When choosing images to use for banners or posters, it is easy to look for stock photos online. You can grab them any time you want without worrying about copyright issues. It also works if you use images rather than only text when advertising since people respond better to the use of meaningful and striking photos.
The problem with stock photos is that they seem generic, and they do not necessarily pertain to your brand. When people see those pictures, they might not relate to them at all.
If you decide to hire people to pose and advertise your products, you might call professional models. There might be local models available to help you out. Although it is a smart idea, the problem is that they are no longer as effective as they used to be, especially for small businesses.
You are creating an unrealistic image when using these models. People will know that they are not necessarily buying your products. They are not regular people whom they can relate to. As such, it is best if you decide to use authentic people as your models.
Look for regular people who are willing to pose and campaign on your behalf. If they are avid fans of your products, they will not hesitate to do it for you. For instance, if you are selling school supplies, you can ask regular moms and kids to be your models. You might know someone in your closest circle who is willing to do it for you. Given how relatable they are, it will be easy to convince others to buy your products.
You are boosting people’s confidence
Another reason for using regular people as models is that you will be sending a message that you do not need to look like a celebrity to appear in a print ad. You can be a regular person and still be attractive to be a model. When your products target the youth, it is an effective method to get their attention.
You set your products apart
When you use regular people as models, you have a unique print ad. Imagine if you place a pull up banner at a mall entrance. All other banners there used professional models, and you did not. People will gravitate towards your banners because they are new to their eyes. They might even stop for a while to read more details.
Be creative and honest
In the end, people respond more to companies which are innovative and honest. You need to look for marketing strategies that will appeal to a lot of people, but without lying to them. When you keep telling them that they will look as pretty as the model in your print ad, you are blatantly lying to them since it is most likely not going to happen. You could even lose potential buyers when your target audience starts to realise that your ads were all lies.
