We all know that a picture paints thousand words. And we know that images are really important to our marketing particularly our online presence.
Why is it then that often the one image that we really need is missing or at best average?
Which image is that? An image of you
When I visit a website I usually go straight to the “about” page and it’s surprising how many “about” pages make no mention of the people behind them. So consequently they have no human images.
In my many years of selling there has been one truism “people buy from People”. Usually people they like but most certainly people they trust and know.
So to not have a picture and some sort of bio is telling visitors to your site that you are anonymous online business and generally speaking we don’t trust “anonymous”.
Sure sites like Amazon or Microsoft are fairly anonymous but they are almost part of the fabric of our society and most are public listed companies where transparency is key to their stock price.
There has been a lot of research and testing on this over the years and all the findings confirm that a human face your website or social media page increases trust and therefore the more likely visitors are to stick around and consume your content and/or buy your stuff!
Similarly, a LinkedIn page may have a profile picture of someone with their dog or children or even nothing at all.
What’s the point of being on LinkedIn if you are not going to show people what you really look like?
Here’s a few pointers.
For example, a financial adviser or lawyer may want a more conservative head shot and dressed in more business-like clothes like a jacket and trousers.
A graphic designer or someone in IT may wish to convey a trendy relaxed image. So just a smart and plain T-Shirt.
Logo and Branding
Have your logo/tagline anywhere you can. If you have branded items such as cups, bags, tags, or anything else, show it off. It helps reinforce your company and creates credibility for anyone looking at your website or social media feed.
Interiors and Exteriors
Having photos of your desk, interior and exterior of your business/store, or simply where you spend most of your time is a great way to provide more insight about yourself or your business. Especially. If your business is face to face. People who are planning a visit to your coffee shop or to meet in your office, will know what to expect.
Just don’t be lying down on the job!
Detail Shots
For something different use detail shots for eye candy on your website and social media feed. You can show off and explain specific areas of your process by isolating and zooming in on one detail to help get your message out there.
Client Interaction
If your business involves interacting with clients – whether on the phone, virtually or in person – you should have photos of the interaction. It gives most people confidence and reassurance if they can see how you interact with your clients.
Behind the Scenes
The perfect way to illustrate what makes your products special and different from the rest is by having behind the scenes photos that show off what happens to create the product or service you’re selling. A potential client simply might not realize how much work goes into making the product or service they are buying.
Lifestyle Headshots
Always a good idea to have more casual lifestyle portraits that are more candid but still professional in quality. You can use these for your social networks allowing your audience to get to know you. Plus use them on your website to add a personal touch and create a connection with potential clients.
Professional Headshot
One of the most important photos you need is a professional-looking headshot. Ask for a simple background so that your portrait will be clear in the smaller sizes that are on social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Want a HeadShot?