Have you ever considered the reasons why you need a professional headshot? Sure, everyone seems to need one, but why? As someone who derives most of his living from headshots, I can tell you for sure that it’s big business. But can a good headshot help you with your business? Check out these three reasons why you don’t just need a headshot, but a great one.
1. Your Online Presence IS Your Business
According to research by the ODM group, 74% of people use social media and online research to inform their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, this number goes even higher when talking about Millennials, who are now the largest part of the US workforce. If you are in any kind of business, it is in your best interest to have an online presence that shows potential clients who you are and what you are all about. Also, a great headshot that really captures your personality can help people make a connection before they ever meet you.
2. A Killer Professional Headshot is Perfect for Networking
Let’s face it, a long-term marketing strategy depends on having a great network of relationships. If you are running any kind of business, leaving a good impression on someone is critical to networking. Having a clear, captivating headshot can help people remember you the next time they see you in person. If your headshot looks like you and isn’t 15 years out of date then you just might be the one person that people remember. Make sure to take advantage of meeting people by connecting with them on social media immediately so they can see that great headshot and can put your face together with your name.
3. Stand Out From Your Competition
Whether you are in the business of legal services, real estate, consulting, web development, or anything else, chances are that your field is pretty competitive. The interconnectivity of the modern world puts endless options at the fingertips of every potential client. If you have a modern, responsive website, an authentic social media presence, and great headshots and brand images, you will eliminate a substantial amount of your competition. Think about it. Have you ever been to a restaurant or other small business where you walked in and thought, “Nope. Nope, nope, nope. Not for me”? For the modern consumer, that feeling happens all the time online. To make sure that you are showing your business in the best possible light, have professional photos of you and your team that really showcase what kind of service a client can expect.
4. Because It’s Hard to Convey Tone in an Email
Have you ever experienced the phenomenon of assuming the tone in a an email? In our minds we can often get off on the wrong foot in an email exchange because of a tone that we apply to a message. The sender may type something that they think is perfectly harmless, but when it goes through the filter of a stressful day, you can take it the wrong way. This works both ways too! Having a friendly face on as an email signature is a powerful way to make sure that the person on the other end of that email is always reminded that you are a charming and delightful person.
Bonus Round: Do’s and Don’ts for Professional Headshots
- Do – Hire a professional. Someone who specializes in the type of work you need for your brand.
- Don’t assume that just because someone is a real estate photographer that they can take a great headshot.
- Do – Put together a collection of headshots you like from the web. Give your photographer some clear direction as to your brand’s vision.
- Don’t try and do it yourself with your phone (and apply those horrible filters). Everyone, yes everyone, can tell the difference.
Do you need to get updated headshots of you and your team? Check out our business headshots page with samples of our work and pricing information.
