By Aimee Woodall
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words isn’t always enough. We think a picture can say more than that. Photography can be a powerful tool for communication, and when done correctly, it can be a critical part of any public relations or marketing campaign.
Why?
- The lazy factor.
People don’t like to read. Sure YOU do, but most people don’t, and they definitely don’t like to read too many words in a row. If given the option between Goodnight Moon and War and Peace, the former wins every time. So, use photos to make your message simpler and less exhausting. - The “wow” factor.
People like to look at pictures. Even the worst picture makes a piece of work instantly more entertaining (not that we’re recommending bad photography), and it adds an additional element of interest.
- The viral factor.
People are intrinsically attracted to visuals. Because of the two factors listed above, photos and blogs/posts/articles containing photos are more likely to go viral than ones that lack them. And of course, you want your stuff to be seen – that’s how stuff sells.
How?
- Sharing sites.
There are tons of places to upload and share photos. Our favorites are Flickr, Instagram, Photobucket and Smugmug, and they’re all super easy to use with their own pros and cons. Create an account, shoot and send! Plus, when you tell your brand’s story with pictures, you don’t have to worry about typos.
- Photo filter tools.
You know how your friends have those retro and casually artistic photos all over the Internet? Get in on their little secret, and install Snapseed, Filterstorm, Hipstamatic, Instagram or any number of other filter tools on your smart phone (and your employees’ smart phones!) for instant effect Added bonus: the grainy, exposed results hide nearly all imperfections. Not that the accounting team has anything to hide.
- More stuff.
The more you capture moments, the easier it will be to capture audiences – but you have to take the next step. Once you’ve figured out the basics, you can expand your reach by using your photo platforms to their full potential. Send photo-based invites, capture images online, organize your albums and even host your brand’s very own art gallery. The addictive online photoboard site, Pinterest, draws visitors by the hundred thousands and smart brands are taking notice.
You don’t have to be an expert to take advantage of photography as a marketing tool. With the right apps and a little dedication, you’ll turn the mundane into a work of art, and you’ll leave a lasting impression on your audience. Even in the world of Photoshop editing, there is truth in photography that can’t be found in any other medium. And there’s an added bonus! Recording milestones and day-to-day activity makes for added interest on your new Facebook timeline. So go on, click your heart out.
About The Black Sheep Agency
The Black Sheep Agency is a Houston-based creative agency specializing in non-traditional public relations, social media and experiential marketing. Visit theblacksheepagency.com or follow us on Twitter @shearcreativity and on Facebook at Facebook.com/theblacksheepagency.
