The Controversial Truth About Photography Branding | 74

Today, I want to share a controversial opinion with you.

If you're a beginner photographer, focusing on branding is not the best way to get clients and make money.

Too many beginner photographers approach branding the wrong way.

They think that having a great-looking website, portfolio, logo, and social media presence is what attracts clients. While these elements are important, they don't directly address your reputation.

They only scratch the surface of what it means to build a brand. A brand is ultimately about creating a positive perception and reputation for your creative biz.

Before diving into branding, it's crucial to understand that a brand is about much more than just aesthetics. It's about the promises you make to your clients and the results you deliver. So, how can you make sure you're building a brand that truly resonates with your target audience?

Instead of focusing on branding from the start, I propose a different approach. Start by identifying the problems your photography can solve and create an offer that addresses these needs.

This process, called identifying product-market fit, will help you find a niche and prove there's a demand for your services.

By doing this, you'll be able to build a solid foundation for your business, ensuring that you're delivering real value to your clients.

Once you have clients and know your offer is making money, you should then focus on providing an incredible customer experience.

What does customer experience even mean? It's delivering the best photos possible. But not just that. You do that while being professional, respectful, and attentive to your client's needs.

The customer experience starts from the moment you make contact with a lead. Make sure every interaction is a positive one.

A great customer experience helps build your brand's reputation. But it doesn't stop there. It also results in better testimonials, case studies, and increased referral rates.

This is the foundation upon which you can build the more superficial aspects of your brand, such as your logo, website, and social media presence.

Once you've established your reputation and have a steady flow of clients, it's time to invest in those branding elements. The things that make your business stand out visually.

Work with a designer to create a consistent aesthetic across your website, social media platforms, and any other marketing materials you use. This helps solidify your brand and make you more recognizable in your niche.

Focus on the big picture first—identify a niche, solve problems, and provide an excellent customer experience.

The rest will fall into place as your photography business grows and prospers. By prioritizing the right things and avoiding common branding mistakes, you'll set yourself up for long-term success in the competitive world of photography (or any other creative biz).