How to tell if your photography business in ON BRAND often happens outside of your online presence.

There’s something really powerful being so aligned with your brand that people recognize it instantly—even in the small everyday moments. 

Lately, there have been more than a few instances that remind me why thinking and treating your business as a brand can be life changing in the best of ways.

THE LITTLE MOMENTS THAT LEADS ME TO ASKING YOU A QUESTION…

But first, the little reaffirming moments that packed a punch.

Gallery Appointment

We’re sitting in front of my computer selecting Lily’s images and as we’re doing this she’s captioning each image in my voice.  She’s spot on! Her mom and I are in tears laughing.

Working with a Graphic Designer

A graphic designer helping me sort out a few things on my coaching account, makes the comment, even the way you dress is SO your vibe.

A Recent Inquiry Call

“I want to feel the way all of your photos feel” is the first thing Cass says to me the minute our inquiry call starts.

My daughter’s very rough day

Riley, walks into the house last night and has had “a day”, not in the best of ways. She’s been having more than a few of them lately…and then she said, “It’s so ON BRAND”.

Which is prompting this email. 

All of the above are examples of being ON BRAND, good and bad. 

Now, here’s my question…

Would your clients, friends, peers say “that’s so ON BRAND” when reviewing your online presence and during your everyday interactions?

WHAT DOES A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS “ON BRAND” MEAN?

Being ON BRAND is the identity, personality and vibe of your business that consistently weaves through every visual and messaging touchpoint both online and in person.

Consistency builds clarity, TRUST.

WHAT DO PREMIUM CLIENTS – WHO INVEST- WANT?

Clients invest in clarity.

The want to know…

• Who they’re working with to the point that they can caption your posts.
• The experience you’re delivering so that they can FEEL it.
• They want to feel your passion and purpose. Energy is everything!
• Consistent visuals and voice.

Think about it…let’s say you’re changing hair salons. 

Salon #1 has an IG account that shows stunning images of hair styles, what the salon looks like…captions are about the service and outlines what happens when you walk through the door. When you call for information the receptionist sounds as if she’s the one who wrote the IG captions. You can hear your favorite vibey music playing (not blasting) in the background.

Salon #2 was recommended by a friend, the IG account shows images that don’t really speak to you, you have no idea what the salon looks like inside, there are no captions and their website is minimal at best but when you call for information the receptionist is super friendly but you hear nothing in the background.This scenario has you pausing before booking an appointment.

Me? I’m booking at Salon #1 for clarity.  A confused mind says NO. 

A business that is consistently ON BRAND makes saying YES easy for clients.

WHY MY ONLY OPTION TO BECOMING SEEN WAS TO BUILD A BRAND

Very early into becoming a Sr. Photographer I HAD to build a brand because NOBODY knew what Sr. Photography was in my area, state(!).

I didn’t have the luxury of a steady stream of seniors from surrounding high schools searching for a Sr. Photographer. 

I had to attract Moms and teens who emotionally connected to what I was doing while establishing that the value was worthy of the investment.

In retrospect I consider myself lucky. By doing the brand work early into my career,  I by-passed A LOT of transactional clients. 

As a result of being ON BRAND my list of dream clients continues to become dreamier with every year. 

Don’t get me wrong, I continually check-in and tweak but having built the solid foundations of my brand makes those check-ins, minor tweaks.

WHAT LIFE IS LIKE WORKING WITH DREAM CLIENTS.

• Time spent marketing is cut in half because your messaging/visuals are ON BRAND attracting exactly who you love working with.
• Dream Clients find you. No more frantic searching.
• You’re creatively fulfilled because you have clients enthusiastically saying YES! To your vision and process. They trust you.
• You don’t feel salesy because the value you’ve established has already pre-sold dream clients on you.
• You sit down for dinner with your family every night, rather than editing because you’re in complete control of your calendar.
• Complete confidence in your pricing and products because you’ve built a brand that is consistent, cohesive, packed with value and delivers an incredible experience.

In a word, life feels expansive.

Now that you’ve gained some perspective on how to tell if your photography business is on brand.

WOULD YOUR CLIENTS, FRIENDS, PEERS SAY, “THAT’S SO “ON BRAND” WHEN REVIEWING YOUR ON LINE MARKETING OR IN PERSON?

When you’re ready to make the powerful move of creating a brand that people recognize instantly your first step is to schedule a  BRAND AUDIT CLARITY call. It includes an assessment with actions you can take immediately.