216/365
June 8, 2016
Tenants Harbor, ME, USA
I noticed an interesting phenomenon on social media. Very often photographers try to associate with a certain brand: camera or lens manufacturers, film stocks, pro labs, stores, even camera bags in hopes of a feature, retweet or mention - or whatever else endorsement by said brand. The problem is that people change their preferences up frequently and wonder why certain brands chose not to affiliate with them.
For me this is especially interesting because I know and understand both sides of the coin. As a photographer, I like certain products that I truly enjoy, but I have also been involved in many online marketing campaigns in a corporate environment. What people often forget is that brands have feelings too.
There are certainly a few exceptions, but it's usually very competent people making decisions behind successful brands. And there's only one thing more important than reach, reputation and all the other facets: brand loyalty. It's not helpful for any company to work with people that constantly switch their loyalties around between competing brands. It's better and less risky to invest in long term relationships with people that truly love your product.