Tom McDermott – Lavinia Capital
Is your brand at risk? Have you considered how others see you? In business or online? How are you showing up? A photograph is the fastest way to convey a message without words to represent your brand.
The definition of BRAND : “A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one seller’s goods or service as distinct from those of other sellers”.
As a photographer, I see so many people online using bad photos for their brand headshot. What does that mean? Bad lighting, a really old photo that doesn’t look like you or photography that doesn’t tell your story or represent you where you are now. There are plenty of ways to find a photographer to help you get the best images for your brand (search #brandphotographer). The bottom line is that if you don’t represent yourself correctly, as you are today; authentically and real, it will be a detriment to your business.
You want people to know, like and trust you within minutes of meeting you (and meeting you online, which means your headshot needs to look like you), everything is online so you need your photos to say all of that within seconds.
You need a headshot that conveys your personality, shows your honesty and illustrates your integrity and style. You need interesting portraits that will make your prospective clients get curious. Most importantly you will need to make sure your photo is consistent with your brand.
Consider your brand message in your business and what you are trying to say. Who is your client? Does your message match your brand and match your visual representation?
They all have to be cohesive and compatible.
How are you showing up? The best way to stand out from your competition is to make sure your first impression is a great one. That makes the photography you use on your website the priority; whether it is just your portrait on your ‘about page’ or the multiple images on your website that lead your client through your story.
How many times have you looked up (Googled) someone that you have a (phone) meeting with, before you have the meeting or even while you are on the phone? (we all have) We need to see who we are talking to or meeting up with and your head shot is the first thing that people look for. It is imperative to have a great brand portrait. If you haven’t considered the importance of this image, now is the time. Your brand may be at risk without you even knowing it. People do judge a book by it’s cover!
Are the photos that are on your website consistent with your brand and your message? What does your LinkedIn headshot look like?
More people are buying from brands that have a mission and a message that they can relate to and people care if you or your company are committed to a cause greater than just financial growth. That means we want to see who is running the company, see the founder, read about their mission or see it illustrated with beautiful photos that tell the story.
How will you stand out? You only have 7 seconds to make an impression to your prospective client, 7 seconds to peak their interest so they click through and want more info about what you do. 7 seconds to keep that prospect and get them on the path to turn them into a client. Your business portrait and your website brand photos should show who you are right now.
A good headshot is priceless.
A bad headshot will damage your brand. Don’t damage your brand before your client even gets to know you.
Lesley Bohm – Photographer lesleybohm.com
