You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures can work wonders to promote your business on the internet – that is, if you take them correctly and use them effectively.
Why post photos on the internet?
Your audience is likely searching the internet to determine where they decide to spend their time and money. Nobody is using the yellow pages anymore – people are looking for your business online and especially on social media. When potential customers find your business, it’s important to ensure you’re making a good impression. Using pictures will help them see what you have to offer and entice them to visit your establishment. Text is great, but a picture is better!
What equipment should you use?
For a special event, it may make sense to hire a professional to take high quality pictures at your location. This option will come with an expense, so it may not be the best for day-to-day photos. Thankfully, you can take high quality photos using what you have at your fingertips.
The easiest, least expensive option is to use your smart phone (assuming you already have one). With each new smart phone that comes out, the picture quality gets better and better. To take pictures, just open the camera app and tap on the screen where the object is to pull that in to focus.
Another option is to use a digital camera. Depending on the type of digital camera you use, the quality can be comparable to a professional photographer. Some tips to keep in mind: set the flash if the lighting is poor and make sure your object is focused in the frame. The 12 Best Cameras for Beginners is a great place to start if you are looking to invest in a camera but don't have a lot of experience.
If you choose to take your own pictures, be sure to hold your camera steady and make sure the object is symmetrical in the frame. It's also important to make sure you have good lighting (or turn on the flash). Whether it's natural or artificial light, good lighting is the key to great photos.
When in doubt, filter it out. Utilize the filters available to you on smart phones and photo editing apps. This will help when good lighting just isn't feasible.
What should you take photos of?
Your customers want to know what you have to offer. You could get some shots of the outside of your restaurant or bar, your skill gaming area, or that famous dish or drink for which your place is known.
Using your photos to promote your business
So, you’ve taken all these cool photos of your business, now what? Use them to market your bar, restaurant, or skill gaming machines! Potential patrons want to see what your skill gaming establishment has to offer before they visit. Post them on your website, social media, Yelp, etc. Use these tips to take better pictures to drive business and engage your current or potential customers.
