When it comes to attracting clients, there are certain images that are going to draw them in and start a relationship before you even meet them. Planning out the kind of images you want to use with a clear strategy will go a long way to make your brand as defined and obvious as possible.
- You – yes, you!
I know, I know. Don’t roll your eyes just yet because the stats are there for this one. First and foremost, you need to start showing who you are to your potential clients. Small businesses are known for being able to go above and beyond, selling higher quality products and providing custom services but more than that, they are known for the personal touch. Showing your face will go a long way to build trust and allow your clients to relate to you.
2. Showcase how you work
Your process is a big part of your business and the average person has no idea what it looks like. Showing them the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to allow that service or product to come to life goes a long way to help educate them. They will understand you, your values and the experience they become part of SO much better when you show and talk about what goes on behind the scenes.
3. Your products and services
Having a consistent, overall look to your brand is a BIG part in building trust. You should be showing as many images as possible to really give your customer a clear idea of what you’re selling. If you’re not selling a physical product, but rather a service, you need to show them what that service looks like. Show them images of you or the team working with clients and fulfilling that service as thoroughly and clearly as possible.
4. Your ideal client
You need to be using reviews to your advantage. People follow people. Reviews and testimonials are some of the most powerful tools to build trust between you and a potential client. If you can, ask you clients for selfies using or wearing your products, or book a photographer and ask them to be one of the models during the session. When it comes to service based businesses, the same thing applies. Hire a photographer to follow you for the duration of the process and make sure images of your client are on the list for the shoot. When people see those you work with, they can see themselves as part of your process and instantly have a deeper connection to your business, building trust. Images like these combined with a powerful, detailed testimonial will do just that.
5. Your team
Most businesses have a team. No matter how small it is, you likely outsource certain tasks to people you trust. Talk about them. It will establish you as an expert in your respective field, showcase that you yourself outsource things to a professional and it will boost your contractor/employee/outsourcer’s credibility and potentially get them more business as well. It’s a win/win/win. If you have a team of employees, talk and rave about them with images that showcase their personalities. This is the same strategy and idea as showing images of yourself to potential clients. They want to see the faces of the people they’re going to work with or the people who are dealing with their orders and making products.
Building trust with potential customers and clients is the hardest thing to do, especially before you ever meet them. BUT, in this digital age, it’s what we MUST do to gain new clients. Using strategic, clean branding images is a step in the right direction.
