To talk about photography in a public relations and media blog may seem strange, but having good quality images to accompany the information we disseminate to our clients’ stakeholders is paramount.
In the digital age, where we spend a large percentage of our time writing content for our clients’ websites, blogs, and social media platforms, we need to be able to illustrate our point.
Images and tagging images will also improve your search engine optimization. At Gem PR & Media, where 90% of what we talk about is service related rather than product related, we understand the struggle many businesses have when it comes to creating photo opportunities. There are ways around this, of course. There are a number of websites that off free photography, which you can use without causing any copyright infringement. Sites such as Unsplash.com, allow you to modify, copy, distribute and use photos for free, including commercial purposes, without asking permission from or providing attribution to the photographer of the site. So, no excuses then!
Of course, original images will yield higher SEO results, and you don’t have to be the next David Bailey. However, good quality photography on your website, blog, and social media platforms will all go towards defining your brand.
One of the things I often do when we take on a new client is encourage them to have new, good quality photos taken. Individual headshots come in very handy for the likes of LinkedIn, to accompany an award entry, and ‘meet the team’ pages on websites. By good quality I don't mean a generic portrait in front of a 90s backdrop from a department store or pharmacy. I mean outdoors, where there’s great light, you’re relaxed and smiling.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great photographers, Chris George in Guernsey and Kate Spencer Photography in Springfield are my go to togs because I can always count on them to produce quality images – and they pay attention to the details.
Having a relationship with a great photographer also means you have the opportunity to be creative when needed. For example, I’ve had Chris George take photos up scaffolding, on the beach, and in a field.
As a former news editor and editor I’ve had to pick many a front cover photo and you know what – if it’s supplied by a public relations company, but it’s a great shot I’d use it. So, you never know when a great photo could end up on the front cover and bring your business to the forefront. At the very least ensure your online content is accompanied by good quality images, tag these, and you’re already giving yourself a leg up compared to your competitors.
