There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to putting together the perfect business website.
Not only does your website need to be optimised for Google and work in an efficient and intuitive manner for your customers, but it needs to be an apt representation of your brand. To ensure that this is the case, the photography on your site needs to meet the expectations for your clients. There are a number of different options available when it comes to sourcing photographs and images for your website, yet there is no denying that going down the professional photography route and using custom images is the best option. With that being said, continue reading to discover everything you need to know.
You generally have two options when it comes to the photography for your website. You can either opt for a professional photographer or you can use the stock photos that are available on online today.
While stock photos can be tempting because they are cheaper and sometimes even free, they do not come recommended. There are a number of reasons why. The first reason is that everyone has access to stock photos. You won’t get exclusive rights to the photographs. This means that any other company could be using the same photos as you. In fact, once you start browsing the web and looking at the different images on company sites you will see that the same photos tend to be used again, and again, and again. This is because the companies have been using stock photos, and so they all end up using the same thing. This does nothing for your business in terms of individuality and making yourself stand out from the crowd. In fact, the opposite is achieved. You simply look like one of many companies in the mix, which is the last thing any business wants when they are trying to standout from the crowd and attract customers.
This is why it makes sense to go for professional photography. When you do this, you will get premium quality photos that capture the true essence of your business and the products you sell. Photographs tend to be the first thing that people notice when they visit your website, and so it is vital that your photos are working positively for your business, rather than working against it.
Moreover, professional photography enables people to get a true understanding of what they should expect from your products. Today, online shopping, research and review is booming. However, there is one drawback, and this is the fact that you can’t see the items in person prior to your purchase. This is where professional photography comes in. It aims to bridge that gap so that you can get a true understanding of what the product looks like before you buy it.
If you are a business that sells physical items, you simply cannot afford to overlook the importance of professional photography. Simply taking a few snaps on your smartphone is not going to cut it. You need the right lighting and software, as well as a photographer with the required experience. These individuals have received expert training and they know exactly what is required when it comes to taking shots that will show your business in the best possible light.
And of course, when YOU are YOUR business – why would you use stock images of strangers to represent it? People buy from people they know, like and trust! This is when you want to consider building your own Personal or Business Brand through powerful imagery that speaks directly to your Clients and of course, a good photographer helping you with this should have a strong knowledge of visual communication, design and marketing to help you get your message out and on point! And like all Brands, they can evolve but the key is consistent messaging from the beginning. Not all ‘photographers’ are adapt in professional branding photography; there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye! And it can also be an expensive exercise if it’s not done right the first time so do your research!
So there you have it: an insight into some of the different things that you need to consider when it comes to the photography for your website. It is always a good idea to go down the professional route because this is the best way to show off your business and your products in the best possible light. A lot of people use stock images, but because they are widely used across the web this can make your company look unprofessional, un-relatable and you can appear to be one of many similar businesses, as opposed to standing out and offering unique value.
If you would like to find out more about professional images for your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information. We have many years of experience when it comes to providing professional photography services for businesses, and we can make sure that the imagery for your website impresses every potential customer. All you need to do is call 0416 814 214 to discuss your requirements today, always happy to have a conceptual chat and find out exactly what you are after and how we can help!