Why Everyone Needs a Professional Headshot
A high quality, professional headshot is the single best marketing image you can invest in as a professional.
If you don’t have a professional headshot or you haven’t updated yours in over a year, here are four reasons why it’s time to invest in one.
Four Reasons Why It’s Time to Invest in a Professional Headshot.
Reason #1: It’s your first impression online.
We all know how important a first impression is.
Within the first few seconds of meeting someone new, the person makes a decision as to whether they like you and if they can trust you. If you don’t nail this first impression, it can be very difficult to change the person’s feelings about you in the future.
This is especially true online for social media profiles and networking sites such as LinkedIn as the first thing a viewer sees when they come to your profile is your profile photo.
To make your first impression a positive one, it is vital that you have a high quality, professional-looking headshot that makes you shine. It should be bright, detailed, your face should fill the frame and your expression should be warm and welcoming.
If your headshot has all of these qualities, your first impression will be powerful and you’ll have established the first step in a trusting relationship.
Reason #2: It establishes your brand and digital identity.
Your brand is the personality of your business, and whether it’s intended or not, you are a part of that personality.
It is important to make sure that your image is an accurate and impactful reflection of your brand. If possible, be sure to include in your headshot your brand’s overall aesthetic including brand colors, look, feel and energy.
And remember to use the same headshot across all of your social media platforms to ensure brand consistency.
Reason #3: It ensures you send the right message to viewers.
How do you want your brand to come across to your audience? Do you want to communicate that you are professional, trustworthy and competent? Or maybe you want to feature more of a casual, energetic and welcoming vibe?
Whatever your message may be, be intentional and make sure your headshot communicates these characteristics by paying attention to your setting, lighting, wardrobe and expression.
Reason #4: It captures who YOU are and puts your best face forward.
The most important aspect of a high quality headshot is that it captures your true self and lets your personality shine through.
The best way to achieve this is by finding a photographer that you like and feel comfortable with. If they are good, they will help you feel confident and can bring forth your glowing self and capture it in an image you’ll love.
It’s clear that having a high quality, professional headshot is a key element in making a powerful first impression online. Now is the time to take the steps to ensure your headshot represents you, your brand and portrays you in the best light possible.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and update your headshot, great! The next step is to find the right photographer for you. Start searching online for photographers in your area and reach out to any that pique your interest to schedule a consultation.
If you’re still not sold on the idea of investing in a professional headshot, my challenge for you is to give it a try. Go to Google and search headshot photographers in your area. Check out their work on their website and set up a meeting with any that stand out to you.
Once you have your new headshot and have posted it online, the final step is to pay attention to the impact and the comments you receive from friends and contacts.
If your headshot truly captures who you are lets your true self shine through, I think you’ll find that it resonates with your audience and every first impression you make with it will be a good one.
Before you go, did you know that Bright Side Photo & Video offers high quality, professional headshots? Click here to see our headshot services, and if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, just click here!
