Let’s face it, people connect with other people.
Ahem…pun intended.
This life is all about connections...in your business, online and IRL.
And these connections, relationships and everyday meetings infiltrate everything -- even, especially, your purchase decisions.
When I buy something, I need to connect with the brand, and the person or people behind the brand.
Whether I’m on the search for juice (I’m obsessed), a sexy red dress to wear for my next big shoot or new bunny slippers for my post-daily bath, I’m going to buy these things from a brand I trust, a brand I like...a brand that speaks to me.
And I do the same in my biz.
My personal brand is me, Hayley, oh heeeeyyy!!!!
And speaking of the next big shoot…photography is one of the most critical parts of my brand.
Whatever I put out into the world on my Instagram, website, emails, blogs...it has to accurately represent my brand. And it’s gotta look goooood.
You wouldn’t leave the house with rollers in your hair or your makeup half done, so don’t put anything out into the world that you’re not super proud of either.
When it comes to personal brand photography, just like your written copy, it’s all about storytelling and converting your audience into paying customers.
Your personal brand photos need to visually tell YOUR story and look aesthetically pleasing.
There are ways to do photography on a budget.
But I always recommend, if you have a bit of cash on the side, don’t skimp on this important aspect of your business.
It’s how your customers will see you. It’s how your clients will connect with you.
It’s what will influence their decision to hit follow, click the Buy Now button or like your post.
What to do during your shoot
You’ve hired a photographer (or maybe, if you’re truly just starting out and on a serious budget... your bestie has a knack for snapping) and you’re ready for your shoot.
If they know what they’re doing, your photographer has already asked you a ton of questions about you and your biz to draw out what makes you unique, find out your unique brand style, and discover the authentic you!
My personal (and hella talented) photographer is Jenn Hernandez and she’s got some wicked tips for how to look amazing in every photo.
I’m not going to give away all her secrets (you can download the free checklist on her website) but I think she nails it when she says to look your best. Get your hair done, get a really good sleep the night before and make sure you have a killer outfit that looks super profesh or YOUR regular every day clothing if you’re representing a lifestyle brand.
It’s important to talk about lifestyle photos with your photographer as well. Think of all the things that make you...you.
When I do a shoot, I get shots of me using essential oils, working on my computer, doing my podcast, and cooking healthy food.
These are things I talk about on social and in my blog so I need the visuals to complement the copy that goes with it.
Work with the photographer to take the best shots that accurately portray your life and your biz.
Lifestyle photos are key and really give people a window into your world.
Where to use your amazing new shots
You’ve got all the photos you need, now it’s time to show the world what a badass biz babe you are.
Your photos should go in your social media posts, blogs, website, landing pages, email signature, press releases, bios and any other marketing materials you use.
Heck, I even build my powerpoint preso with my own photography rather than using stock.
People want to connect with a real person, not just words or a logo on a page.
Give them a window into the person behind the business, you!
You’ll also notice if you check out my Insta, I brand all my photos the same.
I put my Hayley Hobson logo at the bottom of the frame. Hello #consistency!
I also am very careful about the colours I choose for my photos. My outfits are carefully chosen and I’m also consistent with filters.
You want your photos to all have a similar look and feel that goes with your brand.
You want people thinking of you the minute they see your images - even before they realize it’s you!
The power of imagery
I don’t like to skimp on this aspect of my business...for good reason.
If you start throwing up dark, blurry, dull photos on your Insta page, followers will drop like flies and you’re not going to see any new likes on the ol’ Pinterest or Facebook pages.
This is your canvas. And the whole world has access to your gallery.
If people aren’t visually pleased by your images, it’s not going to make them want to learn more, read the whole caption or buy your product or service.
And stock photos?
Puhleeeeeassseee stop using them. People can’t spot them from a mile away and they do nothing to build relationships or connect with your audience.
Well, ok….I realize you can’t build a complete portfolio overnight. So, it’s okay to use them once in a LONG while but do not make it a bad habit.
People want real. The real you. So give them what they want. Allow that trust to grow.
And if you love this interview with Jenn as much as I have, your in luck!
The theme of the event this year is centered on learning how to understand and communicate with people outside of my OWN generation. You know, you’ve heard of most of them right? The Silent Generation? Baby Boomers? Gen X, Gen Y, Millennials?
For example, how do I communicate with my team, who are all millennials, and help them understand and implement my vision for my business.
Or how do I sell to someone like my mom, who doesn’t trust the internet, when most of my business is based online.
This marketing strategy that I call called Generationally Authentic Storytelling.
It is an organized format that follows a sales process and deeply indoctrines your audience no matter what age and allows you to enroll them into working with you, joining your membership or buying your product with a lot less resistance.
Because you are communicating with them the way that their generation hears and processes information.
I’ve become so fascinated by this way of Marketing and communicating to different generations that I’ve decided to make it the theme of my 2nd Annual Consciously Creating Your Whole You Live Experience Event.
And I’m so excited to invite you to join me November 16th, 2019 in Boulder Colorado for a day of learning to communicate with your ideal customer across generational lines.
Tickets are on sale now over for only $247, which is a $50 discount.
But don’t wait around to get your ticket, because the discount is going away and the price is going up on Saturday!
I’ll be joined by a panel of expert speakers in teaching you in depth about this concept of Generationally Authentic Storytelling and how to implement it into your marketing.
I cannot wait for this event, because this is a game changer for your business.
Here’s to building a brand that radiates your brilliance!