These days, personal brand is extremely important to any entrepreneur.
Even if your occupation isn’t particularly “glamorous” or “public,” your personal brand will affect the way people perceive you and your small business. This in turn will influence their decision to invest in you and your company.
A professional headshot is a staple in establishing your personal brand. A small business owner will typically need a headshot for their social media profiles, their website and blog, and other marketing materials.
The purpose of a headshot is to make a good first impression. In short, it should make people want to give you their business!
Here are some common headshot blunders you want to avoid:
Your headshot isn’t of YOU
Do a quick search on LinkedIn or any social media platform and you’ll be surprised how many strange profile pictures turn up. Sometimes, people don’t even post their own faces! Remember, people want to see YOU. Not your cat, or pretty scenery, or a logo, or a drawn cartoon version of you. A headshot is necessary for making a personal connection with the persona behind the business. The best way to do this is to step forward with the real you.
Your headshot is deceptive
If your headshot is very dated, over-photoshopped or deceptive in any way, it will only hurt you in the long run. First, people won’t recognize you right away. Next, once they do figure out it’s you, they won’t trust you because your headshot “tricked” them into thinking you were someone different.
Your headshot doesn’t look professional
Given the vast number of uses your headshot can have, and the impact it can have on your branding and business, consider investing in a professional photographer. Avoid resorting to a cropped photo from a recent vacation, wedding or fishing trip! Ask yourself if this is how you want a client to see you?
Your headshot isn’t consistent with your branding
When planning your headshot, consider your target audience. What image do you want to convey to them? Does your headshot make you look approachable? Trustworthy? Conservative? Artsy? Aloof? Traditional? Trendy? Choose your wardrobe, the shoot location, the lighting, and your body language with great care when constructing your headshot.
Your headshot doesn’t meet technical requirements
When you get a headshot produced, make sure it is available in various digital file sizes, appropriate for both online and print media. Also, make sure to get full colour and black and white versions made, so that you’ll be covered no matter what need arises.
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
