Let’s talk about one of my favorite things—branding! Branding is this ever-evolving thing that sets you and your work apart. I can’t tell you the amount of times I been told that when people see my photos, they immediately recognize my brand, so let’s chat about how!
Defining Your Brand:
A strong brand sets you apart from the competition and helps clients differentiate your work from others. It’s sooo important to ask yourself, “What do I want my brand to look, feel, and express?” For me, it meant becoming known as someone who can capture human connection in all environments. Consistency is KEY to creating a strong brand. Consistency isn’t about always shooting harsh light or blue hour, it’s about being able to translate your style no matter the couple or location. It’s about providing a consistent experience and staying true to who you are as a person and business owner. Then, making sure your brand is evident across your portfolio and social media presence bbs!
First Impressions Matter:
A strong brand begins at the very first interaction clients have with your business. Whether it’s your website or social media profiles, you want to create an intimate personal experience for potential clients. On my contact page, I use video to establish a deeper connection. I send my clients voice messages I show them how much I truly care which isn’t always clear through an email or text message – the goal is to create excitement and relatability throughout the entire process. For me this means remembering important dates and sending a check-up, maybe the bride is picking up her dress so I send her a voice memo of how excited I am for her and that I can’t WAIT to see a picture from the day. Little moments like this help to build not only your connection with your clients but also build your brand.
Online Presence and Consistency:
Babes it’s so important to be consistent online. A website is basically a walking billboard for your brand and should feature blogs, full galleries, and stories that give potential clients a glimpse into your approach. This is your personality and voice – and clients want to hear it!! Instagram and Pinterest also play a huge role in supporting your brand. Consistency is key across all channels, so make sure that your social media reflects the aesthetic, tone , and values shown on your website. Your color scheme, font, and graphics should align with your brand to create a cohesive visual experience.
Embracing Brand Changes:
It’s totally okay to evolve and redefine your branding over time. My brand used to be all about destination weddings and elopements. I wanted to travel so I sought out and attracted clients that wanted to travel.
Then I got pregnant and everything changed. Life was changing and I was taking care of a baby. Moms… I know you know. This naturally changed my brand to be so much more about intimate moments and physical touch. How people interact with each other inspired me because I could connect to it in my own life. I was no longer craving constant adventure and travel, I wanted slow and intimate.
If you are looking to change your brand, don’t be nervous! It’s totally okay for your follower count to change, this will mean you have new eyes on your account which leads to new inquiries – all good things bb! If it’s in your budget, consider running targeted ads to promote your new vision and attract clients aligned with your brand. But note* a strong brand should alway come before running an ad.
If you feel like your current work does not match the direction your brand is heading, focus on styled shoots so you have fresh work to showcase.
The Power of a Strong Brand:
So, what does a strong brand do for you? It establishes credibility, leads to word-of-mouth referrals, and builds a reputation for consistency and reliability. To truly make an impact, you neeeed to over-deliver on your promises. When you say you’ll do something, follow through and exceed expectations. This commitment to excellence solidifies your brand and allows you to charge more for your services.
Branding serves as a powerful tool for standing out, attracting clients, and elevating your business. As I’ve experienced firsthand, branding is an ever-changing process, and will eb and flow with your business, just like you! By building a strong brand that represents your unique vision, personality, and dedication, you can establish yourself as a trusted photographer capable of capturing your clients and charging what you’re worth.
