How to use photos to create an effective business listing

Ready to create an effective, memorable ad? Then it’s time to get out a camera and get snapping!

With the right pictures supporting your business listing, you’ll have the very best chance of attracting a suitable buyer. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to present your business in a positive light using photos.

Why photos are important

It’s the best way to showcase your business

The old saying, ‘a picture says a thousand words’ is a cliché, but it’s actually true when it comes to creating an effective business listing.

Good photos can highlight your business more effectively than words alone. Your brand, the products you sell, your store fit-out, your homepage, your location…it’s much easier to ‘show’ your business with pictures than to ‘tell’ buyers about it. The right photos let buyers get a better feel for your business, and help them imagine themselves as the future owner.

And if you want to take it to the next level, a short video showcasing your business can work even better.

Buyers are more likely to click on your listing

Put simply, photos receive much better engagement. They highlight the business opportunity, and give your listing a sense of professionalism and legitimacy.

Presenting your business well, with good photos shows buyers you’re onto it. Which is just what you want when you’re trying to make the best first impression.

Top three tips for photos in your business listing

1. Take professional-looking photos

If you don’t have access to a good photographer, consider hiring one for a few hours. On average, a business takes 6-9 months to sell, so there’s plenty of time to put those shiny photos to work before your business sells.

If a professional photographer isn’t an option, have a look online at images you like from other business listings. Try and replicate these as best you can. Make sure you use the best camera, or newest smartphone you can get your hands on, as these will help you take better-quality images.

2. Fill all ten image spaces

Our research shows ads with more photos have more success. Every photo is a chance to show buyers something good about the business, so ten photos gives you ten different chances to make a good impression. Use them!

3. Upload in high resolution

Good photos show a buyer you’re organised and professional. Blurry, badly-presented photos suggest the opposite. Make sure every photo you upload is good quality (500kb or more) and shows your business in a positive light. If you wouldn’t use it in marketing material for the business, don’t use it to sell the business.

Types of pictures to include

While almost any photo is better than nothing, helping buyers get a feel for the business with crisp, quality images should be your goal.

Consider including:

• An establishing shot – the outside of the business, or the landing page/branding if it’s an online business
• Inside the business premises – include photos of the assets and features of the business, rather than close ups of specific or irrelevant details (take pictures of the café, not the coffee)
• Staff in uniforms – if this makes sense for your business
• Signage and branding – think vehicles, merchandise, equipment, or anything else with your branding on it

Ultimately, choose the images you think will most excite potential buyers and help you stand out from the crowd.

Snap to it

Good photos are crucial when it comes to presenting your business well. For that reason, it’s worth putting time and energy into getting ten good ones. Do that, and you’ll be well-placed to turn your effective ad into a successful sale.

And that, in turn, means you get to move onto the next exciting phase in your life and career.