Today I’m sharing 7 great storytelling ideas for your personal brand photo session. But before we get started, let’s take a long hard look at why storytelling works. Why do customers purchase one product or service over another? Is their decision based on price or selling points? Harvard professor Gerald Zaltman doesn’t believe so. By studying consumer’s unconscious physical reactions, Zaltman found that what they really think or feel often contradicts what they say. People by products and services by how it makes them feel.

So what does this mean for marketers? You need to connect with your client’s emotions. Let me just stop for a second here and remind you that in marketing, you need to know your ideal client and talk to them like they’re your best friend from college.

Telling an authentic brand story is the best way to connect with your customers on an emotional level. But how do you do that? Well, since the online space is highly visual, I personally believe that telling stories through imagery is your best bet. After all, posts with images and videos see almost twice the amount of engagement compared to those without. That’s why I’ve brainstormed this list for you. So here they are: 7 great storytelling ideas for your personal brand photo session.

Meet the Owner

#1 most important story, right here. You are the face of your business, so let your customers get to know the real you! Are you a parent? Talk about it. An adventurer? Tell about your travels. What are your hobbies and interests? Doesn’t matter if it’s bowling or needlepoint, share what helps you destress after a long day. Bottom line: Tell about parts of your life that your ideal customer can relate to and understand!

Customer Experience

When someone does business with you, what can they expect? Do you customize each order? Is there a process to your services? Show & tell!

What Sets You Apart From Your Competitors

Let’s do some subtle bragging… What is it that you do or offer that is exclusive to you, or at least incredibly uncommon? How do you go the extra mile for your customers? It’s okay to let them know how awesome you are. After all, you want to establish yourself as a professional in your niche.

Your Values

Get personal. What do you believe in or value? What resonates with you? Maybe it’s being able to spend time with family. Or maybe it’s being able to travel or having financial freedom. Whatever it is, share it!

Quick example here: Remember Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke with _____” campaign? They aren’t selling a drink. They are selling togetherness and friendship.

How your business gives back to the community

What do you do to make your community a better place? Do you volunteer somewhere? Make donations? Are you a green company doing everything you can for the environment? And here’s the big kicker for this story: Why? What’s your motivation for your charitable cause? Let them know.

Behind the Scenes

Simple, but effective. Everyone loves to see behind the scenes photos. What can you share about the day to day life of running your biz?

Your Customer’s Results

This one’s especially powerful for network marketers. How does your product positively affect your customers. Show the visible results!

When planning stories for your personal brand photography session, you need to consider all the possibilities that would really make a lasting impression on your customers. What will resonate with them and help build your brand, allowing your business to sell more products in the long-term. Whatever it is, tell an authentic story. Because storytelling sells. Storytelling resonates. Storytelling connects.

If you’re new to personal branding, check out my Ultimate Personal Branding Roadmap. It’s a e-workbook designed to help you clarify your own personal brand.

Or if you’re in the Houston area, I offer in depth personal branding advice in my Story Branding 101 Consultations.

Do you have any other great story ideas to share? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear what you think!