Running A Business Starts With You
Well, that’s kind of obvious, isn’t it? So let’s explore why you really need professional headshots.
As a photographer I can tell you that having a professional headshot is a good idea. But have you ever thought about why you really NEED one? How can a GREAT headshot impact YOUR business?
- WHO NEEDS A PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT?
Lawyers, bankers, estate agents, entrepreneurs, doctors, marketing and sales executives, consultants, self-employed people, creatives, actors … shall I carry on? I think you know where I’m going with this - everyone has a photo of themselves to use on a company website, LinkedIN, social media, etc. And if you’re one of them, having an awesome headshot is vital.
- YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE COUNTS
Even before COVID-19, the OMD group’s research showed that 74% of people use social media and online research to inform their purchasing decisions and the number is even higher among millennials, now the largest part of the UK workforce. Think about that for a minute. Over three quarters of potential buyers/customers/clients will check you out online before they decide to buy your product or service. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have an online presence that shows future clients who you are and what you are all about.
No brainer? I think so.
A great headshot that really captures your personality can help people make a connection before they ever meet you.
- FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
We all know that, right? But here’s the science: Research by Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov reveals that all it takes is a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face. Even with killer content on your page, people might not even continue reading if your photo looks unprofessional or out of date. Nothing is as harmful as a bad impression.
- WHY INVEST INTO PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS?
Smartphone cameras are getting better year on year, right? Dave the neighbour has a proper camera (well, it’s big, black and shiny - so it must be pro), that’s got to do it, surely? Let me stop you right there. It’s not about the gear, it’s how you use it. Professional photographers offer expertise, experience and advice. They know the latest trends and make sure you stay up to date. And most important of all, a professional knows how to make you look your best, even if you got out of bed on the wrong side, slipped on a banana peel outside your door, got rained on on the way to the bus, forgot your lunch at home and the kids locked the cat out for the umpteenth time. Sounds like a great day for a photoshoot, right? Well, that’s when you need a professional.
- STAND OUT FROM YOUR COMPETITION
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. High quality headshots demonstrate you have high standards. To show 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.
Fun Fact: People will remember up to 6 times more about your online profile or website if there is a photo to go with it. LinkedIn profiles with a profile picture receive 21 times more profile views than those without and 36 times more messages (LinkedIn internal research).
- IT HELPS BUILD TRUST
Trust is the cornerstone of any longstanding customer relationship. Looking professional will make people understand that you know what you’re doing and that you’re ready for business.
- IT’S A CORRECT DEPICTION OF YOU
Keeping your headshot updated is critical for some professions, such as acting or modelling. If you meet clients face-to-face and your headshot does not match your current look, it can be disconcerting for customers. Keep things updated. It shows your character. Are you a fun, outgoing person or are you determined and driven? It shows what you want to portray to your clients.
- IT’S GREAT FOR NETWORKING
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.
Do you need to get updated headshots of you and your team? Check out our business headshots page for SB Alliance members with samples of my work and pricing information:
www.kerstenluts.com/sballiance
Comments
0 comments.