Within the first second of viewing a person’s business profile, we all make a judgment call or form a digital first impression. We almost always notice their picture (or lack thereof) and our eyes are drawn to a particular aspect of their photo—whether it’s their warm smile, colourful shirt, or unique necktie.
Your online business profile can make or break you. So, ask yourself this: are you visually capturing exactly what you want to say? Or does your brand profile fail to make that great digital first impression on potential clients?
With this in mind, here are some helpful tips for making a strong digital first impression and how having professional business portraits can turn Google searches into customers.
Focus on Authentic Image Content Specific to You
If you have a website, it is important to show your digital audience your products or services visually, not just with words. We live in a society where we often judge a book by it’s cover, and a potential customer will do the same when they first see your website. Make sure your website looks clean, professional, and visually represents your offer.
Utilizing image content that is specific to you and your business on your site and digital platforms, is a great way to avoid using the already over used stock photography. Instead, have some custom imagery and professional product or service photography done, to show google searchers exactly what your business space, team, products, or services look like, so they get a sense of familiarity when they walk in the door. This is the authenticity method and is what will set you apart from your competitors.
Get Professional Headshots
Putting a face to a name puts the consumer at ease and offers a sincere impact. Whether you are a one (wo)man show or a part of a team, you represent a significant part of your brand.
Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still a concern, you should take advantage of the social distance headshots sessions or virtual professional headshots offered by some photographers in Toronto or the GTA.
Don’t forget that it’s vital to keep your headshot updated, because it’s working on your behalf online while you sleep. We all go through physical changes over time, so even if you have an existing professional headshot (or one you took yourself), it could be time to freshen it up. A new headshot once per quarter is helpful for seasonal promotions and keeping potential customers feeling that “know, like and trust factor”, but a new headshot every one to two years is adequate for most businesses.
Use a Photo That’s “You”
In addition to using a current headshot for your website or business profiles, choose one that portrays the real you.
There are many online tools to remove blemishes, soften (or sharpen) cheekbones and jawlines, or create pearly white smiles. This is fine to an extent if you’re a little self-conscious about your appearance; however, don’t go overboard to the point where you are unrecognizable to your audience. Go for polished, but authentic.
Build Your Social Media Profiles
An interesting trend the pandemic has triggered is increased online social activity for many people, both personally and professionally. To reach new customers, as well as keep in touch with loyal customers, it’s important to use social media to showcase your products, services, and expertise.
If you don’t have a variety of social media channels, now is the time to consider building this integral part of your online presence. But before you start, make sure you have the right profile photo and that your visual messaging is consistent across all platforms. In other words, use the same headshots on your website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.
Virtual Professional Headshots in Toronto and Southern Ontario
Whether you’re a new small business owner trying to find your niche or a business professional trying to network with people in your industry, choose professional business portraits and professional product photography to guide you through this online world.
Bonnie Dickson Photography offers professional customized photography and existing image polishing to keep your images up-to-date and fresh, including virtual photography in Toronto and outside the GTA.
As a lifestyle photographer, Bonnie can work with you to ensure you put your best face forward. Contact her today and let her love for photography showcase your own professional passion.