Research shows that consumers want to see high-quality videos, graphics and photos from brands. It’s also no secret that the impact of social media on digital marketing means that images are key to targeted communication.
Great photos are important, but getting them can be difficult: professional photography is expensive, stock photos lack originality, and customer-submitted photos may be poor quality.
One of the best ways to improve your visual content marketing is by putting into practice a few simple tips to take better photos for your website, blog, social media posts, etc.
- Invest in a good camera
It isn’t necessary to blow your budget on a professional-grade setup, but you will need a quality camera to take better photos. While you may wish to invest in a basic DSLR with a specialty lens, most of today’s smartphones have powerful digital cameras capable of taking excellent, high-quality photos with very little fuss.
- Get the lighting right
If you really want to nail down visual content marketing, this is where you should spend your time. Whether you’re taking product photos, setting up a flat lay, doing staff headshots, or shooting candid photos at an event, understanding how to use lighting properly will produce better results instantly. A little internet research will deliver plenty of resources for improving your photos through better lighting.
- Learn the rule of thirds
According to the rule of thirds, photos should be broken down into a three-by-three grid with key elements of the composition arranged along the grid lines or at any of the four intersecting points for maximum impact. Following the rule of thirds will help you create more balanced, visually appealing images.
- Streamline photo editing
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to edit photos effectively. With some basic knowledge (readily available for free online) and advanced editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom, you can manipulate digital snaps before posting for even more visual appeal.
- Protect your visual branding
Watermarking original images not only protects the integrity of a brand as it is shared across social media platforms, but is also an additional level of marketing. When potential customers come across a watermarked image, they know its original source immediately, no matter where they encounter it.
Conclusion
Taking great photos can significantly enhance your visual content marketing. Spend some time researching the basics online, and play around with lighting, composition and settings until you have strong, visual content that is sure to enhance your brand image and improve your overall marketing strategy.
