1. Ditch the Stock Photos and Show Your True Colors
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: stock photos. I get it. They’re easy, they’re everywhere, and sometimes they seem like a quick solution when you need to throw a post together. But here’s the thing—using too many stock photos can make your brand feel, well… generic.
Imagine this: You’re scrolling through Instagram, and you see the same stock photo of a laptop and coffee mug you’ve seen about a hundred times. Boring, right? You keep scrolling. And that’s exactly what your audience does when they see stock photos on your feed or website.
Why? Because stock images don’t tell your story. They don’t show your face, your team, or the amazing work that makes your business unique. And when your brand lacks that personal touch, it can feel distant, untrustworthy, and yes, even scammy.
How to Fix It:
- Invest in personal branding photography: Yes, this is my area of expertise, but it’s because it works! When you use photos of you—showing your workspace, your team, and your personality—you create connection. People buy from people, not from stock photos.
- Show behind-the-scenes content: Give your audience a peek into your world. Show them what your day looks like, how you create your product or service, and the real, raw moments of your business journey.
By sharing authentic images, you make your brand feel real and relatable. Plus, people are way more likely to trust and engage with a business they feel connected to.
2. Your Content Should Speak to Your People
Next up: Unrelatable content. I see this all the time—brands putting out content that’s too broad or too generic, and it misses the mark with their ideal client. It’s like trying to hit a bullseye with your eyes closed. You’ll never know if you’re landing the message where it needs to go.
Your content needs to speak directly to your target audience. If you’re trying to reach everyone, you’ll end up resonating with no one. And when your content doesn’t hit home, your audience tunes out. Or worse—they start to feel like your business isn’t for them.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- Know your ideal client inside and out: Who are they? What are their struggles, dreams, and goals? When you have a clear picture of who you’re talking to, it’s so much easier to create content that resonates with them.
- Speak their language: Use phrases and terminology that your ideal client uses. Whether it’s a pain point they have or a solution they’re seeking, show that you get them.
- Tell stories: Don’t just tell people what you do—show them! Share stories that reflect the lives of your ideal clients, and make them see themselves in the narrative.
Here’s a fun little bonus: The more relatable your content is, the more your audience will feel like you’re the perfect fit for them. And when they feel that way? They trust you more, engage more, and are far more likely to book with you.
3. Generic Advice Isn’t Helping Anyone (Including You)
Ever read advice that sounds like it was written by a robot? You know the type: “Just work harder and stay motivated!” Wow, thanks. 🙄
Look, we all want to inspire our audience, but vague, white noise advice isn’t doing your business any favors. It doesn’t help your clients because it’s not specific, and it doesn’t help you because it makes your brand seem impersonal. In fact, when your content feels too generic, it can come across as disingenuous, like you’re just saying things for the sake of filling up space.
And that, my friends, is a recipe for losing trust.
Let’s Break It Down:
- Get specific: The more detailed and actionable your advice, the more valuable it is to your audience. Instead of “stay motivated,” try something like “Create a daily to-do list with three actionable tasks that align with your long-term goals.”
- Be personal: Share advice from your own experiences. Tell people what’s worked for you or your clients. Real-world examples are so much more powerful than generic statements.
- Make it actionable: People love advice they can implement right away. Give them steps, tools, or strategies they can start using today. When you offer tangible value, people will keep coming back for more.
By offering personalized, actionable advice, you’ll establish yourself as an expert who actually cares about your audience’s success. And that? It’s how you build trust and credibility.
4. The Power of Personalization
Everything we’ve talked about so far comes down to one word: Personalization. Your audience wants to know that your content is meant for them. They want to feel seen, heard, and understood.
When your branding is tailored to your audience, it shows that you care about their unique needs. It builds trust because it shows you’re paying attention to the details that matter to them.
How to Bring More Personalization to Your Brand:
- Use real photos and videos: (Yep, circling back to this one because it’s that important!) People want to see the real you. Whether it’s through branded photography, a quick selfie, or a behind-the-scenes video, show up authentically.
- Create tailored content: Keep your audience in mind with everything you post. Ask yourself: “Does this help my ideal client? Does this resonate with their challenges?”
- Engage with your audience: Personalization doesn’t end with content creation. Engage with your followers. Respond to comments, answer DMs, and make your audience feel like they’re a part of your community.
When your audience feels like your brand is made for them, they’re not just clients—they become raving fans. And trust me, raving fans are the ones who book you, tell their friends, and keep coming back for more.
Final Thoughts: Does Your Business Need a Refresh?
If you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, my branding might need a little TLC,” don’t stress! You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck. The good news is that refreshing your brand and creating an authentic, engaging online presence is absolutely within reach.
Want help? That’s exactly what I do. I specialize in personal branding photography and strategy, helping businesses like yours shine online with relatable, authentic content. Let’s chat about how we can make your brand stand out, build trust, and connect with your ideal clients in a real way.
Remember, a strong online presence isn’t just about pretty pictures or catchy captions—it’s about creating an experience that makes your audience feel connected to you. So, let’s create something amazing together!
