Never-Ending carousel of image content needs
Why do I need to invest in so many images?
Because your online presence has a LOT of image asset needs!
Recently, I took on the task of infusing some of the more recent client work into my online presence.
I started on my website, worked my way through social media and ended on some of the professional organization sites of which I’m a member.
Now, you’d think that this would be a snap, right?
As I worked my way through the maze, I realized that there were a lot of empty holes to fill throughout many of my online touch points.
Oh shit, how did I miss these?
Who the hell knows!
But either way, as you update your own online image content, take advantage of every opportunity to post an image that introduces yourself to those you serve.
So, where are these opportunities?
Let’s start with your website.
Do you have at least ONE photo on each of your pages?
Apparently, I had 2-4 pages that didn’t have one single image on it! For a photographer, that’s a sin!
Aside from Google playing favorites with websites that leverage image content with regard to SEO rank, incorporating images onto your pages are an easy opportunity for you to create a connection with visitors to your site with content-specific images that visually punctuate the sentiment of the page it’s on.
For example, during a recent client session, I captured a lifestyle photo of her reading a book. When I showed it to her, she immediately mentioned that this photo would be an ideal choice as a banner image on her BOOKS TO READ website page.
Think about how you can apply this concept to all of the pages connected to your site - and don’t simply stop at one. If you have multiple sections per page, brainstorm how you can visually punctuate each section with an image that captures the sentiment of the copy in that section.
Now, there’s a LOT more that can be done with image content on your website, but for the purposes of this conversation, let’s keep it at this project, for now.
Moving along to your social media presence...
Do you have a professional profile picture OF YOU for each of your business pages?
No, your logo doesn’t count.
And no, a photo of you at a birthday party, the beach or hanging out in the house doesn’t count either! I’m talking about a professional image where you’re looking directly into the camera, making eye contact with everyone who views the photo.
This is your digital introduction - present yourself the same way you do when client-facing in real life. When selecting an image, choose one where your face is predominant in the frame. Avoid head-to-toe or other wide shots because it’s harder for your audience to connect with your eyes when your head is a tiny lil’ peanut in the photo.
Another suggestion; whichever headshot you choose for one business page, keep it consistent across the rest of them, as well.
For those who are qualifying you across your entire online presence, this creates continuity that builds familiarity. That familiarity goes a long way in establishing trust and connection with these folks.
How about the cover photos across all your channels?
As I visit a variety of speaker, author and other expert-based business owner social profiles, I’m seeing A LOT of default cover photos.
No bueno, folks.
You’re missing out on a golden opportunity to capture someone’s attention and bring them into your community.
For example, I use an image I captured of Seth Godin keynoting a conference across all of my professional social channels. Since I posted that image, over a dozen professional speakers have friend requested me on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter because they were drawn in by that single photo.
How can you leverage a photo in your banner to attract attention for the services that you offer? Let it marinate and give it a shot.
One word of advice? Not all banners are the same pixel dimensions so before you choose an image to use, make sure that it will work across all of the social platforms. Here’s a cheat sheet.
With regard to Facebook, are you taking advantage of the Featured Photos section?
This section is directly below your contact information on the profile page - and it’s an ideal spot to add some image content that allows your audience a chance to get to know who you are, who you serve, and why you do what you do.
My suggestion with this section is to paint in visual broad stokes.
Create an interesting mixture of professional portraits where you’re looking directly into the camera, in action - whether on stage during a keynote or facilitating a workshop - and smartphone photos of you with clients. Photos with family could also be an option, if you choose to share those on your professional pages.
Either way, make sure to leverage this section as it’s an easy way to gain the attention of those casually checking out your profile. It may be a way to keep them there to dig a little further.
On Linkedin, are you incorporating image content in each of your Job Experience sections?
If you’re a speaker, do you have photos of you on stage? If you’re an author, do you have any book signing photos to share in that section?
If you’ve listed a job that’s from years ago and has little to no relevance to what your business is today, I wouldn’t sweat those sections as much.
But, for your primary business and any relevant jobs and businesses that you list, think about how you can leverage photos taken during that time as well as your current image content portfolio to help your audience get a better sense of your personality and skill set.
On Youtube, are you incorporating image content into your video thumbnails?
This one is a no-brainer and if you’re not doing this with your uploads, think about starting.
Here’s why.
Youtube does a decent job with creating thumbnails based on freezing the video and selecting frames - but decent isn’t good enough.
More importantly, those thumbnails are a great place for you to incorporate a professional portrait to add to the production value of the clip.
For some people, they choose one image to create artwork that can be used for each clip and modify the title for each, similar to what podcasters do with their episodes.
For someone like me, I use a different photo each time, simply to add diversity and flavor to each clip.
Either way, it’s a more attractive alternative than simply using one of the default thumbnail suggestions Youtube offers you, so keep that in mind as you upload new content to your channel.
What types of image content are you going to use for professional member websites?
Now this depends upon how many places they call for image content.
If it’s a headshot, use the same one that you leverage across all your professional social profiles.
If there’s a gallery section, I would fill that section up with candid lifestyle images that capture you in action that directly relates to the nature of the website.
For example, if you’re a part of professional speaker organization, leverage photos that tell the story of how you create your magic from idea conception to delivery on stage. That means sharing photos of you brainstorming your talk, practicing the talk, getting mic’ed up, as well as delivering the talk.
Can you simply get away with headshots or action shots of you on stage? Yeah, of course.
But think about the visual impact that a well-rounded gallery of photos that tells a complete story from beginning to end would provide viewers of your profile page.
I could go on with more suggestions…
…but this is a good place to pause this conversation so you can think about how to leverage your image content across your online presence.
One final question…
Do you have the image content to present yourself throughout your online presence in the way you want?
If not, what are you going to do about it? Fill in the holes with mediocre selfies? If that’s your answer, you’re better off keeping these areas empty!
If you’re interested in creating a dynamic and versatile image content portfolio that presents you as an authority in your space of expertise while illustrating various aspects of your personality, then let’s talk.
Set up a time to chat with me and let’s see if we’re a fit to work together.