Making Your Headshot Work for You!

There is so much power in a headshot!

Did you know a headshot starts to build a connection with your clients before you even meet?

Have a look at the headshots you have on different platforms. Are you looking happy, welcoming, and approachable? Can people see your eyes? Are you standing back? Are you obscured by shadows?

People aren’t going to begin to trust you or begin to build a relationship when they come across your profile if you don’t have a headshot that is warm and welcoming.

Why Your Professional Headshot Matters for Personal Branding

So … why SHOULD you update your headshots???

I’m going to dot point this so its straight to the point!

• most experts recommending having headshots updated every 1-2 years

• update your headshots when your look has changed dramatically

• you have a new job or position

• your current headshot is a selfie 😳

• you have changed hair colour or hair style

• you have gained or lost weight

• you have established a personal brand

Why WOULD you update your headshots???

• you want to establish credibility

• headshots help you to establish trust and create a lasting impression

• you have a new job, promotion, or started a new business endeavour

• you want to reflect your confidence and enthusiasm for where you are at this moment in time

• you want to (re)define your personal brand

• you want the face of your brand to align with the message you are sending out into the world

• you have outgrown your old headshot

• you don’t have a professional headshot and need one

You have that winning headshot in your digital hands so you better be putting it to good use! So, let’s talk about where you should you popping it.

How to Optimize Your Headshot for LinkedIn and Social Media

• LinkedIn

  • when you come across someone on LinkedIn, it’s not their education, experience, or about section you check out first … it’s their headshot

  • the headshot is so prominently featured at the top of LinkedIn, it needs to make a strong impression

  • it helps people put a face to a name

  • it shows that you are active on LinkedIn - an outdated headshot may make it look like you aren’t actively using the platform

• Social Media

  • you are creating an engaging personal brand

  • a high-quality headshot demonstrates your attention to detail and a commitment to quality, which can help build trust with potential clients

  • a visually appealing headshot can help you make a lasting impression on anyone who comes across your profile

  • having a consistent headshot across your social media platforms can help you enhance your visibility and reach

  • it’s a great way to show your face without feeling the pressure of creating new visual assets

Choosing the Right Headshot for Your Website and Marketing Materials

• Website

  • website visitors will feel they are actually interacting with a real person instead of just a faceless website

  • a headshot will enable visitors to identify with your work or want to engage with you further

  • letting potential clients know that a real and contactable person oversees your site will deepen a degree of trust in your pages, products or services

• Email Signatures

  • you are presenting yourself as an interesting and approachable person who the receiver would like to respond to

  • useful for building relationships with leads and customers, an email signature headshot lets recipients associate your email with a recognisable face

  • your email signature will stand out in a crowded inbox, not just with words but with a friendly face. A good headshot not only looks professional but also adds a bit of character to your emails.

• Networking and Guest Appearances

  • a professional headshot helps you to stand out in a sea of networking attendees

  • a headshot allows you to boost your visibility, and helps to create anticipation and recognition

  • attendees can connect with you not just as a speaker or presenter but as a person they've already seen and engaged with in promo materials

• Online conversations

  • it serves as a virtual first impression

  • it’s easy to disable the video in a virtual meeting, and this is the perfect place for a headshot, so people still know who is present

• Print and Digital Material

  • a headshot adds credibility and a personal touch, making your campaigns more memorable

  • attaching your headshot to media emails provides journalists with a visual element that complements your story

  • your headshot becomes the friendly face that accompanies your expertise

  • placing your headshot on your business cards ensures that you are remembered long after a meeting or conference has taken place

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch and so we can update your headshots! And to make it even easier, here is the link to my contact page!