This one bad habit is holding you back from PR success
We all know images sell. So why do so many companies make one of the most important components of a PR campaign — the visual assets — an afterthought?
When it comes to PR, getting high-quality images from clients is a constant struggle
A lack of high-quality photos is a common roadblock we see with many clients. Startup founders and even some of our very established enterprise clients often come to us lacking professional-looking headshots, product shots, and office snapshots. After numerous requests for these assets, when we do finally receive them they often come with a host of other issues: the images are frequently too small or low-quality; the pictures are old and outdated (sorry, but that headshot you took from your desktop camera 5+ years ago isn’t going to work); or the background/ambiance undermines the professional image we're striving to convey about your company’s culture.
The solution seems straightforward: invest in professional photography. However, hiring a professional photographer might not be feasible when budgets are tight or timelines are short. But here's the good news: The power to create excellent, media-worthy images is in the palm of your hand.
The quality of today’s smartphone cameras, as well as the built-in photography settings and editing capabilities, means you’re just a few taps away from a photo worthy of being featured in a strong PR campaign. Add a touch of magic with a photo retouching app or a platform like Canva that lets you alter images and backgrounds in all sorts of ways, and you're on your way to creating compelling visuals that enhance your PR efforts and will make your PR and social media teams love you even more!
Get creative with those visual assets
Great images are storytellers in their own right, capturing the essence of your brand, evoking emotions, and creating a lasting impression in a visually compelling way. In an industry where editors and journalists are inundated with pitches every day, an eye-catching image can be the difference between getting noticed or being overlooked. Remember that most publications would rather use original images than the same stock photos every other media outlet uses.
When you do a formal photo shoot, opt for 3-5 wardrobe changes. Even something as simple as adding a hat, jacket, or glasses to your outfit selections will help extend the life of your images so they don’t become dated so quickly. Wearing neutral colors and avoiding trendy or distracting patterns is another way to keep your images looking fresh.
Another tip is to be creative! Boring, stiff headshots and basic backgrounds don’t sell and often get ignored because no one will feel motivated to publish them. If you’re fortunate to have a swanky office space, show it off. Or perhaps you’ve got access to a great outdoor area nearby or a rooftop where the skyline will serve as a great backdrop. In other words, look for ways to showcase your unique business, team, and culture. Images can breathe life into a story and captivate the audience while offering a glimpse of your personality and company.
In summary, great visuals are integral to your PR and marketing strategy. Elevate your PR campaigns from basic to unforgettable by investing in professional photography (or simply harnessing the power of your smartphone) to create the best possible visuals for your business. Images should never be an afterthought — they’re as essential as the message itself.
Looking for help getting pr for startups? Get in touch with us and let’s chat about how FLIGHT PR can help.