While in front of a camera might not be most advisors’ favorite place to be, it’s important to have professional headshots on your website to enhance your brand and connect with visitors. As a small business owner, you are your firm and, therefore, must represent it well. In addition, website visitors want to feel like they’re connecting with real people, not just logos.
For many of our advisors, the team page on their site is often the most popular. So how can you make sure you’re putting your best foot forward with your picture? Here are four ways to enhance your headshot.
Hire a Professional
This may seem obvious, but hiring a professional is the first step in getting a great headshot. While smartphones these days can take pretty good pictures, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. Plus, they will have a better sense of the values you want to portray in your shot and suggest poses and settings that you might not have otherwise thought of.
Depending on the professional, headshot costs can range from $400-$1200. While this may seem like a lot of money, think of your headshot as an investment for your marketing materials. A good headshot should last for about 10 years and will do wonders for tying your brand together.
Gather Inspiration
While you don’t necessarily want to copy another advisor’s look, it’s always a good idea to scout out similar images and look for styles you like. Create a gallery of headshots you’ve found and what you like about them. Then, when working with your photographer you can show them a tangible example of what you’re looking for.
Get a Variety of Shots
You will likely turn to the traditional “pose and smile” headshot for your site, but it’s a good idea to get a variety of shots that you can use for other material. Some must-have photos include:
- A team picture
- Pictures of your office
- Candid shots of you alone
- Candid shots of your team
- Shots of advisors and clients (both posed and candid)
In addition to various shots, make sure to try out different settings and lighting options for a wide array of options. You may also want to go to some of your city’s most notable landmarks and take photos with those, as well. You never know when you’ll want a shot for your website of you and the St. Louis arches or California coast!
Show Your Personality
Often times, advisors think they need to be extremely sterile in their shots and are afraid to loosen up their tie and have some fun. On the contrary, having shots that show off your unique style and personality go a long way to establishing yourself as someone clients would want to do business with.
Undoubtedly clients appreciate your professional knowledge and certifications, but they also want to work with someone they know they’ll get along with. Showing off your character in your headshot and other pictures is a must for conveying your true self on the Internet.
Getting a professional headshot for your website and other marketing materials is crucial and can be easier and quicker than you might think. Try using sites like Thumbtack and Yelp to find local photographers that are ready to help.
