Brand Photos for Authors
… and how to use brand photos in your book launch marketing
Recently I had the pleasure of working with Sydney based illustrator Jasmine Green to create some brand photos to help with the launch and marketing of her upcoming new book.
After chatting more about her book and what her publishers were requiring from her, we created a plan for a brand photoshoot that would give her publishers what they need to finalise the book cover design, and also help her in the coming months with marketing during the long book launch process.
Book launches shouldn’t be just a one-time event, but should be seen as a important marketing opportunity long before, and way after the actual launch day. Creating branded photo content that’s on hand whenever you need it over the next 6-12 months is so helpful in saving you time, keeping your marketing efforts consistent, and building trust with your audience.
Here’s the 3 types of author brand photos that Jasmine and I created to help with her book launch marketing.
Author Headshot for the Book Cover
The publisher initially requested some high quality professional headshots to incorporate into the desgin of the cover of Jasmine’s book. There were no other specifications from the publisher, so we decided on photos that were relaxed and natural, showing Jasmine in her home, but that would be suitable no matter what the final cover design ended up being.
Behind the scenes of the book writing process
I love getting a sneak-peek behind the curtain! It helps me feel included, which in turn helps me connect with the brand all the more.
So, by showing the process behind Jasmine’s art, her audience can see how her book came to life. And as they see the intricacies behind her creations, they can better understand their value. Connection builds trust, and people love to engage with a brand they trust.
The inspiration behind the writing or artwork
All of Jasmine’s beautiful art is inspired by her faith and the beautiful world around her. So we made sure to incorporate, not only the bible verses and personal reflection time that inspires her creativity, but the gorgeous flowers from her garden that she often brings into her home.
We also created photos that show her using those flowers in her inspiration boards, and how they connect to the overall flow of her book.
These types of brand photos all help to create a personal connection with Jasmine as the author and to show what goes into a creative process like writing and illustrating a book. Connection builds trust, and people love to engage with an author, or brand, they trust.
So then, now that this content has been created, how can your author brand photos be used in your book launch marketing?
1. Profile picture on social media - a professional author headshot will elevate your brand like no selfie can. These photos label you as the expert and give people an positive impression about your overall brand.
2. In your social media posts - by creating a variety of author brand photo you’ll have an abundance of monthly content to post before, during and after your book launch.
3. In your blog - bloggin is a great way to keep your content on your own website and create authority as an author. Use your new brand photos to accompany your blog articles.
4. Email signature - a fresh author headshot added to your email signature can turn an everyday communication into a great opportunity to catch people’s attention and mention your book.
5. Website - ditch the generic overused stock photos and have your actual handiwork displayed. As an author, no one else’s content or images will display the pride you take in your writing than custom photography.
(Check out these bonus tips on using your brand photos for search optimisation)
6. Amazon Author Profile - If you’re self-publishing, use your new brand photos on your Amazon author profile.
7. Facebook ads - generate more engagement with your facebook ads by including a photo of yourself as the author.
8. Newsletter - keep your readers informed and your book launch front of mind with a regular and consistent newsletter.
9. Media kit - consistent professional author photos will reinforce your brand and keep you front of mind.
10. Podcast promotion - Use your brand photos when being interviewed on podcasts.
11. Local newspaper article - up your PR game and connect with your local community and bookstores using photos that help to keep your presence professional and consistent.
12. Business card - add a professional headshot to create instant connection, as well as a photo of your book with a QR code of where people can buy a copy.
13. Author speaking presentations - use your new custom library of branded photos in your author speaking presentations to connect with your audience, keep them engaged and become known as the expert in your field.
14. Launch party - promote your book launch party, and have some custom signage up at the event showing your brand photos.
15. Author signings - promote your author signing event, and have and have your new photos on display at the bookstore or business event to draw people over.
In just one personal brand photoshoot, we can create professional photos that you can use in many different places and in many different ways to help promote and market your book.
If you’d like to start creating your library of author brand photos in time for your next book release, I’d love to hear from you.
