Heike Martin
Do you ever land on a business’ website only to see the same old stock photo you’ve seen on so many other sites already? Using stock photos, while appropriate in some circumstances, can make your business seem stale and out of touch. And who has the time to spend hours online hunting for just the perfect image to represent your brand and bring your marketing message to the right audience? These scenarios can be frustrating and in the end costs you and your business money.
The right imagery, whether it is on a business website, your Facebook or Instagram page, or if you have a personal brand, on your own social media or even your professional LinkedIn profile, should pull the viewer in, and make them want to stop and learn more, inviting them to click through to connect.
Here are FIVE must-have images to magnetize your personal or business brand:
Heike Martin
1. Profile Pic (AKA: The Headshot)
Your headshot is your calling card. You want a headshot that speaks to your brand message and lets your personality shine. This can be a clean studio shot or include the environment you love. Since you use these photos for your social profile, website, and business cards, you need to be recognizable. The image should be free of distractions so that prospective clients are drawn to you and pick up the phone or click to connect.
Heike Martin
2. Work With Me
This second must-have image is especially important for business owners and individuals who represent their brand. The Work With Me image should radiate your true essence with photos that capture YOU, the heart and soul of your business, in every pose and expression. You want to give your audience a glimpse into what it feels like to work with you. In business, many of our clients meet us online for the first time, and they want to know that the person they will be doing business with is approachable, trustworthy, warm, and friendly. They also want assurance that you KNOW what you are doing. These images need to be a realistic depiction of how and where you work. Most importantly though, the mood is what you want to convey.
Heike Martin
3. Details
There is magic in the details, especially if you can add in elements that make these images on-brand WITHOUT showing your face or adding your logo. Say goodbye to generic stock photography and hello to intentional photos that depict the tools of your trade, your hands in action, theme specific flatlays that convey a brand-specific message. These images add great value to your social media pages as well as your landing pages and website banners. Use them wisely, and they will round out your brand story.
Heike Martin
4. Lifestyle
It’s time to get a little more personal. Nobody wants to know all your family secrets, however, it is important to connect on a more personal level that shows your humanity. How many times has your cat or dog made an appearance during your Zoom calls? Pets are amazing at helping us connect. Do you love to travel or try out new dishes? Share your travel stories or newest recipe favorite. You’ll be surprised by the connections you’ll make when you share similar interests.
Heike Martin
5. Signature
This is your signature or “money shot.” You want to have at least ONE image that stands out from the rest in a way that people will not only STOP to look at, but will encourage them to TALK about your brand. Capturing this image requires vulnerability and an openness to bare your soul to your photographer.
Are you ready to start taking your brand seriously? There is no better time than now to put yourself out there and magnetize your brand with intentional, eye-catching images.
Heike Martin
Heike Martin is a personal branding and headshot photographer based in Mount Joy, PA. Her signature approach helps clients feel relaxed and confident as they step in front of the camera. Heike holds her clients’ fears so they can show up and shine as their most confident selves and use their unique brand images to grow their online visibility online and level-up in their business. She works with small business owners, coaches, authors, speakers, artists and influencers in Pennsylvania and beyond providing them with a fun, relaxed and professional atmosphere.
280 S. Oak St Manheim, PA 17545 | 717-342-3369 | heikemartinphotography.com
