social networks as tools of visual merchandising | pennsylvania wedding photographer

social network can be used for many purposes, as it relates to branding, sales, product placement, marketing etc. for small and big businesses alike.  facebook, instagram, twitter, tumblr, and the list goes on, can all be used as display windows similar to the ones storefronts use, to display your product.

what is visual merchandizing?

let’s define visual merchandizing, by its purpose:  the purpose is to attract clients, engage them in a meaningful way, motivate them to enter the storefront, and then purchase the product.

three do’s and don'ts to using social networks as a tool of  visual merchandizing

1. private [do not]:  if at any point you decide to use your social networks to display your products. it should never be set to private. privacy in the internet age is a myth; therefore, you should be operating under the notion, that if you don’t want it seen or known, then don’t put it on the net. your social networks like a display window at a store should always be open to engage potential clients. the high fashion stores of new york city’s 5th avenue, always have their display windows open. imagine,  if stores were to shut down their display windows and only after you ring the bell [request friendship/follow as in social networks] at the front door then you can go in to see the products. this would result in a loss for potential clients. 

2. stay consistent [do]:  firstly, define your brand, then stay consistent with the images you post that is representative of that brand. if your product is cameras then there is no reasons you should be posting jokes about central american earthworms.  the point is, that which is totally unrelated should not be seen. here is an exercise for you: imagine you are going to purchase a ferarri, when you arrive at the dealership, you are greeted by the chuck e cheese mouse trying to sell you burgers and tickets for video games. does this sound like at turn off? yes it does [because the two are totally unrelated,] now go and clean up your social network and make sure its consistent with your product.

3. keep it fresh [do]: have ever noticed that google changes their front page ever so often in regards to holidays and celebrating famous people around the world?  like you, i too like to click on all the animations and play with them.  this serves many purposes, but in regards to marketing, it keeps you coming back to the front page of google, it's enticing. the reason they change the front page ever so often  is because people get bored. therefore, you must figure out a way to keep potential and returning clients engaged in a way which is consistent with your brand. one way you can do this is to showcase new photographs in regards to your product. take for example, specifically facebook, as seen in [2012-2014] your cover photo is prime space for visual merchandizing.