Your business is the baby you created.  It can be ugly and misshaped or beautiful and intriguing. Online you only get one chance to intrigue a customer to learn more, buy something and it all starts with the photos you use. 

Photos are your communication tool, they speak more than words and in the absence of meeting you, hearing your story and understanding your brand, they are what speaks for you.

Today, we can take great images even from a phone.  While it would be great if we could all hire a photographer, many of us small business owners need to do some things for ourselves.  You can DIY product images, you will be surprised how good you can make them with just a little know how.  One great guide is from @shopify who produced this handy little guide filled to the top with great information.

This image by @thebakersbar.ca has done an excellent job of telling a story without words! Right away you smile at the grouchy gingerbread man, this is not typical, you also see the happy holidays so you know what season it is.  There is no cluttering text, everything in the picture lends to the theme.  You know right away that this business has fun.  It is also in the first line of their "About Us" page:  "We love craft beer, wine, & we love home-style baking" who wouldn't want to do business with them?

Your images on social and your web page should always tell a story without words. It should communicate your business brand, what is important, how you will serve your customers.  

My best advice, bring in that person who wears the 'black hat', who is picky, has attention to detail to look at your pages, your images and get their feedback.  You might get more than you bargained for, but they will give you an honest opinion. Just remember, it does not have to be perfect. Do not let perfection prevent you from action.  You will get better the more you practice, I promise you this.

Trina Plamondon is the founder of Oh Canada Market, a virtual marketplace for Canadian makers and local shops. Each week she provides creative solutions that help busy small business owners do more with less effort.