Just like logos and colors are unique to your brand, images also play an important role. Brand photos are images that you have commissioned or take yourself to represent your product, services or overall brand. They can be used on your website, in social media, blog posts and in other marketing materials. Stock images are great in a pinch but your unique images will set you apart from the crowd, here are a few reasons why.
Look More Authentic
When you use stock images your brand lacks the feeling of being authentic and unique. Why should customers buy from you if they aren’t going have a unique experience? Stock images typically scream “stock image”. For example, if I had used a stock image on the home page of my website I could have used something along the lines of the example below. It’s a generic “design studio” image where the designer and client are picking out colors and going over ideas. Instead, I opted to feature an image with me and a worksheet I use for my clients and well a few items that represent my brand’s voice making the overall feeling more authentic.
A stock image that I could have used
My home page image
Avoid Copyright Infringement
Unless an image has reuse permissions, you must get consent from the author before using an image that you find online or risk being sued. I see too many brands using images that are not theirs and don’t have permission to use. Skip the legal headaches and invest in quality brand images.
Talk directly to your client
Using original images gives you the opportunity to tailor the “vibe” so that you can talk directly to your dream clients. If your brand images feature you interacting with customers, make sure those people are the same age and gender of your dream client. The more that people can visualize working with you the more likely they will buy your product.
In this brand image I feature one of my dream clients: a 30 something creative entrepreneur that needs help getting her brand organized and website online.
They help you stay cohesive
If you have followed my blog for a while, you know that I preach consistency. Having a consistent brand makes you seem more credible and people buy from brands they trust. Having a set of brand photos that you can pull from when you need a marketing piece, Instagram post or Facebook ad make your overall brand look and feel more cohesive, increasing your credibility.
