Social networks are designed for users to connect by sharing thoughts, links, photos, videos, and more. For inventors trying to promote their product using social media, high-quality product photography is crucial.

Users will scroll right past your post if your photos aren’t eye-catching. If the quality is poor, they’ll question the quality of the product. If the branding is off, they may be confused about who is behind it. If they see repetitive photos, they’ll overlook your post. With 1 billion monthly active users on Instagram—arguably the most visually focused social network—and more than 2 billion on Facebook, it’s increasingly important to ensure that every photo you post highlights your invention in the best way.

Here are five tips and tricks as you take photos and post them to your social network:

1. Hire a Professional
Unless you’re a professional photographer, hire someone to take photos of your invention. Don’t rely on your iPhone or consumer-grade camera; chances are high you’ll end up with poor-quality photos. Good lighting is essential—it shows your product in its best light and reflects positively on your brand.

2. Photos Must Fit Your Brand
Before photographing your invention, understand your brand. Who is your ideal customer? How does your invention meet their needs? Decide on the aesthetic and emotions you want your brand to convey, and keep it consistent across all photos. For example, if your product is geared toward minimalists, you may want to keep your photos simple with primarily black, white, or neutral colors. If your product is for kids, consider using a variety of bright colors.

3. Add Some Variety
Keep your photography on-brand but mix up angles, models, settings, backgrounds, and props. Use both product-only shots with solid backgrounds and lifestyle photos showing your product in use. Posting the same images repeatedly can bore followers or make them disengage.

4. Highlight Your Invention’s Features, Use Cases, and Benefits
Show your audience why they need your invention. Stage photos to demonstrate features and benefits, and always place your product in context so viewers can imagine using it. For example, outdoor products can be photographed while camping or hiking, and kitchen products with food or chefs using them.

5. Keep a Square Ratio in Mind
Social networks have preferred image sizes and aspect ratios. Take a variety of landscape, portrait, close-up, and wider shots so they can be cropped as needed for Instagram or other platforms.

Following these tips will help you build a cohesive, visually appealing social media profile that highlights your invention and encourages engagement and purchases.