What makes brands magnetic?

The Power of Magnetic Brands: Captivating Audiences Through Brand Photos

In case you hadn't realised, social media and marketing for the most part drives the 'Attention Economy' - where clients and customers limited attention is the prize and brands need to stand out to make a lasting impact on their audience. Sounds icky, right!

But you are different - you aren't there to take a cheap-grab at the minds of your clients - you are there to be magnetic. To be the calming vibe for their needs, the solution to their problems that allows them to exhale fully.

And I am here to tell you one of the most powerful tools in your branding arsenal is the strategic use of brand photos and videos. No not that weird era on socials with all the copy and dancing to pump out 'content' but the deliberate placement, sharing and communication through your photos to speak to the hearts and minds of your community.

You images have the potential to convey emotions, values, and stories that resonate with your audience, making your brand feel like home.

In this blog post, we'll explore what makes brands magnetic and how you can use brand photos to enhance your brand's magnetic appeal.

Authenticity is the Core - I don't know about you, but I am a little over the word Authenticity.... but equally have not found the right word yet, so we are sticking with it. At the heart of any magnetic brand is authenticity - you know that real, raw, relatable vibe that makes us like we are speaking to real people. Our communities are savvy and can quickly detect insincerity. To create an authentic brand, start with brand photos that draw out and celebrate that realness - the way you scrunch your nose when you are really laughing or the way your eyes really sparkle when you are interacting with people you care about. This is what we need to illuminate in your images.

The quickest way to show lack of authenticity - stick photos and videos - I can tell when you have chosen that Canva stock image or video and they can too. Avoid using stock photos that lack personality and instead invest in custom, high-quality imagery that showcases real people, products, and experiences.

Authenticity is the greatest entry to trust and connection, encouraging your audience to engage with your brand on a deeper level.

Tell Your Story Every brand has a unique story to tell, and brand photos are beyond powerful in making your community part of your story through visuals. Your images should convey the essence of your brand's journey, values, and mission. Use brand photos to depict the behind-the-scenes moments, highlight the faces behind your company, and showcase the passion that drives your brand forward. A compelling story will resonate with your audience, forging an emotional connection that fosters brand loyalty.

Consistency Consistency is key to establishing a strong brand identity. Your brand photos should align with your brand's overall aesthetic, color palette, and messaging. Cohesion in imagery across different platforms, such as social media, website, and marketing materials, reinforces your brand's presence and enhances its memorability. Aim for a distinct visual style that sets your brand apart from competitors, making it instantly recognisable to your target audience.

Evoke Emotions I don't need to tell you, but when we make a decision to work with someone, it is made from a place of head (logic), heart (emotion) and gut (intuition). Powerful brand photos can evoke the emotions your audience needs to lean on in connecting with you. Emotionally charged images create a lasting impact and make your brand memorable. Sure the cute very polished photo of you smiling on an aesthetic background looks nice, but I have you ever compared how that images performs on socials compared to a super emotive 'less polished' image of you performs.When one of my clients posted a super emotive image of themselves recently, their friend commented 'Love this pic. You haven't changed at all - still that warm, happy, bubbly person'. It is as if through the image they were transported to an experience with the person - rather than the usual 'Nice pic' comments from the bots.

Engage with Your Audience Magnetic brands engage their audience actively. Encourage user-generated content featuring your products or services, and showcase these images in your branding efforts. Engaging with your audience's content not only makes them feel appreciated but also strengthens the connection between your brand and its followers. Use brand photos to initiate conversations, respond to comments, and participate in social media discussions to humanise your brand and foster a loyal community.

Through carefully crafted brand photos, you can amplify these qualities and create a powerful magnet that attracts and captivates your audience. Remember that your brand photos are not just images; they are the gateway to your brand's soul, inviting people to be a part of something greater than a product or service. So, invest in the power of brand photos and watch as your brand becomes an irresistible force in the hearts and minds of your audience.

If you need to update your brand images and are based in Melbourne, Victoria (Australia), reach out to chat {this link takes you to my contact page} about how we can start creating magnetic images for your business or brand, or find our more about my pricing and packages here {this link takes you to my packages page}.

Marisa - Photographer + Founder

CG Studios

Melbourne, VIctoria, Australia