Five Reasons You Need a Professional Headshot for LinkedIn

LinkedIn, which has just recently passed a huge milestone of 800 million members, and is one of the largest social networks with some of the most engaged users.

Your profile picture is one of the first things that LinkedIn users will see when they visit your profile. Having a professional headshot can make a big difference in the way you are perceived by others on the site. 

Here are five reasons why you should have a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile pic:

1. A professional headshot conveys trustworthiness and credibility.

Within seconds of meeting someone, you will have formed a first impression of that person. Studies suggest that it only takes a tenth of a second to start determining traits like trustworthiness and honesty. So it’s important to be aware of the signals you’re sending out when you meet new people.

A great headshot photographer can help you capture the essence of what you want to convey through your photos, ensuring you’re leaving the first impression you want to leave.

2. A professional headshot shows that you are serious about your career and networking.

Selfies and cropped photos may work fine for Facebook or Instagram, but when it comes to LinkedIn, you’ll want to put your best face forward. Recent research has found that 9% of LinkedIn photos are selfies, and 15% are cropped variants of group photos. If you’re looking to make a good impression on potential recruiters or networking contacts, make sure your profile photo is professional and polished.

When it comes to taking the perfect picture, there are a lot of factors to consider. Things like lighting, background, positioning and facial expressions can all affect the feeling that a photo conveys. If you’re looking to make a great first impression with your headshot, hiring a professional photographer is the best way to ensure that all of these variables are taken into account. With their expertise, they’ll be able to provide you with a photo that will help you stand out from the rest.

3. A professional headshot can help you stand out from the competition.

A professional headshot can make all the difference in your career. Having a great headshot will help you stand out from the crowd and be noticed by potential employers. This can be especially beneficial for those in industries like consulting, where first impressions are everything. A good headshot is a great place to start if you’re looking to take your career to the next level.

A professional headshot can make a difference in how many people view your profile. LinkedIn’s research shows that pages with professional headshots get 21 times more views than those without. They also receive 9 times more connection requests and 36 times more direct messages.

So if you’re looking to make yourself more visible and attractive to potential employers or business contacts, consider investing in a good headshot. A professional photographer can help you project the right image that conveys professionalism, approachability, and knowledge.

4. Headshots may be more affordable than you think

A lot of people don’t think about hiring a photographer for professional headshots because they’re worried about the cost. However, headshots are generally very affordable and a worthwhile investment for both individuals and businesses.

If having a great headshot for your LinkedIn profile aids you in landing a new job or getting new clients, the return on investment will soon pay for itself.

5. A professional headshot sends the message that you are invested in your personal brand.

Investing in your personal brand and how you, personally, are perceived online is more important than ever before. People are no longer just following companies but they’re also following and engaging with individuals. 

Investing in a professional headshot may be the first step in investing in your personal brand. Your headshot should showcase your professionalism and friendliness and encourage new connections to engage with you online. 

As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to have a professional headshot. This helps you take control of your business’s image and brand. Some well-known entrepreneurs who have professional headshots include Oprah Winfrey (talk show host and television producer, and more), Esther Perel (psychotherapist and relationship philosopher), and Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook and its parent company, Meta Platforms). These headshots not only look professional, but they also show the entrepreneur’s true personality and charisma. This extends to the image of their companies as well.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to give your online presence a refresh and undertake some professional headshots for your LinkedIn profile, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I have a strong corporate and headshot photography background and would be happy to help you find how to portray your image online. For tips on how to prepare for a portrait session, see this blog.