How to Use Your Professional Headshot

Maybe you’re looking at your beautiful new headshot or you have your headshot photo session planned. Maybe you’re considering booking a headshot photo shoot and want to know whether it’s worth it. Either way, it’s natural to wonder what comes next after you have that high-quality, on-brand headshot in hand. How do you put it to good use to grow your career and your brand? Here’s how!

• Upgrade Your LinkedIn and Other Social Media Profiles

The most common and notable way to use your headshot is as a profile photo for your LinkedIn profile (as well as any other social media profiles you’ll be using for your professional growth). A great profile picture makes your LinkedIn page look more professional, updated, and put-together. It creates a first impression that sets the tone for your brand.

• Spruce Up Your Email Signature

If you don’t already have a set email signature for your work emails, this is your sign to create one…and include your headshot! For those many business contacts who you only know over email, this puts a face to your name and establishes a stronger connection while also making you look more professional. Along with your photo, that signature should feature your name, title, company, and contact information.

• Create or Enhance Your Website

No matter where you are in your career, you can benefit from a website that includes your headshot. If you’re a business owner or freelancer/contractor, your “about” page will have a more personal, relatable touch if it features your headshot. If you’re a professional who’s looking to advance your career, a simple resume website is a great way to get noticed by future employers and your photo will help you form a great first impression.

• Take Advantage of Press Opportunities

You never know when a press opportunity will arise! Any time you’re interviewed for an article, quoted on a blog, or speaking at a conference or on a panel, it’s great to have a headshot to go with your bio. These details contribute to your professional image and help you use those media opportunities to further establish your brand.

• Make a More Memorable Business Card

We’ve all had those situations when we’re meeting a ton of people in a short time, like conferences and networking events. You end up with a stack of business cards but barely remember who all those people are. Your new connections have the same challenge, so it helps to have your photo on your business card for those events. They’re more likely to remember who you are when they can see your face along with your name.

• Launch or Improve Your Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are among the latest trends in brand building. Whether you have a business or are just trying to further establish yourself as an expert in your field, an email newsletter can build your reputation…especially if you have a great headshot that allows you to better connect with your readers.

Investing in Your Career with Headshot Photography

A professional headshot is a handy tool you can use in so many ways to benefit your career or your business, and I’m happy to help you take that first step. Contact Jaimié Birtel Photography to book your headshot photo session in metro Seattle.