3 Biggest mistakes people make when sharing images
It’s an absolute minefield in terms of marketing images these days. Whilst there is amazing content out there, there is also a prevalence of confusing imagery. They say it takes approximately 2.5 seconds to hold someone’s attention with marketing content before they move on. So it’s incredibly important to use effective images straight up, and not to put out visuals that don’t relate to your message! In this post, I’ve listed 3 big mistakes brands make when sharing content.
1.Using images that don’t align with your message!
How many cool/influencer style poses do you see on social media that has nothing to do with the content that they’re sharing AT ALL? Sure a cool pose might get eyes on the image, but it’s not necessarily going to make people remember your message and what you stand for. Think of a handful of influencers you know of, then think about what their actual message is – I guarantee you’ll struggle to think of what they stand for..
You can be an influencer and run it like a business. But you can’t run your business like an influencer account.
Double up on the effectiveness of messaging by utilising an image that is connected to your copy. Then people will truly remember what your message is.
2. Using bad lighting
Don’t shoot into the sun. Don’t use lights in your ceiling/down lights and try to avoid using a full on flash, that’s on your camera.
The simplest way to get nice images is use a big shady area OR use a north or south facing window to light whatever it is you’re shooting. With both instances you’ll get soft light that will make pretty much anything look good : )
3. Too many distractions
One simple rule that even as trained photographers we constantly forget.
Focus ON THE SUBJECT. Not everything around it.
There are so many images these days, where there is ambiguity to what the image is about. Creating visual content for your brand is completely different to creating abstract art. You don’t want people debating what it means. You want the message to be concise and obvious in the first 2.5 seconds!
FYI the image below is from an art exhibition by an incredible Japanese artist called Yayoi Kusama. I took the image in Singapore in 2017, but i’m still waiting for her work to make it to Australia one day!
So take some time, look through your visual content. If you see any of these 3 glaring errors popping up it’s time to make some corrections. In order for people to remember who you are, what you do and why you matter, you need to be concise and clear with your messaging!
– Shaun.
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With truth, connection and freedom
Shaun
Capture the Present