A picture is worth a thousand words, but a GREAT headshot for your business is worth thousands of dollars gained, or lost.  One business expense that is unavoidable is investing in a great headshot.  Your website will convert more visitors into clients if you have a clear and smiling photo of yourself at the top of every page on your site.  Also, your social media profiles will attract more likes, comments, and followers if you have a photo rather than a logo as your avatar.  A professional photo is also a crucial thing to have on hand when the media comes callling or when handing out business cards.

Make sure your photo is current and professional.  A well lit photo can sometimes utilize graphic design software to eliminate background and optimize lighting, but in most cases, it’s best to hire a professional photographer to begin with.  Don’t make the mistake of using a photo that is from 10 years ago.  Surprising clients when they meet the “real” you can deliver a painful punch to your credibility.  Be confident in who you are today and what you look like and your poise will shine through to your clients.   Remember, your headshot should look like you! The real you.

Headshots don’t have to be a costly investment.  Many local photographers will meet you at an outdoor location for a couple hundred dollars and edit your photos to depict you in the best light.  Make sure they will deliver your photos on CD-ROM in high resolution .jpg format so you can easily update your online marketing.   Here are a few more tips for creating a professional client-attracting headshot.

1. Avoid the high glamor types of photos which don’t convey a professional image.  Shots that are too sexy or casual may be a turn off to your ideal clients.  Take into consideration what might be offensive to the types of clients you hope to attract.   Remember that your top priority is to capture a friendly and smiling you.  Smiling photos have been proven to create more connection in online networking profiles and websites.

2. Wear solid colors and avoid prints which can be distracting, or clash with your website or social media profiles.  Keep jewelery, accessories and hairstyles clean and simple.

3. Dress professionally in the style you would wear to meet clients.  If you wouldn’t wear jeans or party attire to meet clients, don’t project that image in your photos.

4. Consider headshot poses at all angles looking left, right and center. This way your photo on your Web site can be well positioned in relation to your content.  It can look weird to have your back to your important text and graphics.

Your headshot is an important visual aid that helps attract your ideal clients, conveys the “real you”, and builds the “know, like and trust” factor.  Choose the shots that best reveal your confidence, passion and happiness so your business strengths shine through.