When you’re starting out in business, it’s pretty easy to fall into the trap of not wanting to spend extra money and also wanting to do it all yourself. Entrepreneurs naturally want to keep start-up costs to a minimum. So you think that if you can set things up yourself, you’re saving money by not hiring an extra person.
But the problem with this thinking is that in the long run, by doing everything yourself, you can easily lose money. For one thing, you can’t be an expert on everything. More importantly, if you’re busy doing behind-the-scenes tasks for your business, then you’re taking your attention away from your clients and other lucrative ventures. It’s time to outsource.
One area that people think is so easy to do is your website. Between drag-and-drop website builders and easy-to-use WordPress, it’s easy to think you can create your own website; But without that special web design talent and natural artistic flair for color matching, your website will look crude and lack the style your target customers are looking for.
Since your website is often the first thing people see about your business, do you really want them to think it’s too cheap to invest in a well-designed website? Like it or not, people will judge your business based on your website; one look can keep visitors from calling you, even if you may be the perfect trainer to help them. So invest. Hire a qualified web designer to overhaul your website with a modern, clean design and unique branding elements.
Embed your branding throughout your website
Think about when you visit a new website; What page do you start on? What elements catch your attention first? How do these elements represent the brand message? Even if you’re not consciously thinking about these things, there’s always a concrete reason why you’re clicking away from a site to continue your search, and the same is true for your visitors. So start on page one of your site and make a note of the elements that need to be updated. Here are some suggestions:
1. Your header. A website designer can integrate your brand colors and design elements to create an attractive, professional header that (subconsciously) encourages people to continue reading your home page.
2. Your headshot. Whether it’s included in the header or used in a sidebar, visitors feel more comfortable seeing a person’s face and knowing that you’re a real person. A professional portrait adds a personal touch to the site. Your visitors will see you as accessible and know that they can actually reach you if they call, rather than being put in a vicious cycle of voicemail.
3. Your subscription box. Don’t get stuck with a boring old cash register design. Your web designer can easily integrate a design to make your subscription stand out even more. (Hint: If you’re not building your list yet, you need to get started!)
4. The signature box of its author. Use the end of each blog post to include both your author information and a call to action. Insert your brand colors and/or a different headshot that still conveys your brand message. Convince your readers why YOU are the coach they have been looking for. The key here is to keep the verbiage to a minimum, but also include a link: to a subscription offer, a waiting list, or to your exclusive product or book. Also use a mixed version of your author box when writing articles for other companies, such as a guest blogger.
It’s time outsource your brand photos?
When was the last time you changed your face photo on social media? What about the header on your website? If your headshots are more than 18-24 months old OR if your style or outward appearance has changed significantly, then you need updated photos. It doesn’t matter that you look like a supermodel in this ’90s photo. Chances are, you won’t look the same all those years later. But perhaps it is more important to clients that you appear more experienced! To keep up to date.
Website and social media photos are just two of the many areas where it’s important to have up-to-date photos and design elements so visitors and followers know you’re still in business and invested in the image of your business. business. We are talking about the image of your BUSINESS: the image you show to the world; the image that represents you as a coach; the image that will allow you to earn a living full time; an image that has the potential to earn enough to send their children to the college of their choice. Why on earth would you try to tackle these important images yourself, even if you have some photography experience?
Think about it…if you’re on social media to catch up with your college friends, it doesn’t matter if your profile picture is a little blurry and you’re wearing a tank top while drinking a beer. But if you’re promoting your business on social media, looking to gain more customers, then a blurry photo in unprofessional attire just won’t work.
Get rid of blurry photographers and hire a photographer
Smartphone cameras have come a long way in recent years and some of the photos posted online are incredibly clear. However, just because you have a great cell phone camera doesn’t mean you have to take your own professional photos.
First, any decent photographer will have the latest and greatest camera that will surpass the quality of a cell phone. Second, experienced photographers will know how to set the lighting so you don’t get covered in shadows. Third, professional lifestyle or portrait photographers have a way of reassuring their models that they will know which poses are most flattering for their body type.
Save time and let the experts edit your photos
Photoshop is an amazing tool and we see those results on magazine covers in every supermarket checkout line. But do you really have time in your schedule to learn a new program? Even once you learn the basics of Photoshop, it takes a lot of practice to hone your skills. If you’re already looking forward to having 18 more hours in your day, then hire a photographer who has excellent photo editing skills to perfect your look in a fraction of the time it would take you to learn.
Photographers add creativity
Good photographers are artists and can add creative suggestions to your photo shoot. Ultimately, you are in charge of your brand image, but professional photographers will offer suggestions for poses, locations, clothing or accessories to use. Some suggestions may seem really far fetched, while others may make sense. Therefore, it is helpful to keep an open mind when consulting with your photographer because you may stumble upon a wonderful idea that will significantly improve your brand image.
Now is the time to update your brand images
Updated brand images go hand in hand with an updated website, so let’s book your photo shoot! If that’s a foreign concept to you, or if you didn’t have the best experience the last time you had a photo shoot, Branding Photo Shoot Planner is the tool you need. I’ve laid out a step-by-step plan for staying organized and hiring a photographer. Just follow the steps, take lots of notes and ask your photographer candidates lots of questions and you will surely have a hard time choosing the images because they will all look amazing.
In summary: When YOU are the face of your business, it is imperative to portray yourself in the best light possible. Professional photos help attract high-quality clients who are willing and able to spend money with you.
