4 steps to taking better social media photos for your business

Social media allows us to connect with our communities and ideal clients in a more accessible and informal way than ever before, but it requires time, thought, and a serious amount of content! Using images in your posts is not only a sure-fire way to increase engagement but is also one of the best ways to connect with your people in a really authentic way. 

So today, I’m sharing 4 easy steps to improving your DIY social media photos.

1. What’s the point?

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” - Abraham Lincoln

What’s the purpose of your post? All too often, I see entrepreneurs frantically looking for an image to post on social media and then writing something vaguely relevant as a caption. I’m challenging you to flip that process 180°! By starting with what you want to say, and then creating an image to suit, you’ll have a much more purposeful post. So what is this post for? Is it a look behind the scenes of your business? Is it a call to action? The purpose of the photo will affect the content of the image.

2. Style it!

Now we know what we want to say, it’s time to design and style our photograph! What are you taking a picture of? If it’s a behind the scenes look at your business, perhaps your laptop with an open notebook, pen and a steaming cup of tea feels right? If it’s a call to action, maybe a cute photo of a letter board with the information on it next to a vase of flowers does the job? What props feel relevant to you and your work? If you always talk about winding down with your favourite Arran Aromatics candle, work it into the image to demonstrate consistency and authenticity. Think about your colour palette - this might be a colour theme within the image, or perhaps your own brand colours - this is a really easy way to reinforce your brand’s colour palette.

3. Are we human (or are we dancer?)

Adding a human element to your images is a great way of putting yourself into your brand in a more subtle way. Whether it’s your hand using a prop, typing on the keyboard, or round your cuppa, or something even more subtle, like an open book, a chocolate brownie with a corner missing, or a pen laid across a postcard with the lid off. All of these things tell a story and help to humanise your imagery.

4. Look to the light!

“I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical.” - Trent Parke

Something I can’t emphasise enough is the importance of good light when taking your DIY social photos. Good news, this doesn’t mean wall to wall sunshine! Whether you’re taking selfies, or flatlays and lifestyle stock images, the best light is bright cloud. Inside, you want to set up your images in front of a window on the north facing side of your home / office to give you nice even light. Outside, look for the shade!

There you have it! 4 easy ways to improve your DIY social media photos. I’m intrigued to see the images you create, tag me on Instagram and let me know!