I don't have time, I don't know how to use Canva, I don't have money for professional photos, and no one wants to see me.
These are all extremely common sentiments I hear time and time again as a marketing agency owner. And I am here to let you know you do have time if you are organized and prioritize utilizing social media rather than consuming it. The good news is, you don't need to spend hours on creating Canva graphics. 99% of the time, an actual photo of you will outperform a graphic; the proof is in the stats. And one more piece of good news, the extremely posed, edited photos are so 2018; people want real, they want the imperfections, they want the real YOU!
So what does all that mean?
In the world of social media and digital marketing, the old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" rings truer than ever. As a mom, business owner, and brand builder on Instagram, I've learned firsthand the importance of having a bank of photos ready to go. While Canva-style graphics have their place, they often don't perform as well as authentic, real-life images. Here's why building and maintaining a photo bank is essential, as well as some tips on how to do it effectively.
Why Photos Outperform Graphics
Authenticity: People connect more with real-life images. Your audience wants to see the person behind the brand living their everyday life. This builds trust and relatability, which are crucial for engagement.
Engagement: Photos, especially those featuring people, tend to generate more likes, comments, and shares than graphics. This higher engagement can help boost your visibility and grow your audience organically.
Versatility: Having a variety of photos at your disposal makes it easier to create diverse content. Whether it's for a blog post, Instagram story, or promotional material, a rich photo bank allows you to adapt quickly and stay consistent with your posting schedule.
The Convenience of Your iPhone
While professional photos are lovely, you don't need to rely solely on them. Your iPhone can be a powerful tool for capturing high-quality images. Modern smartphones are equipped with advanced cameras that can produce stunning photos. Here are a few tips to make the most of your iPhone photography:
Consistency: Try to maintain a consistent style. This could mean sticking to a particular color scheme, using similar filters, or taking photos in certain lighting conditions. Consistency helps in creating a cohesive look across your content. Now, I will admit the overly matching pictures are out, but you don't want people to identify your style through consistency.
Everyday Moments: Don't wait for special occasions to take photos. Capture your everyday life—whether it's a morning coffee, a walk with your kids, or a behind-the-scenes look at your business. These moments resonate deeply with your audience.
Organizing and Storing Your Photos (This is a game changer)
Having a bank of photos is only useful ONLY if you can easily access and manage them. You can take all the best photos, but if they are not easily accessible, you won't utilize them as often. Here are some tips for organizing and storing photos on your phone:
Create Albums: Use the album feature on your phone to categorize your photos. You can create albums for different themes, events, or types of content. This makes it easier to find the right photo when you need it. If you take the time to do this the next time you are in a car pickup line for your kids or taking a long bath, it will surely be a game changer!
Use Cloud Storage: Services like iCloud, Google Photos, or Dropbox offer cloud storage solutions that can automatically back up your photos. This not only frees up space on your phone but also ensures your photos are safe and accessible from any device.
Regularly Declutter: Periodically go through your photos and delete duplicates or those that didn't turn out well. This keeps your photo library manageable and ensures you're only storing the best shots.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a bank of photos into your content strategy can significantly enhance the quality and engagement of your posts. By using your iPhone to capture consistent, authentic moments from your everyday life and organizing them effectively, you can create a powerful visual presence that resonates with your audience. Remember, it's not about having the most polished photos—it's about sharing your real, relatable story with the world. So start snapping away and watch your content thrive!
20 ideas to match photos with:
Behind-the-Scenes Shots: Capture moments of you working on your business or creating content.
Product Close-Ups: Highlight the details and features of your products.
Workspace Setup: Showcase your organized and inspiring workspace.
Daily Routine: Document parts of your daily routine that relate to your brand.
Customer Testimonials: Photograph happy customers using your products or services.
Tools of the Trade: Show the tools and equipment you use regularly.
Event Highlights: Capture moments from events, workshops, or meetings.
Seasonal Themes: Create content related to holidays or seasonal changes.
Team Members: Feature your team members and their roles.
Sneak Peeks: Tease upcoming products or services.
Inspirational Quotes: Pair quotes with aesthetically pleasing backgrounds.
Flat Lays: Arrange items related to your business in a visually appealing way.
Before and After: Show transformations or improvements.
Lifestyle Shots: Capture your products in real-life, everyday settings.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their photos and feature them.
Tutorials and How-Tos: Step-by-step images for DIY projects or tutorials.
Nature and Outdoors: Scenic photos that relate to your brand's values or products.
Personal Interests: Share hobbies or interests that resonate with your audience.
Milestones and Celebrations: Document significant achievements or anniversaries.
Pets and Animals: Photos of pets, if they fit your brand's image.