What is a digital filter? A digital filter is a code or set of rules that you apply to your photo that makes adjustments to it, such as saturation, contrast, and color temperature. But when you use a filter, it’s much easier than that. In fact, most filters just have a name that you click and it changes the look of your photo. Filters can be found in just about every photo editing app, including the native photo app for your phone.

So why would you use a filter? Many times people use filters as a quick way to get an edited look on their photo. In fact, I’ll even use a filter every now and then to give my photo a quick boost. 

But I’m going to say some things on this episode that are going to have a bit of a dissenting viewpoint from most people. I’m going to say that you need to void filters as much as possible.

Now hold on...I’m not saying DON’T EVER USE THEM. I’m saying be cautious when you use them. Because just like men’s drug store cologne a little bit goes a long ways and it usually isn’t attractive.

What I’m mostly referring to are those instagram feeds that look like every single picture was taken with the exact same 4 or 5 hues or colors. It was a super trendy thing to do….like 2 years ago. And in the world of digital marketing that feels like a century ago.

So I suggest that if you want to have an IG feed that looks good for a LONG time, then you avoid them. I was just looking at one and the photos were all orange and teal. But the photos were SO edited that it was incredibly off-putting. Everyone’s skin looked like an oompa loompa and the grass in another photo, which is normally supposed to be , you know...green, was so desaturated that it looked like the picture was taken on another planet.

Now what was the purpose of this? So that it can fit in your feed? So it can be on brand? Yeah….maybe. But you have to understand how your consumers are consuming your posts. Are they only looking at your 9 grid so they understand that you are keeping everything the same? Or are they scrolling and going to wonder what the crap had just happened to that photo?

That’s the kind of filtering I’m talking about. 

What I’m suggesting is that you keep to well lit, normal colored looking images. If you want to have a cohesive look to your brand, bring those colors in by what you’re wearing, the stock images your using, and the branded photos you include. Don’t do it by trying some after market filter that looks like your 3 year old got a hold of your phone and jacked up all of your editing sliders.

Simple is best. Let the image and copy do the persuading. 

Now, if you’re saying, but BRITTANY….everyone who does this mega filtering trick has tens of thousands of followers. To this I say….it’s not the filter. It’s that they are playing the long term game. They have been at it a while and are CONSISTENT. THAT’s what’s bringing in the followers more than anything else. 

If you don’t believe….give it a test. Post overly filtered photos at the rate you are regularly posting for 2 weeks and see what your metrics are. And then try posting high quality (NATURAL) looking photos for 10 days straight with great copy and see what happens to your metrics.

I’d be interested in learning what happens. But I have a feeling I already know.

If you’re wondering how to get images that look great, make sure to check out:
Episode 4
Episode 17
Episode 18

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