Does it say “I had my 4 year old take my picture after I chased him through the park”?
Or does it communicate the fact that you are a wonderful person, established business person, trust worthy and honest?
Can a photo even do that? It certainly can!
I’m sure you’ve seen the photos I’m talking about–the ones where the blogger (who is blogging for a business–honestly, I don’t care what you personal blog photo is) looks bedraggled, rushed, and unprofessional in every way.
Is that the image you want your online customers to associate with you?
Wouldn’t it be great if the picture of you brings up great thoughts, warm fuzzies and return visits? It can.
I know, some of you are staring sternly at your screens–you want your photo to have personality! You want it to show how unique you are.
It can still do that.
A blog feels informal but if you are blogging about and for your business, it’s not. You might feel like you’re just sharing with friends, but you are reinforcing your customer’s ideas about you. I’m not saying you have to have a boring “business” headshot for your blog but you want a consistent image presented to your customers.
Think about it: If this picture is the ONLY image they see of you, don’t you want it to deliver the best impression positive? This is your FIRST IMPRESSION for customers who happen to find you via the web. Don’t you deserve an amazing picture of yourself?
While it might seem like hiring a photographer for something as small as a photo for your blog is lavish or a waste of resources, consider this: if you are a small business, chances are good you are your business. So why would you choose to present yourself in less than favorable light to thousands of potential customers or clients? Isn’t that more wasteful than hiring a qualified professional to collaborate with you to create an image that speaks of you highly?
If you have a brick & mortar store, you might consider having a photographer capture an image of you at the business.
When you hire a photographer, you are hiring a visual artist. Don’t be afraid to “shop around”. Find someone who’s style, energy, personality and ideas mesh with yours. You want someone who will not only share your vision for the end result but add to it in an amazing way to deliver an image you will be thrilled with. If you simply hire any photographer, its true–you could be wasting your money.
If you are looking for a photographer who can deliver an image with personality, you owe it to yourself to do your homework and find someone you feel is a good fit. Don’t just go with the first photographer you find or the cheapest. While there’s something to be said for being thrifty, chances are good a lower price means they aren’t as seasoned as a more expensive photographer. This is one reason seeing a portfolio and meeting the photographer is so important.
So take a look at your blog photo with a customer oriented eye: what does it say about you? What is says about you will be projected onto your business and perception is everything.
We can’t change how people perceive you, but you can control how you are presented.
Be willing to get a new photo if yours doesn’t fit. It’s not a bad thing. It’s saying “YES” to all those potential clients & customers. And “YES” to showing you off in your best light. You and your business deserve it.
