Whether you know the origin story of cerulean, or your fashion knowledge is limited to the names of different garments. We can’t deny fashion is something that is around us every day. With its presence on social media being undeniable. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have transformed the way in which fashion brands connect with their audience. It’s not just about looking good online; it’s about making genuine connections. But how do you actually build an iconic social media feed?
Join us as we explore how fashion photography can transform your social media feed into something iconic, with a touch of humour, a splash of creativity, and a whole lot of style!
The power of visual storytelling
Humans are by nature, visual creatures. A study conducted by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) revealed that the human brain actually processes images 60,000 times faster than text. For comparison you could have scrolled several social posts in the time it’s just taken you to read this sentence. This really emphasises the importance of creating visually striking content on social media.
When it comes to fashion photography, there’s more to it than just pretty pictures. It’s all about capturing and communicating a brand’s soul; telling a story and encouraging the audience to pause their endless doom-scrolling. Brands like Odd Muse and Coach are great examples of how their social media feeds exude elegance. Not only are they enchanting, but they also paint a vivid narrative of luxury and style with every post.
Key elements for nailing your fashion photography
When we’re putting together a killer outfit, we’re thinking about things like balance, flair and knowing what pair of shoes goes best. Well, similar elements apply when it comes to fashion photography. Here are some elements to consider:
- Authenticity – Ditch the filters and skip the Photoshop, audiences are demanding real content. A brand that is authentic within their imagery is 86% more likely to be supported by their audience than those that aren’t. Make your content as relatable as a woman’s need for a LBD. Showcase real people, diverse body types, and genuine moments.
- Emotion – If your content isn’t triggering your audience’s emotions then you’re doing it wrong. You could encourage the thrill of scoring the perfect vintage find, or the confidence boost you get when wearing a wardrobe staple. Whatever the emotion, your content needs to resonate with it.
- Consistency – Branding is much more than just your logo and tone of voice. A cohesive visual style should be a key element of your branding. Utilising consistent colours, tones and themes to ensure your feed feels like a curated collection, rather than a sample sale. After all, you wouldn’t catch Coco Chanel changing their iconic style every other week – so you shouldn’t either.
- Storytelling – Your feed should make your audience want to be a part of your brand story. Each photo is a chapter that adds further depth and intrigue. Don’t just showcase the clothing, emphasise the lifestyle, values and dreams that your brand embodies.
5 Tips for curating iconic social media feeds
Creating a social media feed that leaves your audiences feeling inspired, and maybe even a little envious, relies on a mixture of creativity and strategy. Here are some things you should consider as part of your strategy:
1. Understand your audience
Before you can start dazzling your audience with your iconic content, you first need to know who they are. Are they city dwellers, nature lovers, or vintage-obsessed? Tools like Google Analytics, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite Insights all make it easy to dive into audience research. So you can discover exactly what makes your audience double-tap and what leaves them scrolling. The more you know about your audience, the more you tailor and personalise your content for their taste.
2. Embrace User-Generated Content
Did you know that on average, 92% of consumers trust user-generated content (UGC) more than traditional advertising methods? When your audience shares their own photos which feature your product, it’s a win-win for the brand. Not only do UGC posts typically get higher engagement, they also help to build brand trust and loyalty. UGC is like a gift that keeps on giving. Let your audience step into the spotlight and showcase them as the stars they are.
3. Collaborate with influencers and creatives
In the same way, UGC is a great way to increase authenticity – partnering with influencers can amplify your reach, bring a new flair to your content and even if you’re lucky, start a new viral trend. Choose people who genuinely vibe with your brand and will bring an authentic approach to the collaboration. Remember, it’s not about the follower count; it’s about the connection and relationship they have with their audience.
British retailer M&S recently went viral after announcing their collaboration with men’s fashion influencers Mark Wright and Spencer Matthews. This fun wordplay led to other brands such as Matalan, Reiss and John Lewis all creating reactive videos featuring employees with similar names to the brand.
4. Utilising emerging technologies
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are both types of technologies that seem like they belong in sci-fi movies, but alas they are finding their place within the fashion industry. Brands like Gucci and Dior are embracing AR as a way of allowing consumers to try products on virtually which creates an immersive experience that keeps their audience engaged and wanting more. After all who wouldn’t want to try on a pair of fresh Gucci trainers without needing to leave their sofa? If your brand offers these high-convenience services then shout about them on your socials and let your audience know.
5. Analyse and adapt
If you thought fashion trends moved quickly, social media trends move even faster so keeping up is essential. Use analytic tools to track your performance metrics including engagement rate, reach, and conversions. The key is to identify patterns and trends within your own content and using that to influence and inform your strategy. Allowing you to quickly adapt your content to social media trends whilst still resonating with your audience. Staying flexible is key to keeping your finger on the trigger, after all, nobody wants to be the digital version of last season’s collection.
Strong fashion content can transform your brand’s social media feed from bargain bucket to haute couture. Our human-first approach at Giraffe means we focus on the people behind the screens. Building an iconic social media feed is something that isn’t going to happen overnight and isn’t just about the aesthetics; it’s about crafting a space where your brand can genuinely connect with your audience. Achieving this is as easy as prioritising authenticity, emotion, and storytelling.
But as the fashion industry evolves, so too must our approach to social media. If you’re a brand in need of helping to strut your stuff on the digital runway, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to harness the power of fashion photography to help you build an iconic social media feed that will leave a lasting impression.
Ready to create something extraordinary? Contact us today.
