When we first started with business branding photography, we knew that we could create high quality photography, but we wanted to nail down our process first.

That's where The Move Makers come in...

The Move Makers are an enthusiastic group of people that make organization and moving a totally stress free experience.

I remember back in the day that I hated moving so much.

I probably moved once a year for 6 years straight. It was so brutal for me that made sure that I was able to fit all of my belongings into a small red pickup truck.

When moving day came… poof… I was gone… LOL.

Now.... I stay put much longer...

But if you want to cut down on the stresses and hassles of organization and moving, The Move Makers are definitely the one's you want to talk to.

A Bridgetown Story Sessions Success Story

The Move Makers are a wonderful example of a business that wanted to update their visual branding to match their level of customer service, experience and enthusiasm.

And to see how beautifully the photography, website and social media marketing came together is amazing because we know that their business is taking steps forward.

We're proud to be able to help businesses with photography.

Branding Photography is A Marketing First Approach to Photography

…and when we approach a business branding session, we do it with a marketing first approach.

Traditional photographers focus on “getting the shot” and there’s absolutely NOTHING WRONG with that because ultimately that’s what a great photographer does.

But a branding photographer has to think ahead to HOW the pictures are going to be used.

Today, you have more than just printed materials…

You have social media now and that is quite intensive.

What’s great about working with The Move Makers was that since we approached their requirements this way, there was no second guessing what they needed.

From the planning, to the execution and delivery of the branding shoot, we left no detail undone.

For them, we understood that it was an investment for them and creating high converting photography was a priority.

Since The Move Makers have been taking advantage of our subscription service, they had the opportunity to create a cohesive marketing message for the entire year.

We worked with their staff closely each session and brought their vision to life.

Since they had dedicated marketing staff, it was a breeze to setup the shoots so that they received exactly what they wanted.

But not to worry, if you don’t have dedicated marketing staff, we have a process we use to ensure there are no grey areas when it comes to what you’re expectations are and what we deliver for you.

It is absolutely our priority to align your photography with your marketing message so that over time your digital and print assets convert leads and sales for you.

The Move Makers Results with Branding Photography

Branding Photography is an investment that has unlimited potential.

Now, I can’t guarantee that your branding images will ever go viral or convert sales and leads at specific rate…

There’s just so many factors at play…and it’s just irresponsible to guarantee something like that…

But what I can say is that professional photography that aligns with your marketing message, affects the perception that your clients have of you.

Instantly, they’ll feel more comfortable and will trust you more since all of your marketing channels will be congruent.

From Facebook, to Instagram, to your website, they will see your images and not just generic stock photography.

Now there’s a time and place for stock images (we offer a unique stock image gallery with our Bridgetown Insider’s Club).

But nothing is better than genuine, story telling, imagery showcasing you, your employees, products or services.

Here at Bridgetown Pictures, we’re always excited to speak with you, so if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (503) 383-9159.

Want to learn more about Bridgetown Story Sessions? Check out our Branding Photography page.

Have you seen our Owner Education Series? Check Out The 7 Personal Branding Photography Pillars Your Competition Doesn’t Want You to Know

I'm glad you're here. Obviously marketing works. You're here reading this.

You probably saw an image or an article and clicked a link and….

Voila. You're here.

This article is part of a series teaching you How to Create Story Branding Photography.

My name is Mark and I'm the Studio Manager (and part owner) here.

If you missed the intro to why we're doing this and seemingly training our competition…

Get caught up here:

https://www.bridgetownpictures.com/blog/7-pillars-your-competition-doesnt-want-you-to-know-about-taking-branding-photography

Ready to start? Let's get into it!

Build Your Primary Customer Avatar

If you're not marketing, why do you need photography?

But if you're marketing, then it's clear. You need genuine, high quality, story telling photography to create high converting advertising.

10 second intro about me...

I've been studying marketing since the late 90's. And internet marketing since not shortly after that.

Advertising and copyrwriting are something that naturally comes with the territory.

So when I approach photography, I tend to be biased towards marketing...

And that's a good thing...

Because a customer avatar defines everything you do.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CUSTOMER AVATAR WORKSHEET

A customer avatar creates the clarity you need to begin the process.

We need to define these things:

• Personal Information

• Geography

• Psychology

• Finances

• Leisure

• Fears & Challenges

1. Personal Information

This is basically their driver's license. If you picked up their driver's license, what would is say? We define this because psychologically for US, we have to be able to metaphorically walk in their shoes to really get an understanding for their problems.

When we can do this, we allow ourselves to come up with better solutions.

2. Geography

Geography matters because there can be language differences (like pop and soda) that might be the difference between making a sale and not making a sale.

If we're going to be spending time and money on marketing, we have to get it right.

3. Psychology

The psychology of your avatar will give you exactly what you need to say or do everyday to not only get the attention of your perfect client, but to also earn their trust.

Speaking to them in the way that they relate to the best will enhance your advertising and marketing so that it converts.

Let me go a little bit deeper here...

If you follow pop culture trends, you can leverage those ideas to create customer attracting ads.

This is where all viral ideas come from.... (like memes).

4. Finances

Until you really build the full profile of your perfect customer, you're just leaving things to chance.

Knowing their buying habits and wealth categories, gives you the upper hand when it comes to placing your ads in the right place.

Even creating buying methods or payment plans that you know your market not only uses, but DESIRES.

(Accepting Bitcoin Payments for example).

And finally, you can create pricing that lines up with what they're willing to spend.

5. Leisure

This is another link to pop culture trends, but it gives you another perspective on your perfect person.

Knowing their activities will allow you to not only leverage pop culture, but allow you to advertise and create marketing around the things that interest them.

6. Fears & Challenges

This is a big section that touches on the person as a whole.

Their health, wealth, spirituality, psychology, fears and frustrations.

This section on there surface seems like a negative and depressing thing to do, however, it is your responsibility to use this section honestly and ethically.

This is a secret weapon.

You can not only use this FEAR as a tool to create action, but you can also use this as a way to develop solutions that aren't easily discovered unless you do this type of analysis.

Think about this, you can pull someone towards you by placing their fear in front of them.

And then when they get to you, you can provide the solution and be that savior.

What Does a Customer Success Profile Have to Do with Photography?

Well, I get it...

This is A LOT of thinking work. Writing. But not photography.

There's a reason why I consider this one of THE MOST IMPORTANT documents in a business.

...it's because you're defining a voice...

It is this VOICE that every perfect client hears in their head when you talk to them.

It is ALSO unspoken communication....

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS.

Right?

The next thing we will do is DEFINE our STORY. Get ready for tomorrow's post and the supplementary video I'm shooting tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF SHORTCUT GUIDE