Gathering The Right Digital Assets For Your Business
Your digital presence is often the first thing a potential customer sees, and the quality of your visuals says a great deal about your brand before you even have the chance.
In a world that's more visual than ever, strong digital assets (photos, videos, graphics) are no longer optional. They’re essential. But how do you know what’s worth investing in professionally, and what can you handle yourself?
Here’s a breakdown to help you make smart decisions for the goals of your small business.
Why high-quality digital assets matter:
First impressions count: Visitors form an opinion about your business in less than a second.
Trust factor: Professional visuals signal that you’re credible and established.
Better engagement: Social media posts with images produce 650% higher engagement than text-only posts.
Stronger marketing: Great assets elevate websites, social media, ads, and print materials, making all your marketing more effective.
Investing in digital assets isn't just about "looking good,” it's about building trust, driving conversions, and standing out in a crowded market. Think of the cost of creating digital assets less as an expense, and more as a revenue generator.
How do I know when I should hire a professional photographer or videographer?
Hire a pro when you need:
Brand photos: Headshots, team photos, office/location images, all consistent and high-quality.
Product photography: For e-commerce or catalog needs, crisp, clear, and true-to-color.
Brand videos: Company overview videos, client testimonials and product demos.
Key marketing campaigns: Launches, rebrands and new services that need polished visuals.
Tip: Invest once in a large batch of brand images you can reuse across your website, ads, social posts, and press kits. Make the most of a day with a professional photographer. The more you capture, the more you can utilize it in various ways.
What digital assets can I create on my own?
Do it yourself when you need:
Casual social media content: Behind-the-scenes shots, day-to-day team activities.
Quick updates: Store hours change, new menu items, special promotions.
Stories and reels: Authentic, quick, less "polished" content thrives here.
Tip: A newer smartphone + good lighting + basic editing apps (like Lightroom Mobile or InShot) can get you surprisingly far for social.
I’m not a great photographer. How can I improve my DIY content?
Lighting is everything: Natural light wins over artificial light. If you're unsure, always shoot near a window or bright space.
Keep backgrounds simple: Less distraction, more focus on the subject.
Consistency matters: Use the same filters, colors, and styles where possible.
Invest in a few tools: A ring light, a tripod, or a clean backdrop can level up your shots without breaking the bank.
Take more photos: Don’t just snap one and move on, take extras. You’ll appreciate having options.
Vertical/Horizontal: Always shoot content both vertically and horizontally, so you have options that make sense for either social media, your website, or more.
The Hybrid Strategy: Best of Both Worlds
Many businesses find success with a hybrid approach:
Professional assets for the "big stuff" (website, brand launch, major campaigns).
DIY content for daily engagement and authenticity.
This balances polish with realness and keeps costs manageable while keeping content flowing. Strong digital assets build a strong digital brand.
Whether you DIY or hire a pro, having the right mix of visuals is key to marketing success in 2025. Need help planning your next photoshoot or leveling up your digital assets? Let's talk about how we can get your small business camera-ready with Chase Digital Co.