One element that appears on almost every business website: a business photo. Whether the photo is of yourself with peers, a picture of your work crew and van, or a welcoming snapshot of your store’s front door, a photo of you and what you do is essential.
Stop Worrying. You don’t have to measure up to movie stars or a professional model. People want to see you and a visual representation of what it will be like to work with you. Seeing that you are a live, tangible person builds confidence in doing business on the Internet.
Don’t Skimp. Just because your friend or spouse owns a digital camera, doesn’t mean that it’s the right photo for you and your business. Go ahead and have your photo taken by a professional photographer. Professional photos help your appear in your best light as good studio lighting helps to eliminate unsightly shadows and reflections on glasses and noses. Most photographers use digital cameras, so ask for your photos on a CD. You’ll use it on your website and you’ll have a terrific photo for press releases and other print medium.
Yes, It’s Time. You may already have a terrific photo that you use. Did you know that 3 years is a good rule of thumb for a reshoot? If your photo was taken more than 3 years ago, it’s time for another. In that time you change and so does fashion. Your glasses, hair style, ties, and collars can date your photo.
Staging Sets the Scene. You have choices where to have your photo taken: in a studio, the workplace, or a natural outdoor setting. Where do you conduct business? A photo in your business environment can deliver the most impact. Just like a stage production, you can choose props: your glasses, the tools of your trade, your company, your vehicle, your desk, etc. Adding a prop is an effective way to communicate what you do and add interest to the photo.
Consider a Cameo. Are you ready to share the stage with a co-star or even a supporting cast? Your photo doesn’t have to be a solo act featuring just you. Consider a photo of you and your employees in front of the company vehicle or storefront. Or it you do business in clients’ homes or businesses, take the photo on location. A photo of you working with a client or customer over their storefront counter, around a desk, or even across a kitchen table demonstrates what your business looks like in action.
Whichever approach you choose for your headshot, you’re making a move to having a professional image on your website that will build credibility and confidence in your web visitors.
