I’m a Small Business… How can I Showcase My True Brand?

The Importance of Starting Strong

Hey there, small business owner! We all know how important first impressions are, right?

Well, the same goes for your brand.

Having a consistent look from the get-go sets the tone for everything you do. 

Lydia Kalleske, a pro photographer from For Abel Photography, says that even with a tight budget, putting effort into your visual branding can make a huge difference. It helps build trust and gets people excited about your business.

Real-Life Example: For Abel Photography

Lydia’s journey with For Abel Photography is a perfect example. She started with landscapes and family pics but soon saw the need for business photography. Now, she helps brands like yours tell their stories through awesome visuals. Her structured approach ensures that every photo reflects what a brand is all about.

Lydia’s Unique Process for Visual Branding

• Initial Chat: Lydia kicks things off with a deep dive into your business, using special questionnaires to get to know you and your brand
• Mood Board Magic: She creates a mood board with ideas for props, locations, and styles that match your brand.
• Creative Check-In: A follow-up chat to make sure you’re comfortable and ready for the photoshoot.
• Photo Day: By the time of the shoot, you’re all set to go, resulting in natural and authentic images that tell your story. Check out the fab results that Laura Mudge of Smudge Copywriting  received for her branding photoshoot with Lydia.  

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Lydia sees some common missteps like inconsistency in photos or not prepping properly. 

Here’s how to avoid these:

- Stick with one photographer to keep your style consistent.

- Plan your shoots with branding in mind – think colours, props, and outfits.

Tips for Budget Branding

Can’t afford a pro? No worries. Tools like Canva and Adobe Lightroom can help keep your visuals consistent.

Use your brand colours and logos to create a unified look.

Learning basic photo editing in Lightroom can also make a big difference.

Sourcing stock photos that are consistent with your brand colours.

Letting Your Brand Evolve

Your brand isn’t static, and neither should your visuals be. Lydia suggests updating your imagery every 6-12 months. This keeps things fresh and relevant, making sure your audience stays engaged.

Real-Life Example: Multiple Businesses

 Lydia shares a story about a client with multiple businesses. They planned their photo sessions to create versatile images that could work across different brands.

This smart approach saved time and money while keeping everything cohesive.

Emotional Connection Through Visual Storytelling

Visuals aren’t just about looks; they’re about feelings too.

For example, a real estate agent might use photos showing them helping clients, celebrating their new home purchase - not just cheesy headshots! This builds a connection and makes the agent seem more relatable and trustworthy.

Nailing your visual brand identity is key for small businesses - and to be consistent.

With Lydia’s tips and strategies, you can create a strong and consistent look that truly represents you. Even on a budget, starting strong can help set you apart and build lasting connections with your audience.

Connect with Lydia, one of our Regional Guides

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