A headshot is one of the most important pieces of marketing for your business. It is often the first impression someone has of you, so it’s important that it be professional and portray the right image. A good headshot should be updated every few years to reflect changes in your appearance.
Digital communication, like websites and social media, demand good images. And from a business perspective, a professional headshot is an important part of your branding and establishing a tone visually. People want to know who they’ll be working with, and a headshot says a lot about you to prospective customers.
Why do you need a headshot?
Putting the faces of the company directors and your employees on your company website can help to establish a personal presence behind the business. People like to build relationships, and feel comfortable putting trust in people they feel they know.
Studies show that the “Meet the Team” or “About Us” pages are actually some of the most visited website pages.
So, professional headshots of your staff, yourself, and your working environment can help convey your company culture and values. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Why are professional headshots so important?
If you’re trying to establish your brand, either personally or professionally, a poorly taken amateur photo or selfie does not convey the right message. As you are a specialist in your profession, so too is a photographer.
A professional photographer will have all the necessary equipment, experience, and knowledge you need to deliver the results you want. They’ll know about the best lighting and the right composition of shots, the optimal angles and poses all of which will make you look your best, and ultimately sell your brand.
The image you want to present will be unique to your profession. As many people judge books by their covers and first impressions really do count, you want to ensure you capture the right balance of professionalism, approachability, and trustworthiness using images alone. Hiring a professional ensures you get the message right.
Professional headshots can be great value with multiple functions. If you’re the owner of a business, or simply attempting to cultivate your brand, you can choose different shots that are suitable for your LinkedIn profile, your website, or even business profiles and other marketing material.
Getting the most out of your photoshoot
You want to put your best face forward, so don’t be afraid to use a professional hairstylist or make-up artist for the occasion. Dress to impress too in an outfit befitting your job, but something that lets your personality shine through.
Decide and discuss what you want your headshot to convey before meeting with your photographer; they can customise the photoshoot to your specifications so your message is communicated clearly and effectively. You can go over the details of what you want from your headshot, how you want to present yourself, and any special accommodations you may need.
It will also help you know what to expect from the session, how your photographer works, and what their working style is, so there are no surprises on the day of the photoshoot.
Between us at 22 Century Design & Marketing, and Jenn at Jennifer Amy Photography we can help…
If you know you’ll require photos as part of your marketing strategy, you’re in luck. One of the benefits of working with us is that we have an amazing photographer in our network, who is happy to assist with your photography needs.
Based locally in Leicester, Jennifer Amy Photography is an experienced photographer who can cater for business events and corporate headshots.
"Your website imagery including your headshots is one of the things clients are going to notice first, we are visual beings so it is so important to get that first impression right! Our customers want to know they are investing in a good quality company so our imagery needs to reflect that otherwise you could be pushing clients away from you!- Good quality photography (alongside website & other online presences) is key to good quality leads!"
Jenn Jenkins, Director of Jennifer Amy Photography
