Written by: Satpal Juttla
Images are one of the most important parts of a website, yet it’s often the most neglected feature. When taking photos is so straightforward to complete yourself, why invest time and money in a professional photographer?
Satpal Juttla, Co-founder and Technical Director from evokeu, London’s leading boutique digital marketing and branding agency, explains why hiring a professional to take photos for your business is worth its weight in gold.
With so many ways to take photos from your phone to a tablet, let alone a traditional camera, it’s no wonder there’s an assumption that hiring a professional photographer to take some snaps for your business is an unnecessary extra. Even if you’re not keen on taking photos yourself, there’s a wide array of stock sites available that provide you with ready-made high-resolution images. But, when a photo is worth a thousand words, here’s why engaging the support of a pro is crucial.
First impressions are everything
Just like you wouldn’t turn up to a business meeting in a ragged suit and expect a prospective client to be willing to pay for your services, neither should you presume that a visitor to your website would buy your products if your images are anything less than perfect. Whether your business sells goods or support, the images displayed on your site need to match your purpose and brand. From a glance, your audience should be able to tell what the image details without having to read a description. In addition to the subject being obvious, the quality needs to be sharp, defined and of a high standard. An image that is blurred and has diluted colours will indicate to visitors that the same lack of care is also given to your business.
Don’t lose custom for something as simple as photography. With a strong brief, a professional will be able to take images that capture attention, draw people to your site and portray your business in the best possible light.
Investment in your business pays
Hiring a professional costs money and when you’re on a budget, it can be difficult to part with your hard-earned cash. But you shouldn’t ignore the facts, evokeu has seen the results that quality photography has made to its vast array of clients, with a significant increase in brand awareness and improved engagement both online and offline. Working with a photographer also needn’t break the bank, evokeu offers all sorts of photography from headshots and team shots to lifestyle, brand, product, food and interior packages that are affordable and can be tailored to suit your financial means.
Just remember that even though hiring a professional photographer costs money, the investment pays. It’s far better to have fewer photos on your site which are taken by a pro, than lots of pictures that are poor quality and off-brand.
Be unique and noticeable
Although stock sites can be a more cost-effective way of getting your hands on superior images, be warned that they won’t be unique. Better-grade images that are available on stock sites are often incredibly popular, so don’t be surprised if you see the same image on another business’s website, social channels or marketing collateral. If you’ve seen a duplicated image, your audience will likely have as well. This makes it obvious that you’ve taken the easy and cheaper route, which again might not give the perception you were hoping for to prospective customers.
If you hire a photographer, then your images will be exclusive to you and your business. Aside from making your website and channels more aesthetically pleasing, if your image is standout and recognisable in its own right, it could help to spread the word about who you are and draw people to your business. Get it spot on the first time and photography could do the hard work for you, as an integral part of your brand and a crucial element of your business.
If you’d like to find out more about Satpal and evokeu, please visit https://www.evokeu.com/. You can also follow Satpal on LinkedIn, where you’ll find the latest agency updates and further content to motivate you and your business.
Satpal Juttla is the Co-founder and Technical Director of boutique digital marketing and branding agency, evokeu. Satpal is an expert at web building and supports the skilled team with crafting superior sites, every time. Evokeu works with big and small brands across many sectors to help clients capture customer attention and create growth. Evokeu also has a vertical brand called Graphic Kitchen, which specialises in the hospitality sector.
