Real People in a Digital World
When I think of the kinds of businesses which rely on stock images to illustrate their websites, I’d probably place IT support companies quite high in the table. I mean they’re into digital, noughts and ones and code, which has nothing to do with the real world, right? Well not really, but that helps explain why so may IT websites look the same – slick, but ultimately sterile.
Perhaps this is because IT companies don’t normally perceive that their clients would be interested in seeing anything beyond the service offer and price structure. Perhaps they don’t think personality is important, but as Jules says in Pulp Fiction, “Personality goes a long way”.
Ok, so Jules ends up machine-gunned to death on the toilet, but don’t let that put you off showing your personality! Sorry, this went downhill quickly. Let’s get back on track.
Certainly if you’re happy to run your business without properly engaging with your clients, I don’t recommend spending money on anything other than cheap stock photos, but one recent job reminded me that businesses with a positive culture will always benefit from featuring their own people in their website photography.
Netitude is a business which has grown fairly rapidly and is still expanding. Given it’s based in my home town of Frome, not known (yet) as the Silicone Valley of Somerset, Netitude is one of those business which most locals probably aren’t all that aware of, but which is doing remarkable things within its sector.
When the marketing assistant Lily got in touch the broad brief was to spend some time in their office working through a series of images to illustrate various areas of their website which needed a refresh. All the photos would feature real members of staff in genuine roles, not models pretending to do what Netitude does and not in an office potentially 1,000s of miles way.
The character of the businesses also shows through the images because the culture within Netitude is such that everyone I photographed knew why I was there and how to present themselves – friendly, approachable and professional. This character and culture is so important when communicating with current and potential clients.
Now rather than showing you a gallery of the images I came away with, I think it says far more to show the results in context which is why I’m showing a selection of screengrabs here. Alternatively, head over to the Netitude website for more information on what they do.
If you’re in the IT sector, don’t hide behind a bland website. It doesn’t matter what service people buy, they buy from people and if they can see your team, this helps build confidence. Of course I’ll be happy to discuss your options, so drop me a line any time via tim@timgander.co.uk.