Maximizing your brand's impact with curated imagery

Updated: Mar 27, 2023

Brand imagery matters. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words," and when it comes to branding, that couldn't be more accurate.

When consumers buy your product or service, they’re buying what your brand stands for. Curated stock imagery helps inspire, tell a story, and create a sense of belonging for your customers. Be intentional with your brand imagery, choose stock images that align with your brand’s values to convey exactly what you want to say.

What thoughtfully curated imagery that is unique to your brand could do for your business:

Help establish and reinforce your brand's identity

When you use consistent imagery across all of your marketing channels, your audience will begin to associate those images with your brand. This can help build brand recognition and loyalty.

Communicates your brand's values

Your brand's values should be reflected in every aspect of your marketing materials, including your imagery. By using curated imagery that aligns with your brand's values, you can communicate to your audience what your brand stands for.

Sets you apart from the competition

Using curated imagery that is unique to your brand can help set you apart from your competition. By avoiding generic stock photos and instead using imagery that is tailored to your brand, you can create a more memorable and distinctive visual identity.

Here are some tips, dos, and don'ts to help you curate an image library that enhances the appeal of your brand:

DO:

Know your brand's voice and image: The first rule of selecting stock imagery is to have a clear understanding of your brand's voice and image. What kind of emotions and values do you want to convey? What kind of aesthetic appeals to your audience? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you narrow down your image search and select images that align with your brand.
Use authentic and diverse imagery: People want to see themselves represented in the brands they follow. Therefore, it's important to use images that reflect diversity and inclusivity. This includes using images of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages.
Use high-quality imagery: It's crucial to use high-quality images that are not pixelated or blurry. Poor quality imagery can undermine the credibility of your brand and make it appear unprofessional.
Use imagery that resonates with your audience: Your audience should be at the forefront of your mind when curating stock imagery. Use images that they can relate to, that will resonate with them emotionally and visually.

DON'T:

Use cliché images: Avoid using stock imagery that is overly used or cliché. Instead, opt for unique and creative images that will make your brand stand out.
Use irrelevant images: Using images that are irrelevant to your brand or message can be confusing for your audience. Always ensure that the images you select align with your brand and the message you're trying to convey.
Use images that are offensive: This should go without saying, but never use images that are offensive or insensitive. This can result in a PR nightmare and potentially alienate your audience.
Use images that infringe copyright: Always ensure that you have the right to use the images you select. Using images that infringe on copyright can result in legal issues and damage to your brand's reputation.