our personality if we don’t have imagery to do that?
  • Such a good question. There are amazing stock photos that can showcase your process or similar products, but you’re losing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your people. 
  • People need to be able to see themselves on the other side of their problem on your website. So having product photos or photos of you showing what it will look like to work with you will help SO MUCH.
  • You can definitely use branding and visuals (other than photos) to convey a mood, but it feels so much less lively. 
  • Copywriting! Copy + design + photography are the essential trifectas for a website that connects.

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• What’s the difference between a template and a custom-designed website?
  • Visual Difference–there are limitations on what you can do when you’re getting a template design. For a custom-designed site, your designer will use code usually to make it really stand out and have functionality that is tailored to what you and your audience need.
  • Cost difference–templates are more affordable because it’s less work for the designer. They don’t have to know code or spend time finding creative solutions. If you’re ready to invest a little more, a custom site can have extra features (or just features that look a particular way) and can be more creative and on-brand.
  • Neither is wrong per se, it just depends on what your business needs right now. Read more on Katie’s website, here!

Branding Photography Focused

• How will a branding photoshoot make me stand out/look more legit?
  • More than being more legit, a branding photoshoot enables you to build trust with your clients. Building trust before they even consider booking you or having you do XYZ. Having photographs that showcase you doing your special sauce is so helpful when you’re trying to market your brand. People want to know the behind-the-scenes, how you do things! Sharing the insights of your brand & your personality allows for your audience to connect with you! 

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• What is the cost of NOT having good branding photos?
  • Lack of connection with your audience. Not going deeper than just client work. If you’re a product-based business, I feel like they hide behind the product – but again, your ideal clients want to know the reasoning behind your products. We are not Target or a chain store – we are a brand. 
  • A consistent schedule on social media! Social proof is how a lot of people book! When you have good branding photos, you are more confident in showing up & posting consistently for your brand. And they’re not all going to be photos of your face so to speak – we dive deeper than that so don’t worry if you’re not comfortable in being the “face” of your brand. Here is a recent blog post about how to do & stay consistent!

• Do I really need a professional photoshoot or can I just DIY one/have my Instagram husband take pictures of me?
  • There is a time and place for a DIY/Instagram husband or friend, I will say! One of my clients can vouch for this because she was a DIY gal before we started working together! Because I am a branding photographer, I go way beyond just showing up and taking your photos – together we dive deep into your brand & really pinpoint ways to connect with your ideal clients. I take “photographer” and turn it into “Lucy is a newborn & family photographer who really values the relationships she builds, spends time really hearing her clients wants & needs, helps with wardrobe & makes sure you’re 100% confident in the service you receive.” I shared this example on my Instagram post yesterday!
  • A photographer also knows way more than your Instagram husband or friend, I promise! We know how to pose so you feel confident when the lighting is great & when it is horrible. 

A little bit of both!

• What are the most common branding photos that DON’T serve your website well?
  • Anything that’s off-brand or not part of your story. If you have something unique to you, totally include it–but make sure you explain it and it is something that connects with your audience. Before putting it on your website, I would have some sort of social proof that it’s what you’re “known for,” especially if it’s kind of a stretch or if it doesn’t relate to your brand. For a great example of showcasing something unique to you, check out this blog post!
  • Too much clutter
  • Using photos that hide your face, unless they are intentionally doing so. A lot of photos of you behind a laptop. 
  • Choosing photos that don’t speak to your ideal client – if your ideal client is a 25-30-year-old small business owner then cater your branding images to speak to that criteria. Keep this in mind all while being authentic to your brand, too!

That’s all for this week! We hope that spoke & educated you a little (or a lot!) more about The Importance of Branding; Branding Photography & Web Designer. Next week, I will be sharing All About Planning; planning for your branding photography experience & planning for your new website or a refresh!

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Interested in taking the next step for Branding Photography & Web Designer? Obviously, I’d love to work with you & I am sure Katie would too – – here are a few creatives you could check out!