The Benefits of Sensory Marketing for Brands
Have you noticed that sensory marketing is everywhere right now?
Sight
Sound
Scent
Taste
Touch
Brands are using the senses to create an emotional connection with their audience. It makes a lot of sense (sorry) in person, but can fall down when your first (or only) impression is digital. How does this apply when your product is discovered on Instagram, a website, or through email?
That’s where visual storytelling becomes essential.
As a food and product photographer, I see this as a huge opportunity. Our medium is inherently sensory. We’re not just showing something beautiful; we’re sparking appetite, memory, and desire. We’re trained to create images that go beyond just “looking good,” and make you feel something.
So how can you apply this strategy to other products?
Here are a few ideas that make a big difference when photographing food, beauty, skincare, and wellness products:
Incorporate ingredients – If your product uses botanicals or fruits (like vitamin C from oranges or cacao in skincare), style with those raw ingredients. It’s a visual shortcut to both the product’s benefit and its sensory appeal.
Leverage naming cues – Beauty and skincare brands often use food-inspired names — think “cocoa,” “peach,” or “vanilla.” Use those cues to build a visual story that supports the product name and evokes the intended mood.
Use drips and splashes – Liquid products are perfect for this! Chocolate smears, serum drops, and juicy splashes can bring instant energy and movement to a shot.
Add the human touch – A hand squeezing a citrus, fingers dipping into a balm, or someone applying a serum can help viewers imagine the texture and feel — sparking that physical, sensory reaction.
Try motion – Cinemagraphs, GIFs, and stop-motion elements are perfect for social. Movement adds vitality and helps guide the eye while suggesting scent, feel, or taste.
Ultimately, sensory marketing isn’t just about what your product is; it’s about how it makes people feel. And powerful imagery is one of the best ways to bridge that gap.
If you’re looking to tell a more sensory story with your visuals, I’d love to chat.
Let’s make your brand irresistible.
