As Houston’s two time Photographer Of The Year, you might imagine that I’ve taken countless professional headshots for clients.
It’s such a fascinating thing, because I personally see the success that my professional headshots bring to my end user clients, and their businesses.
I don’t care if you sell cookies or if you’re an astrophysicist, the reality is that if you want to have ANY type of respectable presence, you absolutely NEED a professional headshot.
And don’t think for a moment that it matters how big your business is. Professional headshots work great for teams of all sizes, or individuals.
In fact, after ceaselessly studying professional headshots for years, I’ve compiled the most SHOCKING and little-known benefits that they bring to any person, business, enterprise, service, or website.
The list of the most important benefits are as follows:
Benefit Number 1 – Personal Branding
Make no mistake about it. People don’t like, or buy from COMPANIES, they buy from personal brands. Aka identities. Aka YOU.
Do you want your business to explode? Start promoting your individual qualities better than your competitors know how to.
Professional Headshots give you a unique individual brand while you’re “at your best” in the shortest time possible.
It’s true that people LOVE websites, social media, Twitter, Google, and they’re addicted to their iPhones.
But the issue is that people are humans first, and still gravitate towards other humans!
One of the best ways you can possibly stand out (on your websites and on social media) is by presenting yourself at your best with a professional headshot.
It helps to identify who you are, showcases yourself at your best, and also gives a personal touch that you better hope your competitors aren’t using!
(Either way, why not give your business or website an unfair advantage by having a professional headshot? There’s nothing to lose and the world to gain).
Benefit Number 2 – Familiarity
Here’s a hidden secret that can make you a fortune; people BUY from PEOPLE that they know, like, and trust.
It’s an absolute fact that by putting your best foot forward with a professional headshot, you’re literally triggering “long term” recognition from your end users.
The FIRST thing your end users will see when they visit your website, portfolio, or social media presence is you. Don’t you think it would be a wise idea to look your best, during this most opportune moment?
They’ll look into your eyes, and whether they like it or not, they’ll remember the sharp image. They’ll remember you when you’re looking at your best. Isn’t that the best possible moment for them to remember you in?
This, in conjunction with the quality that you offer in your business, will ultimately result in unrivalled familiarity. And your end users won’t even know why they’ve felt like they’ve known you for their entire life.
And they won’t help but keep YOU in mind whenever they need any service or product that you offer.
Benefit Number 3 – Authority
Let me ask you an honest question… Do you think if someone is promoting their business with an unprofessional that they’ll garner any authority at all?
I can’t tell you how many social media profiles I see with UNPROFESSIONAL photos that literally cost people dozens of clients!
The truth of the matter is that your clients, customers, buyers, and website visitors all active on social media and they’re watching you even if you think you’re private!
For that reason, using professional head shots on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google Plus, and yes even Twitter is an absolute must if you have any intention of getting the respect and attention that your brand MUST demand.
Benefit Number 4 – Long Term Relationships
Any successful entrepreneur will tell you that a business of repeat buyers will always be superior to a business filled with “One Time Tire Kickers”.
For that reason, I want you to imagine something.
Imagine if each of your clients thought of your professional headshot every time they were thinking about getting a service that you offered.
Imagine if your professional headshot was so prominently ingrained in their thoughts, that they couldn’t even consider using your competition? (Because they couldn’t remember them).
Such possibilities are easily attained, as long as your websites and marketing material prominently showcase a professional headshot of you, or your personnel at their best.
We think in images. Make sure your clients think of your professional headshot when they thing of your business.
Benefit Number 5 – Trust
Do me a favor… Picture in your mind the most trustworthy person you’ve ever known.
Did you notice that you have a clear image of that person?
It’s because you’ve never trusted anyone without a solid face next to their identity.
It’s literally impossible for you to trust anyone without knowing them, and having a crystal clear image of them right?
The same is true for your end user!
If you’re operating a business WITHOUT a professional headshot of either you, or your spokesperson, or your IT staff, or whoever it is that you’re trying to brand, it will be impossible to ever achieve any level of trust with your end user and clientele.
For that reason, having a professional headshot is one of the CHIEF variables regarding the perception of trust that your business, service, or website emulates.
A Final Word Of Advice:
I hear so much about businesses using social media these days to get clients, and it’s true that companies are making a killing online by promoting their products and services…
But the days of having a successful business WITHOUT a professional headshot are over.
Imagine how it would feel if your customers knew you, liked you, trusted you, and thought of you whenever they needed a service rendered (or product to help them that you offered).
That’s why you need to get a professional headshot, so you can finally get the respect, recognition, and yes business, that you deserve.
And remember, the benefits are multifold, regardless of if you’re running a 7 figure business, or if you’re running an online business out of your garage. (Or, even if you’re a corporate executive! The benefits remain constant in any case).
Keep that in mind, and I wish you nothing but the best!
PS: Are you interested in getting your own professional headshot? Learn more about my business headshot services.
Oscar O'Malley says
I really like that you mentioned how big of a role headshots play in building client trust. I’ve been considering getting headshots to place on our company website, and after reading this article I’m convinced it’s a great idea. Thanks for the information-I’ll be sure to make arrangements to have a photographer hired for some headshots.