This could be a very short article when I answer the question in the title with one word; “everyone”! But some people still need convincing. So if you’re not sure, here is my slightly longer answer to the question who needs a professional business headshot?
Before answering the question who needs one, what exactly is a professional business headshot?
A business headshot is a photograph of an individual with the simple purpose of showing what they look like so that they can be easily identified.
Headshots are usually shot by a professional photographer & a standard headshot has become an essential component of a successful career whether you are the CEO or just starting out in your first job.
Why do you need a professional business headshot?
It doesn’t matter where you are in your career, whether you are employed or self-employed, your headshot photo is often your first introduction to employers, colleagues & potential clients. A good headshot photo helps people identify you.
Think about all the places you can use your headshot:
1. Your company website
2. Your LinkedIn Profile
3. Social media Profiles; Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
4. On business cards, brochures & marketing materials
5. In magazine & newspaper articles
6. On your CV & Resumes
So, acknowledging that photos help your business; who needs a professional headshot?
1. Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Every business owner should have a professional headshot. It is a powerful marketing tool. As an entrepreneur, YOU are your business & everything you do represents your brand. In its simplest form, your headshot photo is marketing YOU!
A high-quality business headshot introduces you to potential clients & allows them to build a connection & get to know you before you’re even spoken to them.
2. Business Startups
When introducing your new business to the world you are presenting yourself.
With no history or background, potential new business contacts, clients & suppliers will want to know who they are dealing with. A headshot should be a start-up essential as it gives people a flavour of who you are before you connect.
You could be asked for a headshot to accompany press releases about your launch, an announcement in an industry publication, or a feature online. Having a quality headshot from the beginning is your chance to control your image & project yourself in the way that you want people to see you.
3. CEOs & Managing Directors
CEOs & MDs are the face of a company & are vital for connecting with potential new clients. Their image is often seen as a reflection of the company so it is key that their headshot projects the brand values & professionalism of the business.
4. Employees
Employees need a headshot as much as the CEO. Coordinating headshots on the company website unifies your brand & creates a consistent visual identity. Headshots enable clients to put a recognisable face to a name whilst helping employees to feel valued members of your team.
5. People in the Public Eye
Anyone in the public eye knows how important a high-quality headshot is. Investing in a professional headshot gives you control over your image & how you are portrayed in the media. Without a readily available headshot, there’s the risk of unflattering snapshots being used.
In an increasingly image-driven world you want your photo to compliment your brand & professional message.
6. Job Hunters
A professional headshot is essential for job seekers, at any level. Many job advertisements are placed on online job sites like LinkedIn. Here your online profile is as important as your written CV.
Whether LinkedIn is being used for business networking or to find a new job, a professional headshot creates the right impression & starts to build trust between you & recruiters.
LinkedIn is a business resource & it’s important that your photo reflects this. Many recruiters use the profile photo as a way to gauge your personality & how professional you are. You want it to grab their attention & make a great first impression. No, or low-quality, photography won’t do this.
LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. With no headshot, recruiters may not even get as far as reading about your skills & expertise.
Your headshot is equally important if you are looking to move up the career ladder. It should reflect the maturity, knowledge & experience required for the senior roles you are applying for.
When job hunting, including your headshot on your CV, allows you to introduce yourself directly to recruiters in the same way that you do on your online profile.
7. Actors & Performing Artists
No matter how good a performer you are, without a headshot you are unlikely to be called for auditions. A professional headshot is crucial in an industry that is heavily dependent on what someone looks like.
A professional headshot showing a glimmer of personality & true likeness is the first thing a casting director will look at when scouting for talent.
I think these seven groups cover most people. I could list individual professions. Lawyers, accountants, graphic designers & clinical therapists for example. I would be here for a very long time! In my very first sentence, I asked who needs a headshot, the answer really is everyone!
Have you got a headshot?
Have you realised that you need a headshot or that you need to update your existing image? Check out my services & get in touch to have a chat about how I can help you.