Whale Celebrates MarCom Awards Recognition with Three Wins in 2024

Whale Celebrates MarCom Awards Recognition with Three Wins in 2024

We’re thrilled to announce that Whale has received three 2024 MarCom Awards, an international creative competition that honors outstanding achievements in marketing and communications. The MarCom Awards are among the most respected in the industry, recognizing the skill and dedication of creative professionals worldwide.

This year, over 6,500 entries from across the United States, Canada, and 43 other countries were submitted, each judged on criteria such as excellence, innovation, and industry impact. Whale is proud to have been recognized for three projects that exemplify our commitment to delivering powerful, engaging content:

• Platinum Winner for the Global FICCS Brand Overview Book
Our team developed a comprehensive brand overview book for Global FICCS that encapsulates their story, mission, and vision. This Platinum Award celebrates our strategic design approach and our dedication to communicating a clear and impactful brand message.

• Gold Winner for the HomeServe Residential Infrastructure Animated Video
This animated video provides an engaging look into the residential infrastructure services provided by HomeServe, making complex topics accessible and interesting. Our team’s hard work and creativity have been honored with this prestigious Gold Award.

• Gold Winner for AutismUp’s 20th Anniversary Theme Branding
We were delighted to partner with AutismUp on their 20th Anniversary theme branding, creating a visual narrative that celebrates their incredible work over two decades. This Gold Award reflects the impact and resonance of our designs for this meaningful milestone.

About the MarCom Awards

The MarCom Awards is one of the largest and most well-respected creative competitions worldwide. Organized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the competition recognizes outstanding achievements in concept, direction, design, and production. Judged by industry experts, MarCom Awards are given to those whose work exemplifies the highest standards and innovation within the industry.

Winning a MarCom Award is an acknowledgment from peers in the creative industry and showcases the power of effective marketing and communications. We’re proud to stand among these industry leaders and be recognized for work that connects with audiences and drives meaningful change.

We’re excited to share these achievements with our clients and community, as they inspire us to continue pushing creative boundaries in our industry. Thank you to everyone who supported these projects – here’s to many more wins together!

Whale Achieves National WBENC Certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise

Whale Achieves National WBENC Certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise

We’re excited to share that Whale has been nationally certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. This certification marks a significant step for Whale, strengthening our commitment to diversity and providing enhanced opportunities to connect with organizations that prioritize supplier diversity.

Why WBENC Certification Matters

Achieving WBENC certification is no small feat. The certification process involves a rigorous review, including a thorough assessment of our business structure, leadership, and strategic planning. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women. This certification is more than just a credential—it signifies Whale’s dedication to quality, leadership, and innovation within the marketing industry.

“Being WBENC certified reflects our commitment to diversity and positions us to contribute meaningfully to the community of women-owned businesses nationwide,” said Holly Waldron, Co-Founder at Whale. “We’re proud to represent and empower women leaders in business, and this recognition allows us to further our mission of bringing creative, high-impact marketing solutions to our clients.”

What WBENC Certification Brings to Our Clients and Partners

For our clients and partners, WBENC certification offers the assurance that Whale meets the highest standards of excellence in the industry. Additionally, this certification opens doors to exciting opportunities for collaboration and innovation, as we join a network of WBENC-certified businesses and engage with top corporations dedicated to supplier diversity.

Our WBENC certification also enables us to strengthen existing partnerships and build new relationships with organizations that value diverse suppliers, fostering a more inclusive and balanced economy. By choosing Whale, our clients and partners are actively supporting a women-owned business and contributing to broader social impact.

About the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and is the most widely recognized certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. With over 18,000 certified businesses and more than 500 Corporate Members—including numerous Fortune 500 companies—WBENC drives innovation and opportunity for women-owned businesses across the country.

Looking Ahead

As a WBENC-certified business, Whale is excited to continue growing, learning, and contributing to a network dedicated to excellence, diversity, and collaboration. We look forward to the new connections, events, and programs WBENC provides, which will empower us to keep delivering the high-quality, strategic marketing solutions our clients have come to trust.

Learn more about Whale and our services and reach out to chat further!

White Whale Solutions Named Tampa Magazine’s Best Social Media/Marketing Agency!

White Whale Solutions Named Tampa Magazine’s Best Social Media/Marketing Agency!

We’re thrilled to announce that White Whale Solutions has been named Tampa Magazine’s Best Social Media/Marketing Agency! This recognition isn’t just a trophy for our shelf; it’s a testament to our dedicated team, innovative strategies, and the amazing clients we’ve had the privilege to work with.

A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Since our start, Whale has been driven by a mission to help brands make meaningful connections with their audiences. Our journey has been one of creativity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From crafting engaging social media campaigns to implementing data-driven marketing strategies, our focus has always been on delivering results that matter.

This award reflects not only our hard work but also the trust and collaboration we’ve built with our clients. Each project we’ve taken on has pushed us to think outside the box, adapt to industry changes, and continually refine our approach to marketing.

What Makes Whale Stand Out?

1. Personalized Strategies: We believe that every brand has a unique story to tell. Our approach starts with understanding our client’s goals, values, and audiences, allowing us to create tailored strategies that resonate.

2. Data-Driven Decisions: In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, data insights are key. Our team harnesses analytics to guide our decisions, ensuring our strategies are not only creative but effective.

3. Community Focus: Being a part of the Tampa community is essential to us. We’re committed to supporting local businesses and initiatives, helping to foster a thriving local economy.

4. Innovative Creativity: In a landscape that’s constantly evolving, staying ahead of trends is crucial. Our team prides itself on thinking creatively to produce fresh, engaging content that captures attention.

Thank You for Your Support!

This award wouldn’t be possible without our incredible clients who inspire us every day. Your trust and collaboration have driven us to achieve greater heights. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team whose passion and expertise make Whale what it is.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. We’re excited to explore new opportunities, embrace innovative technologies, and continue to craft compelling narratives for our clients.

What’s Next for Whale?

Winning Tampa Magazine’s Best Social Media/Marketing Agency is just the beginning. We’re already hard at work on new projects, partnerships, and initiatives that will help our clients thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and success stories from our team. We can’t wait to share what’s next on our journey! Here’s to more growth, creativity, and impactful marketing in the future!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for a partner to elevate your brand’s marketing efforts. Let’s make waves together!

Utilizing Video Content in Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide

Utilizing Video Content in Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide

Video content has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their marketing strategies. With the rapid growth of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, video has become a preferred medium for consumers and marketers alike. Keep reading to explore why video content is essential for your marketing efforts and how you can effectively incorporate it into your strategy to drive engagement and conversions.

Why Video Content Matters

1. Higher Engagement Rates
Video content naturally captures attention more effectively than text or static images. According to a study by HubSpot, 54% of consumers prefer to see video content from brands they support. Videos are dynamic and can convey messages more vividly, making them more engaging and memorable.

2. Boosts Conversions and Sales
The impact of video on conversion rates is undeniable. Research shows that including a video on a landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%. This is because videos can explain products or services more comprehensively, building trust and making it easier for customers to make purchasing decisions.

3. Improves SEO Performance
Google prioritizes websites that offer diverse content types, including videos. By embedding videos on your website, you can improve your site’s SEO performance, leading to higher search engine rankings. Additionally, videos increase the amount of time visitors spend on your site, which is another critical factor in SEO rankings.

4. Videos are Highly Shareable
Video content is one of the most shared types of content on social media. A well-produced video can go viral, significantly increasing your brand’s visibility. People are more likely to share videos with their networks, amplifying your reach organically.

Types of Video Content to Consider

1. Explainer Videos
Explainer videos are perfect for breaking down complex products or services into easily digestible information. These videos are usually short, focusing on the key benefits and features that set your offering apart from the competition.

2. Product Demos
Product demonstration videos show your product in action. They are particularly effective for e-commerce brands, helping potential customers understand how to use your product and what to expect.

3. Testimonials and Case Studies
Customer testimonials and case study videos add credibility to your brand. They showcase real-life success stories, building trust with your audience by demonstrating tangible results.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Content
Humanize your brand by showing what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it’s a day in the life at your company or the process of creating a product, these videos can build a stronger connection with your audience.

5. Webinars and Live Streams
Hosting webinars and live streams allows you to interact with your audience in real-time. This type of content is highly engaging and can position your brand as a thought leader in your industry.

Whale’s Best Practices for Video Marketing

1. Focus on Quality
High-quality video production is crucial. Poorly produced videos can harm your brand’s image. Invest in good equipment, or hire professionals to ensure your videos look polished and professional.

2. Keep it Short and Sweet
Attention spans are shorter than ever, so aim to keep your videos concise. Most successful marketing videos are under two minutes long, delivering the message quickly without losing the viewer’s interest.

3. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every marketing video should have a clear call-to-action. Whether you want viewers to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, make sure your CTA is compelling and easy to follow.

4. Optimize for Mobile Viewing
With the majority of video content being consumed on mobile devices, it’s essential to ensure your videos are optimized for mobile viewing. This includes using vertical formats and ensuring that text and visuals are legible on smaller screens.

5. Leverage SEO
Don’t forget to optimize your videos for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Additionally, including transcripts can help improve your video’s searchability.

How to Distribute Your Video Content

1. Social Media Platforms
Share your videos on platforms where your audience is most active. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great for short, engaging videos, while YouTube is ideal for longer, more in-depth content.

2. Your Website
Embed videos on your homepage, product pages, and blog posts to enhance your website’s content. This not only improves the user experience but also contributes to better SEO performance.

3. Email Marketing
Incorporating videos into your email campaigns can significantly increase click-through rates. Use video thumbnails with play buttons to entice recipients to watch the content.

4. Video Advertising
Consider running video ads on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Video ads can be highly targeted, ensuring your content reaches the right audience.

Incorporating video content into your marketing strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Videos engage audiences, build trust, and drive conversions, making them a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. By focusing on quality, keeping your content concise, and optimizing for SEO and mobile, you can harness the full potential of video marketing to grow your brand.

Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level with video content? Reach out to the Whale team today and let’s start planning your video content and see the impact it can have on your business! Check out some of our past video projects to explore Whale’s video capabilities!

Designing for Impact: Creating Visual Content that Converts

Designing for Impact: Creating Visual Content that Converts

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, the importance of creating visually compelling content cannot be overstated. Visual content not only grabs attention but also helps convey your message more effectively and persuasively. For businesses, the challenge lies in designing visuals that not only attract but also convert. Here are Whale’s design suggestions on how to create visual content that drives conversions.

Understand Your Audience

The first step in creating impactful visual content is understanding your target audience. Knowing their preferences, behaviors, and pain points will help you design visuals that resonate with them. Conduct thorough market research and create detailed buyer personas to get a clear picture of your audience. This understanding will guide your design choices, from color schemes and typography to the type of imagery that will appeal to them.

Keep It Simple and Clear

Simplicity is key in visual design. Cluttered and complex visuals can overwhelm viewers and dilute your message. Focus on a clear, straightforward design that communicates your message effectively. Use whitespace strategically to create a clean and organized look. Remember, the goal is to convey your message quickly and clearly.

Maintain Consistent Branding

Consistency in branding helps in building brand recognition and trust. Use a cohesive color palette, typography, and design elements across all your visual content. Consistent branding not only enhances your visual appeal but also reinforces your brand identity, making it more memorable to your audience.

Leverage Color Psychology

Colors evoke emotions and can significantly impact how your audience perceives your content. Use color psychology to your advantage by selecting colors that align with your brand and evoke the desired emotional response. For example, blue often conveys trust and professionalism, while red can evoke excitement and urgency. Consistency in color usage also helps in reinforcing brand identity.

Incorporate a Strong Visual Hierarchy

A well-defined visual hierarchy guides viewers’ eyes through the content in a deliberate way, highlighting the most important elements first. Use size, color, contrast, and positioning to create a hierarchy that directs attention to key information. For example, use larger, bolder text for headlines and calls to action, and contrasting colors to make these elements stand out.

Utilize Compelling Typography

Typography plays a crucial role in visual content. Choose fonts that are not only visually appealing but also easy to read. Limit the use of different fonts to maintain a cohesive look and use font size and weight to create a visual hierarchy. Your typography should complement the overall design and enhance readability, ensuring that your message is not lost in a sea of decorative fonts.

Implement Engaging Infographics

Infographics are a powerful way to present complex information in an easily digestible format. They combine visuals and text to tell a story or explain a concept. When designing infographics, focus on clarity and simplicity. Use icons, charts, and diagrams to break down information into bite-sized chunks that are easy to understand and visually engaging.

Optimize for Mobile

With a significant portion of users accessing content via mobile devices, it’s crucial to design visuals that are mobile-friendly. Ensure that your images, graphics, and text are easily viewable on smaller screens. Responsive design techniques can help ensure that your visual content looks great and functions well on any device.

Use Authentic and Relatable Imagery

Authentic and relatable imagery can create a stronger connection with your audience. Avoid overly staged or generic stock photos. Instead, use images that reflect real-life scenarios and resonate with your audience’s experiences. This authenticity can help build trust and make your brand more relatable.

Include Clear Calls to Action

Every piece of visual content should have a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s encouraging viewers to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, your CTA should stand out and be easy to follow. Use contrasting colors, bold fonts, and strategic placement to ensure your CTA is prominent and compelling.

Conclusion

Creating visual content that converts requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of your audience. By focusing on simplicity, quality, and clear communication, you can design visuals that not only attract attention but also drive meaningful action. Remember, the goal is to create a visual experience that resonates with your audience and motivates them to take the desired action.

Navigating the Festive Season

Navigating the Festive Season

Holiday Marketing Strategy Successes, Do's, and Don'ts

The holiday season is like no other in the world of strategic marketing. It’s a time of intense competition, heightened consumer expectations, and boundless opportunities. A well-executed holiday marketing strategy can be a game-changer for your business, but a misstep can lead to missed opportunities and customer disillusionment. In this post, we’ll explore some holiday marketing strategy successes, along with essential do’s and don’ts to keep you on the right course. Plus, discover how Whale can make your holiday marketing efforts even more special with design, thoughtful holiday gifts, and more.

Holiday Marketing Strategy Successes

Storytelling that Resonates: Successful holiday marketing often hinges on emotionally resonant storytelling. Share relatable narratives that evoke feelings of nostalgia, togetherness, or gratitude. A great example is the heartwarming tales featured in holiday commercials by brands like Coca-Cola.

Personalization: Tailor your messages and offers to individual customers. Personalization creates a more meaningful connection and drives higher conversion rates. Utilize data analytics and customer insights to understand their preferences and shopping habits.

Early Planning: The early bird gets the worm, and the same applies to holiday marketing. Plan your campaigns well in advance to avoid the rush and ensure seamless execution. This includes setting clear objectives, creating content calendars, and scheduling ads.

Multichannel Approach: Embrace a multichannel strategy. Leverage social media, email marketing, content marketing, PPC ads, and influencer collaborations to maximize your reach. Coordinate your messaging across these channels for consistency.

Limited-Time Offers: Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time promotions, exclusive deals, or early access to products. Scarcity drives purchases during the holiday frenzy.

Holiday Marketing Do's

1. Customer-Centric Approach: Put your customers first. Understand their needs, concerns, and pain points. Craft your marketing campaigns to address these, making their lives easier during the hectic season.

2. Internal Holiday Outreah: Don’t forget about your internal teams. Holiday gifts and thoughtful messaging go a long way during the busy season, so internal efforts should not be overlooked!

3. Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website and emails are mobile-friendly. Many shoppers use smartphones and tablets for holiday shopping, and a clunky mobile experience can drive them away.

4. A/B Testing: Regularly A/B test your ad creatives, email subject lines, and landing pages to optimize performance. Small tweaks can lead to significant improvements.

5. Post-Holiday Engagement: Don’t forget about your customers after the holidays. Nurture those new relationships established during the holiday season with targeted follow-up campaigns.

6. Analytics and Adaptation: Continually monitor your campaign performance. Adjust your strategy based on real-time data and customer feedback.

Holiday Marketing Dont's

1. Neglecting Website Performance: Slow-loading websites and checkout processes can frustrate customers and lead to cart abandonment. Keep your website optimized for speed.

2. Overwhelming Customers: Bombarding customers with excessive emails or ads can be counterproductive. Strike a balance and respect their inboxes and social media feeds.

3. Ignoring Social Responsibility: Be mindful of societal issues and your brand’s role in addressing them. Insensitive or tone-deaf marketing can harm your reputation.

4. Lack of Consistency: Ensure your brand’s messaging and visuals are consistent across all channels. Inconsistent branding can confuse and deter potential customers.

Make Your Holiday Marketing Easy and Effective with Whale

At Whale, we understand that the holiday season is a crucial time for businesses. We can take holiday marketing off your plate and bring it to the next level by offering customized design and messaging solutions across a variety of marketing channels, and concepting and production of thoughtful holiday gifts that will leave a lasting impression on your clients, employees, and partners, and more.

We’ll ensure that your holiday marketing aligns with your brand identity and messaging, making your clients and employees feel appreciated and valued.

In the world of holiday marketing, success often hinges on understanding your audience, careful planning, and adaptability. By following these do’s and avoiding the don’ts, and by partnering with Whale, you can steer your holiday marketing strategy towards success, helping your brand shine amidst the holiday lights and festive cheer.

Contact us today to discuss how we can enhance your holiday marketing efforts.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Energy Efficiency Programs

Effective Marketing Strategies for Energy Efficiency Programs

Whale works with utilities across the country, developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. We specialize in energy efficiency marketing tactics for our natural gas clients. Whether you’re looking to spread awareness for your programs or increase leads, we have a marketing campaign strategy for you!

Are you marketing all programs?

Our team has experience with residential and commercial energy efficiency marketing campaigns. Let’s start with the basics. First consider your program year goals. We start with gaining an understanding of your program year goals, both residential and commercial. From there, we analyze your marketing budget and determine the best ROI for your marketing dollars. We have experience with programs such as Direct Install, Prescriptive & Custom, Quick Home Energy Checkups (QHEC), Weatherization, Home Performance with Energy Star (HPwES), Heating and Cooling and much more!

Are you utilizing a multi-channel marketing approach?

Our energy efficiency campaigns incorporate direct mail, email marketing, paid ads, SEO and website development. It’s important to reach your potential target markets at every possible channel. Most recently, Whale executed a multi-channel marketing campaign targeting Overburdended Communities (OBC) with a Quick Home Energy Checkup (QHEC). Whale designed an eye-catching and informative direct mail letter and email. By executing multiple tactics, the client was able to generate more leads into their QHEC program. Your possibilities are endless with Whale marketing tactics!

Are you taking advantage of paid ads?

Whale executes effective marketing campaigns utilizing digital platforms such as Facebook, Google, Bing and YouTube. Our lead generation ads on Facebook, combined with Google Display and Google Search efforts have increased client leads by 50% YOY. We also execute strategies for limited time promotions such as smart thermostats. On holidays our clients love to promote smart thermostat promotions on platforms such as Facebook and Google. Whether you’re looking to raise awareness of energy efficiency programs or generate program leads, we have a results-oriented strategy catered to you.

Are you targeting your customers effectively?

We understand the importance of targeting the correct audiences and generating quality program leads. Our clients use custom audience lists in platforms such as Facebook, Google and Bing to target customers effectively. Our data experts are also available to audit your customer lists for direct mail campaigns and segment specified groups for campaigns. In 2022 Whale executed a multi-channel marketing campaign for a Weatherization Program and was able to generate quality moderate-income leads into the program. Make sure you’re maximizing marketing dollars and reaching the most effective audiences.

Are you optimizing campaigns?

Our marketing campaigns are monitored daily. A live digital dashboard is setup at the beginning of all campaigns to track the results in real-time. For direct mail, QR codes, CallRail and USPS Informed Delivery results are also frequently monitored by the Account Team. It’s important to know how your campaign is performing and to optimize when necessary.

Are you interested in marketing your energy efficiency programs?

With Energy Efficiency Day right around the corner, now is the time to think about your campaign tactics! Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from strategy to execution. White Whale has been executing energy efficiency marketing campaigns for our clients for 10+ years. We are here to help you increase awareness of your commitment to helping your customers save energy and money.  Give us a shout here!

Not ready to take the plunge yet?

That’s totally okay. Test out our marketing initiatives with a one-day EE Day campaign! Our proven-to-work digital campaigns include an enticing design concept and copy. Our targeted approach utilizes your current customer database. You’ll see results in just ONE day. Previous EE Day campaigns have garnered over 160 program leads, 63,300 impressions, 240 Facebook link clicks, 3,400 landing page views and 2,000 email clicks. We have a turnkey solution for you. Reach out today for a seamless energy efficiency campaign strategy and start seeing results in just ONE day!

Holiday Corporate Gifting

Holiday Corporate Gifting

The holiday season presents a unique opportunity for businesses to strengthen their brand and foster meaningful connections with clients, partners, and employees. One effective way to accomplish this is through customized holiday corporate gifting. By tailoring gifts to align with your brand identity and the recipient’s preferences, you can create a lasting impression that enhances brand recognition and fosters goodwill. Let Whale assist you with a stress-free holiday season that will leave a lasting impression and start your planning now.

Building Brand Recognition

Customized holiday corporate gifts serve as tangible representations of your brand. By incorporating your logo, brand colors, and other brand elements into the gifts, you create a visual association that reinforces brand recognition and recall. Whether it’s personalized calendars, branded stationery, or custom-made ornaments, each gift becomes a subtle yet effective marketing tool that keeps your brand top-of-mind. Shown in our full Gilead kit, not only did we choose quality high-end items, but we also maintained the Gilead color palette all throughout.

Strengthening Relationships

The act of personalized gifting during the holiday season demonstrates thoughtfulness and appreciation, which can go a long way in building and strengthening relationships with clients, partners, and employees. When recipients receive a gift that aligns with their interests or preferences, they feel valued and understood, leading to increased loyalty and a positive perception of your brand. By taking the time to understand your recipients’ preferences and customizing gifts accordingly, you create a sense of connection and create lasting impressions.

Showcasing Company Culture and Values

Customized holiday gifts provide an opportunity to showcase your corporate culture and values. Consider selecting gifts that align with your brand’s mission and values. For example, if your company prioritizes sustainability, opt for eco-friendly gifts, or donate to a charitable cause on behalf of the recipients. This not only communicates your commitment to social responsibility but also creates a positive association between your brand and the values you hold dear.

How Whale Can Help

Customized holiday corporate gifting presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to strengthen their brand, improve relationships, and leave a lasting impression. Whale can help your business by personalizing gifts based on recipient preferences, incorporating brand elements, and showcasing your corporate culture and values. With Whale’s help, our clients have been able to create a positive and lasting impact that resonates with recipients long after the holiday season has passed. If you are interested in learning more, fill out our contact us form here.

The Power of Headshots

The Power of Headshots

Capturing Your Best Angle

Headshots are a crucial element in marketing, particularly when it comes to personal branding. A professional headshot can set you apart from the competition and give potential clients or employers a strong first impression. In this blog post, we’ll explore why headshots are important in marketing, what makes a good headshot, and how to use your headshot effectively in your marketing efforts.

Why are headshots important in marketing?

Your headshot is often the first impression you make with potential clients or employers, so it’s important to make it count. A professional headshot can convey confidence, approachability, and competence, all of which are valuable traits in the business world. It can also help establish your personal brand and make you more memorable to those who view your marketing materials (Forbes). In addition to making a strong first impression, a professional headshot can also lend credibility to your marketing efforts. It shows that you take your business or career seriously and that you’re willing to invest in yourself to present a professional image to the world. This can be especially important in industries such as law, finance, and real estate, where professionalism and credibility are highly valued. At Whale, we have done headshots for our team and our clients, and we’ve learned some tips and tricks along the way.

What makes a good headshot?

A good headshot is one that accurately represents you and your personal brand while also conveying the traits that are important in your industry. Here are some of Whale’s tips for creating a good headshot:

1. Dress appropriately: Choose clothing that is professional and fits well. Avoid busy patterns or logos that can distract from your face.

2. Choose a neutral background: A plain background in a neutral color such as white or gray will ensure that the focus remains on you.

3. Use good lighting: Natural light is best, but if you’re indoors, make sure the lighting is even and flattering.

4. Show your personality: Smile naturally and make eye contact with the camera. Your headshot should look friendly and approachable.

5. Hire a professional: While it’s possible to take a good headshot yourself, hiring a professional photographer can ensure that you get the best possible result.

What do I do with my headshot now?

Once you have a great headshot, it’s important to use it effectively in your marketing materials. Here are some ways Whale has put our client’s headshots to use:

1. Use it on your website and social media profiles: Your headshot should be prominently displayed on your website and social media profiles. This will help potential clients or employers put a face to your name and make it easier to remember you.

2. Include it in your email signature: Adding your headshot to your email signature can help build familiarity and trust with those you communicate with regularly.

3. Use it in print materials: Your headshot can be used in brochures, business cards, and other print materials to give them a personal touch.

The Designers of Whale

The Designers of Whale

The Unique Art Styles of our Whale Team

At Whale, we have a team of incredibly talented art directors and designers; each with their own unique art style. All of them work hard to design creative assets that are out of the box, exciting, and valuable. One of our favorite things about our art directors and designers is how their personalities and individual artistic styles add to the creative pieces made at Whale. We asked our art directors and designers at Whale to put together a mood board that represents who they are, what inspires them, and their artistic style.

Taylor | Art Director

Taylor’s mood board is the perfect mix of dark and light. The camera represents Taylor’s talent and passion for photography, and the Pantone colors were chosen to represent some of her favorite things: Bayshore Strolls and Dogs!

Sydney | Art Director

Sydney’s art style is cute and colorful, with assortments of yellows, oranges, greens, and purples. It feels like baking cookies on a cozy, rainy day; or what a trip to the bookstore feels like. The Pantone color choice, “Lavender Haze,” perfectly represents her love for Taylor Swift.

Gisselle | Art Director

Gisselle’s mood board features Hello Kitty and lots of pinks. It’s super cute and even a bit nostalgic. A fun fact about Gisselle is that she always has the most adorable and most fun nail designs and her mood board reminded me of her immediately. She incorporated all the colors she chose in such a cute way.

Rebekah | Art Director

Whenever I think of Rebekah, I think of sunshine! In her mood board, she incorporated her favorite colors, while adding some of the most beautiful pieces of Florida. The flamingos, beach umbrellas, and ocean perfectly exemplify her style and personality.

Jessica | Senior Art Director

Jess’ mood board focuses mainly on neutral tones, with pops of neon yellow in between. It feels a bit Western in a modern way, and the neon smiley face displays Jess’ fun, warm, and excitable personality!

Our art directors and designers are all incredibly talented, and we feel so lucky to have such phenomenal people on our team. Their own unique personalities and styles make Whale even better every single day.

Their hard work and creativity always set us apart. We whaley love you and appreciate everything you do! To see some more of our designer’s incredible work, visit our Instagram.