Nine ways to repurpose a brand photoshoot
Hello from one half of FACTEUR’s resident photography team! My name is Kelly Powell, and I am the creative specialist on our team, an energizing role for someone who loves writing, designing and most importantly: working with a camera. Whether you’re diving deep into the renaissance of film and disposable photography, mastering how to use a DSLR or simply working with your cell phone camera — those lens options really come in clutch — your business can be elevating its social, web and print game with skilled shooting. Here are a few avenues you can bring product and lifestyle photography into that just click:
Instagram Reels: Ever since Instagram’s take between a story and an IGTV post emerged, the platform has been growing in popularity for small business owners as it relates to relevancy and positioning within the algorithm. While you may feel like making the switch could be time consuming or frustrating, think again! Reels don’t have to be created in a fully video format. In fact, with the right music, they can essentially act as a slideshow full of pictures showing off your brand’s most beloved content.
TikTok videos: If you haven’t bridged over to this Gen-Z-driven social media platform, don’t be shy! Because of the “For You” page signature to the app, content from lesser-known users can still be pushed to the top of home feeds, making a small spike in virality possible for a beginner. Spend time stitching together your photography with a popular sound or trending song and introduce yourself to a whole new audience.
Social media content: This is the big one! Consumers use Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get small business updates and scroll for inspiration. By creating a photography catalog, your work can be implemented throughout your social calendar, in traditional and unexpected places, including: grid posts, stories, banners, profile photos, story highlight covers and any other corner of your spaces in order to solidify your brand.
Blog posts: Never underestimate the power of a good blog! Due to SEO and keywords, users in search of expertise may stumble across your blog without ever hearing of your company before. It’s important to maintain strong header images across your posts — and it may be wise to break up longer pieces with a few photos here and there to keep your readers’ attention. Consider creating more generic images that can be used in any context or with any content!
Media outreach: Journalists and editors get dozens of emails daily — while the power of a good subject line can’t be beat, take things a step further with a compelling image attached to your email. Writers are visual people, and it’s crucial you include ample information when you pitch them to seal the deal — or at least an interested response back. Make sure to highlight your most stunning imagery (and keep it simple with just a few photos) in order to be a memorable message in an inbox full of text.
Advertisements: As long as you have the photographer’s permission, visually beautiful advertising — whether on social media, on the web or in a print publication — definitely catches scrollers’ and readers’ eyes as they make their way through mountains of content. Know your target audience, and advertise with confidence as you hone in on what might make them stop. What aesthetic, product, setting etc. will make people want to dig deeper?
E-book or digital downloads: If you’re in the business of creating offerings for customers to download, personal photography can be a fantastic asset in making the book have a more brand-specific feel. Be sure to include your most updated work within these resources, and don’t hesitate to update them with redesigned or edited content as the years go on! After all, your business is always progressing, and customers crave to see that change reflected in what you put out.
LinkedIn: This underrated social media powerhouse may not seem like fun and games, but why not add your media into the platform and see what happens? Having personal photography assets can make for a better-looking profile, especially with photos of your actual employees engaging with each other. Prospective team members want to see what it would look like to have a seat at your table, and you can show them with lifestyle photography.
Website: Arguably, this platform is right up top with social media. Having an engaging and visual web presence not only provides customers with a better experience but guides journalists and editors in the right direction when making a visit to your page. This is your domain — treat it as such! Oftentimes, your URL is your first impression, and to make it a long-lasting one, it’s important to pepper your site with genuine content that authentically reflects what you want your business to stand for.