Why does a Simple Phone Photo outperform a polished graphic in 2024?

Why does a Simple Phone Photo outperform a polished graphic in 2024?

The Problem with Polished Graphics

Remember when a slick, professionally designed graphic was the holy grail of social media content? You'd spend hours (or pay someone to) crafting the perfect post, sure it would bring in the likes, comments, and shares. But then, something funny happened—a quick phone photo with a half-decent caption outperformed your polished graphics. What gives?

The Changing Landscape of Social Media

Let's face it—times have changed. The social media landscape isn’t what it used to be, especially here in places like Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Nipigon, and even the bigger hubs like Winnipeg and Toronto. As a Thunder Bay content creator, I’ve seen the shift firsthand. What was once considered top-tier content is now struggling to keep up with the raw, authentic moments captured on a smartphone. Hence, simple Phone Photos outperform a polished graphic.

Why Authenticity Wins

A generic graphic won’t spark that interaction, but an image of your in-house made sandwich with a well-crafted caption will. It’s about inviting followers into your world, not just showcasing a product.

Building a community is what truly drives your social media presence. It’s not just about making your feed look aesthetic or clean—though if that’s your audience, by all means, lean into it. But even then, you need to create a window for engagement. Ask for their opinion, start a conversation, and let them feel like they’re part of something bigger. It’s this sense of community that will keep your audience coming back, not just the visuals alone.

The Rise of Phone Photography

Think about it: We live in a world where everyone has a camera in their pocket. The accessibility of phone cameras has democratized content creation, making everyone a potential storyteller. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok favoring raw, engaging content over perfection, it's no surprise that those spur-of-the-moment shots are gaining traction.

The Professional Perspective

As a Thunder Bay photographer and videographer, I get it—there’s a place for professional content. But even the best Thunder Bay videographers know that sometimes, less is more. Your audience wants to connect with you, not just be impressed by you. And that connection is built through content that feels genuine, not overproduced.

The Solution: Embrace Authenticity

So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re struggling to engage your audience, maybe it’s time to rethink your approach. Next time you’re about to post that perfectly designed graphic, ask yourself: Would this resonate more if it were just a simple phone photo with a well-thought-out caption?

You don’t need to abandon your graphic posts entirely, but consider mixing it up. Capture the moment, share it with a little context, and see how your audience responds. You might be surprised at how much more engagement you get from being real rather than polished.

Final Thoughts: Adapt to the Changing Landscape

At the end of the day, marketing in Thunder Bay, or anywhere else, is about adapting to the changing landscape. Right now, the landscape is all about authenticity. So, grab your phone, snap that photo, and start a conversation that matters.