4 KEY WAYS TO USE YOUR PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOS

Your collection of personal branding photos will enable you to tell YOUR story. You may wonder why this is important or even necessary, but none of us can deny that storytelling is an essential part of our everyday communication. Stories elicit change, entertain, warn and even teach us valuable life lessons.

Many successful business owners have already tapped into the powerful world of storytelling. They use it to cement their branding, communicate their key messages and build trust with their target audience.

“Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but the stories that you tell” ~ Seth Godin

The body care company; Burt’s Bees, are a great example of storytelling, using it to reveal the brand’s prevailing ethos. They tell their story on their website using a series of images and just a few words.

You may wonder how you can use your personal branding photos, to ensure your story is heard. Over the years, I’ve seen a number of businesses use their photos to achieve growth and success, and I hope this guide can help you do the same.

ABOVE-THE-FOLD

As human beings we lean heavily towards the visual; it draws us in and evokes emotion. It’s important to remember this when it comes to your website, and it’s why I’m dedicating a whole section to the ‘above-the-fold’ area. This is the upper part of your website that a user first sees before scrolling down.

It goes without saying that images are important on websites, but arguably, the most important image on your website is the image you place above-the-fold.  Because this is the image that captures your audience’s attention and motivates them to scroll down and learn more.

Start telling your story here, with this image. It doesn’t need to be too large, just enough to catch the eye. Don’t feel tempted to use a stock photo; internet users are becoming smarter at judging company websites, and when they see a fake stock photo you lose an opportunity to make a trusting connection

Your photos should be adding value to your website, not detracting from your story.

PROFILE PHOTOS

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again; people buy from people. Lose your company logo from your social media profiles. Instead add a photo of you from your personal branding collection.

By all means, add your logo to your social media banners and post images, but not your profile picture. As this is an opportunity for your followers to see you as more than just a brand, but as an individual. An individual who’s worked hard, struggled through challenges and can provide real conversation.

Of course, if you’re a large company with plenty of staff and rarely make one-to-one contact with your clients then your company logo is just fine. If not, don’t waste an opportunity to connect as a real person to your target audience.  

I’d also recommend using an image for your profile photo that is on your website, it helps to have consistency in your marketing efforts. Let your customers get to know you, at every opportunity.

EMAIL SIGNATURE

Did you know that there is a part of the brain dedicated solely to recognising human faces: the fusiform gyrus.  This is why we often see human faces in the most random objects – that part of the brain is always active, always searching for a recognisable face amongst the chaos.

So with this in mind, its makes sense to add your image to your email signature.  That way potential customers can put a face to your name, and it acts as a reminder of who you are.

BLOG BIO’S

Being present visually in your blogs, can really help your website’s SEO. I’m not suggesting you add an image of yourself to every blog topic (let’s face it, that’s not always appropriate), but there is always room to add a small bio at the end of your blog post. This is your opportunity to display your expertise, authority and set yourself up as a trustworthy source. Qualities that Google’s search algorithm favours and as a result; can really boost your google ranking.

Don’t fall into the trap of creating faceless content – create a bio and establish your blog’s authenticity.  

Here’s mine! 

WHO AM I?   Michelle Morris biography

I have over 15 years experience as a professional photographer.

Photography runs in my blood, as my mother too was a photographer.  She was one of the first French female photographers on a film set.  She bought me my first camera when I was 18 and I’ve been taking photos ever since.

Click here if you’d like to learn more about me and how I became a photographer! 

Here are some further suggestions of where you can add your personal branding images.  If you can think of anymore please do email me, I’d love to hear how you use images in your marketing.

• Pinterest graphics
• Email marketing
• Newsletters
• Pricing guides
• Social media posts
• Guest blogs
• Networking groups
• Campaign landing pages
• Merchandise

If you would like to know more about my photography, please explore my website, or reach out to me at michelle@michellemorris.co.uk. If you would like to regularly receive my newsletters and blogs please join my VIP list (you’ll get first dibs to offers and promotions).

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