Have you ever found yourself drawn to certain brands without really knowing why?
Imagine scrolling through Instagram and stumbling upon a captivating image. Before you know it, you’ve spent the last half-hour perusing every single photo on that user’s account, all the way back to their first post.
What is it about certain brands that has such a powerful hold on our attention?
The answer lies in image curation.
Now that we understand what image curation is, let’s delve into how you can harness its power to captivate your audience and grow your brand’s following.
Be Selective
Curating content requires a level of selectivity. You can’t simply post anything and everything you come across. Instead, carefully choose images and themes that reflect the persona you want your brand to embody.
Take the clothing store Madewell, for example.
Madewell’s Instagram feed showcases a cohesive theme of lookbook and product images, all curated to evoke a sense of casual comfort with a touch of sophistication. There are no random cat photos or blurry selfies here. Every image is strategically selected to convey a consistent brand image.
Maintain Uniformity
Image curation also involves maintaining a sense of uniformity across all your content. This consistency in style and presentation helps establish a recognizable brand identity that sets you apart from the competition.
Consider the food blog Love and Lemons, for instance.
Love and Lemons’ curated blog images showcase a consistent design style and filter, making them instantly identifiable as belonging to the brand. Curators put in the effort to ensure that each piece of content aligns with their brand’s overall look and feel.
Build a Lifestyle
The most effective image curators craft their content in a way that conveys a lifestyle, appealing to their ideal followers and target demographic. By presenting images that resonate with their audience, curators can strengthen their connection with those most likely to engage with their brand.
This approach varies depending on the brand’s objectives. Some bloggers aim to attract advertisers and affiliate marketing opportunities, while others focus on selling products. Designer Benny Gold, for example, uses image curation on Twitter to reinforce his lifestyle brand.
Even when promoting sales, Benny Gold maintains a consistent visual language that aligns with his brand’s overall aesthetic.
A Touch of Mystery
Image curators present a curated version of reality, idealized and enticing. By infusing an element of mystery into their brand, they captivate their audience, keeping them eager for more insights into their world.
Consider musician William Fitzsimmons, who uses image curation on Facebook to promote his shows and events while occasionally offering glimpses into his personal life.
Image Curation: Your Secret Power
While it may be challenging to relinquish the urge to showcase your unfiltered self, embracing image curation is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish a strong online presence. It allows you to craft a visually captivating brand identity that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from the competition.
Who are some of your favorite image curation experts?