branding

Feeling confident while doubling your Instagram followers

Very often I realise that entrepreneurs underestimate the power of branding in view of communicating their brand story with brand-on imagery. I get it, marketing is complex and can be quite intimidating, so we postpone it to later, or pray to the universe to be seen, somehow. But it doesn’t have to be like that, as there are many boss ladies out there we can take on as role models.

Please meet Christine, a Feng Shui consultant who started off her career here in Singapore, many years ago. Even now that she has relocated back to Germany, she visits the Little Red Dot on a regular basis, for trainings or conventions, as well as branding photo shoots. 

Christine, why would you hire a Personal Branding photographer? 

“When I was searching for pictures for my website and social media, I quickly realised how difficult it can be to find the „right“ pictures. As a solo entrepreneur I want people to recognise me, my brand, whether they see my posts on Instagram, Facebook or come across my blog. I needed someone who understands how to translate my brand, my colours, my story and values into pictures . I still use some of the pictures from our very first shoot, five years ago.” 

As a returning client I know her brand very well, so there is no need for the questionnaire I normally send to every new client, to determine the vibe and story of the brand. I tell my clients to take their time when answering, the more they write, the better, because these answers help me visualise the brand story which results in brand-on imagery. 

Nonetheless, I believe in thorough planning to make the photoshoot for my clients a walk in the park. After a quick chat with Christine I went out location scouting, as she gave clear instructions of what she had in mind. 

Christine, how did you prepare for the photo shoot?

“I remember our chat on the phone, when you asked me to think about my outfit, make-up and some props. You provided me with a few ideas, so I could search the internet and create my very own ‘mood board’. I had never heard of a mood board before, but it totally made sense: I looked for pictures, gestures and locations which would perfectly go with blog posts or articles I had in planning. 

As a consultant I also wanted a few pictures of me ‘consulting’ and you not only found spot on locations but also surprised me with a friend of yours who acted as a client. It was perfect! In retrospect, thanks to your detailed planning, I ended up with so many great pictures, even though my schedule was really tight and I only had four hours for the shoot.” 

Although planning is a big part of a smooth photoshoot, the execution can be quite exhausting, especially in hot and humid Singapore. I plan more indoors than outdoors, but with Christine it was more outside to show more of the Feng Shui philosophy. 

We started off in a coffee shop where we covered the consulting part as well as some working scenes and portraits, head shots and half body. I always make sure to cover different angles of one composition, wide angle and close ups to give as much variety and therefore possibility for my client.

Christine, tell us, how did your pictures turn out and where do you use them?

“Like many women, I don’t really like myself in pictures. Sometimes I think I’m just too critical with my own appearance. You really managed to find a good angle to make me look slimmer, younger and … very professional. I feel quite confident using my photos now and I get compliments from clients and friends for those cool head shots. 

Life became easier for me since I have this pool of pictures to chose from, whenever there’s an update on my website or a new post on social media. I even used one for the cover of my fist book and on my new roll-up. 

The number of my instagram followers doubled … and to be honest, that’s not so much my brilliant content but the extraordinary pictures you took in Singapore. I’m really glad that our paths had crossed and I can highly recommend having an experienced brand photographer taking your pictures, as it certainly elevates your brand. Thanks Silke, for making my website nicer and my life easier.”

I build partnerships with my clients and take the time to plan, style and intentionally create compelling imagery. My aim is to create positive and impactful experiences with everyone I work with. And more often we become friends. 

By the way, did you know there is a ‘best time’ to launch your new website? If you want to know more about the powerful energy of Feng Shui, hop over to Christine’s website and have a look around. If you don’t speak German, no problem, as she consults in English as well. 

We use many brands on a daily basis, without even really thinking about it, right? So, what is your favourite brand? No matter what your answer is, your chosen brand has earned your trust because you can relate to their values and visions, as their product speaks to you at a deeper level than their competitors do. 

As humans we are prone to emotions and stories and a brand is nothing more than a distinctive perception of stories, emotions and expectations that people have about a company. And which is accountable in the decision of choosing one brand over another. 

A brand is the perception of a company in the eyes of a consumer.

It is the age of social media and in todays digital life we are very visible, and we all have all been googled, at least at one stage of our career, but have you ever googled yourself? And if so, did you like what you saw, is it really you? You might want to pause here for a while, and think about it, because that is how the world sees you, that’s the perception others have of you. And if you aren’t properly managing your online reputation, then others will do it for you. 

Branding is the active process of forming a reputation, your brand.

To create a strong and memorable brand there are a few elements to it: 

Name & Logo

The first and most important part of your business journey, as your business name will exist for the duration of its lifetime. To find the ideal name ask yourself some questions:

Does the name need to mean something? Do you need to relate to it? Is it unique? 

Your logo is the one image that will come to mind when people think about your company. 

Brand Colours & Vibes

For your brand colours and vibes you need to be aware that your choice is key to initiate a distinct vibe for your brand. All the big banks and insurances like Deutsche Bank or Allianz chose blue for a reason as the colour blue is related to trust. 

Voice & Heart

How are you addressing your customers? Are you serious and formal or warm and friendly? It is important to use a tone that feels aligned with your customers but also authentic to you. 

And the most important part: what is your why? 

Earn your customers trust by clearly stating your brand mission, your core value. 

Now you have the setup, but for a successful marketing strategy you want to own your brand. Do you know on which social platforms your customers are? Because you want to be there and proactively engage in conversations instead of waiting for your customers to find you. For a strong profile make sure that your website as well as all your social media platforms are align. Be consistent in your posting and keep in mind that your social voice is your brand voice, aka your voice. And last but not least, choose your imagery according to your brand, this will ensure a cohesive brand aesthetic. 

The short answer: Yes! As the head of your business, you are the centrepiece. 

We don’t argue about the necessity of having a website, right? As a business woman you know that your website serves as your digital business card, it reflects your personal brand. The vast majority of your potential clients will check out your website before even meeting with you. It is the go-to platform to find out more about the person behind the brand, the one they are going to purchase a product from or request their service. 

In other words your website is an important element in making an impactful first impression. But furthermore, its your opportunity to instantly connect with your visitors, by telling your story throughout the different pages and give your potential clients a chance to resonate with you, so they find reason to come back. And for that, you need to be present. 

On many websites you will find the host only on the ‘about’ page, which is a missed opportunity. Let me explain why: 

Home-Page

Imagine you knock on somebody’s door and after the door swings wide open you see … no one. So you wander around the house until you finally find the host. Weird, right? Same goes to your website. Instead of ghosting your visitors, why don’t you greet them with a friendly smile right at the door; your home page? 

About-Page

The obvious one, yet often not delivered. My first click on any website is the ‘about’ button, and when I don’t find any face there, but instead some zealous summery of expertise, I am gone. 

People click on the ‘about’ button for a reason. They want to meet YOU! They want to get to know YOU! It really is that simple. 

Contact-Page

Hurrah! Your visitor has clicked on ‘contact’. This means he/she wants to engage. Show your audience that you are there, right from the beginning, by sending over a friendly smile. 

In case you ever wondered if you could appear on your own website too often, the answer is no, as long as you make sure to underline your pictures with the respective copy. 

If you have any questions about branding or need help with imagery for your website, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email. I am here for you!