Professional headshots are one of the most important investments you can make in yourself as a business owner or even as a traditional employee, and they are more important than you think.
First Impressions Matter
Social media is here to stay, and your online presence is usually where someone will get a first impression of you. If they are a potential employer, client, or someone new to you, it's important that your photo represents you well.
The most important credential is that your headshot is current. If the photo you are using to promote yourself or your services is over five years old (and I see many out there that are FAR older than that), you run the risk of being seen as outdated or not trustworthy. It should be well lit, free of distractions, and reflect the industry you are in. If you work in the financial sector, for example, your headshot should be a more formal, no-nonsense kind of portrait in formal business attire. If you are a writer or public speaker, your headshot should reflect the speaking style you wish to convey. Quite often, this means a headshot that is more casual, approachable, engaging, and confident.
The more professional and in sync your headshot is with your industry and style, the more likely someone is to contact you about the product and services you offer. If I haven't convinced you, take a look at LinkedIn's research that shows profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than profiles without out. It goes without saying that if your headshot is from your wedding with half of your spouse is cut out of the photo, you've missed the mark.
If you aren't thinking much about your branding, you should be. This is true whether you are an entrepreneur, consultant, business owner, executive, or employee. Your competition is thinking about their branding, and so should you. Showcasing strong visual branding online is critical, and something that more people should willingly invest in.