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Creative Ways to Use Your New Headshot

It is widely understood now that Headshots are a very important part of your professional image.  LinkedIn, your company website and even resumes all feature updated Headshots and Personal Brand Photos.  But did you know that there are some really interesting and creative ways to feature your Headshots beyond the “typical” business card/profile?  Try some of these unexpected, fun and creative ways to get more mileage out of your Headshots and stand out from your competition.

1. Personalize Your Zoom/Virtual Meeting Presence

Online Meetings are becoming more and more common.  But face-to-face interaction feels distant.  While many meetings don’t require you to have your camera turned on, you really don’t want to be the blank graphic of a humanoid figure, do you?  Use your new Headshot!

Pro Tip: Use different versions for different audiences!  A conservative meeting would use a more buttoned up look.  Perhaps a casual meeting would work with a Corporate Casual looking headshot.  And you can change it up if you get a little bored.

2. Customize Your Email Signature

People love to know the face behind the email.  They love having a visual reminder of the sender.  Stand out in the sea of emails by adding your new Headshot to your email signature. It doesn’t have to be large or overpowering.  Using a small, sleek image can add a pleasantly personal touch to your communication.

3. Business Cards with a Twist

Yes, business cards are still relevant! But instead of just a traditional logo, consider incorporating a small and tasteful headshot to lend a more personal feel to your cards. It can be a great conversation starter when networking because people are more apt to remember you when they can associate a face with a name.

4. Get Social!

Most people are using their headshot on LinkedIn, but what about other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram? Instead of using a poorly lit and badly posed cell phone photo, use your new Headshots!  You can create a cohesive personal brand by using your headshot across multiple platforms.

5. Newsletter Highlights

Create a more personal connection with readers by featuring your new Headshot.   It will make your Newsletter more relatable and people will be more likely to associate your name with it if they see your face as well.

Pro Tip:  Bonus points if your Headshot stays in the same spot (upper right corner is prime real estate) consistently in every Newsletter.

6. “About Me” Section on Your Website or Blog

Bring authenticity to your “About Me” page with your Headshot.  Sad to say, generic stock photos of, say, a coffee mug next to a laptop just don’t cut it.  Using a photo of yourself will give visitors more of a sense of who you are.  If you pair a dynamic and engaging Bio with a great Headshot, it will be more impactful and memorable.

7. Creative Flyers & Event Promotion

Whether online or printed, a clean headshot can add a personal touch to flyers for speaking engagements and other events. It is a subtle way to build a connection with potential attendees before they even meet you.

8. Brand Your Presentation Slides

If you’re a public speaker or involved in creating presentations, incorporating your headshot in the introduction or closing slides adds an element of professionalism. It not only looks polished but also helps to connect you with your audience on a more personal level.  They will also be more apt to associate your face with your name.

9. Personalize Your Thank-You Notes

Again, people like to associate a face with a name.  So any interaction you have—job interview, business proposals, anywhere you are following up—will benefit with sending a thank you note that includes your Headshot.

10. Podcasts & Video Content Thumbnails

Do you have a podcast or YouTube channel? Your headshot can make the perfect thumbnail image for your latest episodes. It can be a great tool to create consistency across your brand.  Also, people will start associating your face with the content you produce.

11. Social Media GIFs and Custom Stickers

This is not for everyone, but for the right person or brand it can be great!  Why not get creative and turn your headshot into a sticker or animated GIF?  It’s a fun, quirky, and lighthearted way to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Final Thoughts on Using Your New Headshots

Dollar for dollar, your new Headshots are one of the most cost-effective Marketing tools that you invest in.  Using them consistently in many different and creative ways can help you stand out from your competition and cement your image and brand with potential clients.

Are your thinking of getting new Headshots?  Be sure to check out our FAQs.