EDUCATION BLOG

What message are you attempting to convey on your Blog, Website, Facebook page and Twitter? When potential customers visit any form of your Web presence for the first time, what impression are you making? According to Michael Martinez, “the impression you make on the Web can be just as polarizing as the impression you make in person. Everything that goes into your Web presentation determines who will stay and who will leave immediately. That includes the pictures you provide of yourself.”

When a potential customer enters your retail establishment they make a value judgment within 10 seconds which determines the extent of their shopping and the amount of their purchase.  This theory also applies to the Web. The average amount of time a visitor stays on a website is 60 seconds. And the longer a visitor stays on your website or blog, the more interested they are in what you have to offer. So, making an impelling first impression really is important.

As a professional photographer and entrepreneur, I’ve spent a good part of my career working with business owners and assisting them in making sure  that the impression they make has impact. I believe that the impression you make on the Web begins with powerful but simple photographs and graphics such as a well designed logo, product shots and portrait. When the photographs you use are of your child picking his/her nose or the dog’s nose on the lens of your camera, I would say that the message you are making is not your best first impression when it comes to branding your product, service, craft, art or business.

Don’t get me wrong.  I spent 10 years creating heirloom portraits of new born babies. I’ve photographed literally hundreds of pets and their owners, brides, models and families. Plus, I have three grandsons who are adorable. And, I currently have two awesome dogs (absolute angels).  The boys and the dogs remain in front of my camera all the time. But, I don’t post these pictures to brand my business. I do, however, share them with family and friends on a photo sharing site.

Think about it this way, for example. You’re putting your house up for sale and you’ve purchased ‘for sale’ signs. Instead of placing the signs in your yard and community, you travel 100 miles away and go deep into the forest to post the signs. Your friends, family and neighbors agree to help spread the word. However, when interested parties look for your house, according to the information they’ve received, they get lost and give up. So, goes your efforts on the Web without photographs and graphics that are purposefully selected and strategically placed.

Honestly, I am truly amazed by what I see. There are methods of taking product shots that are economical and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Actually, you can spend under $100 and do a fine job. After all, it is all about the lighting. Plus, having a head shot taken by a professional photographer goes a long way in branding you as a business professional. Plus, for less than a dozen cups of Starbucks coffee, you have an image of yourself that is sure to make an impact on those who visit your website, blog, Twitter and Facebook page. Not to mention that any article or publicity you get will also need a photograph of you.

Take my word for it. You will be more successful when you utilize the Web to your advantage by using strong images that are engaging and graphics that convey a message.

To learn more about this and similar topics, visit our blog often and check out the Categories listed on the home page. For an in depth view of  CRNA features and benefits, visit the Features and Benefits page. For membership information, visit the Join CRNA page.

Comments are Welcome. If you would like a personal email response, please make a note in your comment.