If you’re in charge of running a brand, especially if you’re a beginner, it can feel like you always have more on your plate than you can handle. Still, it’s worth taking time out of your day to learn more about the importance of product photography. The far-reaching effects of presenting your brand and your business in an attractive, SEO-friendly way that makes sharing as easy as possible can increase your audience significantly without breaking the bank. Every entrepreneur and business owner should take their product images more seriously. If you want to learn more, read on for information on three ways high-quality product photography can help your brand.

1. Build trust with customers.

One of the most important aspects of brand-building, no matter what industry you’re in, is building consumer trust. This is valuable in any setting, but online stores need to be proactive, due to the prevalence of false advertising and scams. A successful online business relies on creating trust. A quick way to lose that trust is to use photographs and images that don’t accurately represent your own products. High-quality photography will capture every detail in the images you share, which allows buyers to peruse items more carefully before they make a purchase.

Connecting with people by using influencers can also be a good idea. Showing customers how your products can be used by engaging with influencers who attract your target audience is a strategy that many top brands are pursuing, and the results have been successful for many.

2. Reduce rates of returns and exchanges.

Product photography can make a big difference when it comes to making sure that customers are happy with the items they receive when they order from your business. When buyers have an accurate and detailed picture of what they’re purchasing, they’re more likely to be satisfied when their order arrives. Online stores like Etsy and Shopify attract attention often based on the quality of their product photos. Keep in mind that professional photographers have different niches, so the best way to find someone who can do the work required is to be specific when you contact them and ask to see a portfolio before you book a shoot.

We’ve all seen the viral side-by-side comparison photos when what a customer saw was definitely not what they got. It’s easy to avoid the embarrassment and the reputational damage by making sure the images you put out are accurate and reflective of what customers will receive.

3. Expand your business.

One benefit of high-quality images is that they’re incredibly shareable. Given how prominent the influence of social media, podcasts, and blogs are on online businesses, presenting product photos that are easy to send to others is a great way to make more people aware of your brand without paying for additional advertising. Your product photos can become free promotional material for your offline or online business. Low-res images without natural light, that use poor angles, and don’t use a professional camera setup are far less likely to be spread and shared.

If you’re lacking in funds to invest in your business so you can start to turn a profit, a hard money loan might be a solution. Private lenders, like a hard money lender in Oregon, can help you get a head start. Hard money loans, or loans that are asset-based, can be taken out based on the value of the real estate you own, which can give you additional liquidity as a business owner. Seeking investors can take the time that business owners don’t have, and many borrowers can handle processing hard money loans with a fairly quick turnaround time. It’s always best to pay upfront if you can, but hard money lenders can help bridge the gap if you find yourself coming up short.

While it can feel like there are a million things to think about when you’re developing a brand or creating a business, it’s important not to neglect the importance of hiring a good photographer and presenting high-quality images to customers. Excellent graphic design and photography also make the content you post online infinitely more shareable, expanding your reach without having to pay for advertising. When you consider all the benefits relative to the cost, it’s easy to see why a professional photographer makes sense. Building consumer trust and advertising your business more effectively is a perfect formula for growth and an important area to invest resources in for any brand or business.