So, you’ve got a great headshot—awesome! Most people take one for LinkedIn, upload it, and forget about it. But here’s the thing: your headshot is more than just a LinkedIn profile picture. It’s your personal brand, your introduction, and sometimes even the first impression someone has of you.
If you’ve invested in a professional headshot, why not make the most of it? Here are 10 unexpected places where you can use them to stand out and make an impact.
1. Your Email Signature
Think about how many emails you send every day. Now imagine if each one ended with a friendly, professional photo of you, how would it make your clients feel? Adding them to your email signature makes your messages feel more personal and helps people put a face to your name.
2. Your Company’s Website
If you’re part of a team or run your own business, having your picture on your company website adds credibility. It helps clients and potential partners feel like they’re dealing with real people, not just a faceless brand.
3. Speaker and Event Bios
Are you speaking at a conference? Hosting a webinar? Many events require a headshot for their promotional materials. Having a professional, high-quality image makes sure you look polished and credible.
4. Business Cards
Yes, business cards are still a thing! And adding your headshot to them makes you instantly more memorable. People might forget a name, but they rarely forget a face. A great photo ensures that when they look at your card later, they’ll remember exactly who you are.
5. Online Articles and Guest Posts
If you write articles, blog posts, or contribute to industry websites, many platforms ask for a short bio and a picture. Using a professional image instead of a casual selfie helps build credibility and makes your work look more polished.
6. Your Zoom or Video Call Profile
We all spend a lot of time on Zoom or Teams, and when your camera is off, your profile picture is what people see. Instead of a random or outdated image, why not use your professional photo to maintain a polished presence even when you’re not on video?
7. Social Media Profiles (Beyond LinkedIn!)
While LinkedIn is the obvious place for a headshot, don’t forget about platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or even WhatsApp, especially if you use them for networking or business. A consistent picture across platforms helps you build a strong personal brand.
8. Marketing Materials & Proposals
If you send proposals, pitch decks, or marketing materials, adding a polished picture of yourself can add a personal touch. It reassures clients that they’re dealing with a real, trustworthy professional.
9. Online Learning and Course Platforms
If you create online courses, webinars, or educational content, a professional photo helps students connect with you. It makes the learning experience feel more personal and engaging.
10. Networking & Membership Profiles
Many industry groups, professional associations, and networking sites allow you to upload a profile picture. Instead of leaving it blank or using a random photo, your headshot can help you stand out and be recognized in your field.
Also using it across different platforms builds your personal brand, makes you more recognizable, and helps create stronger connections.
And if you haven’t updated yours in a while? Maybe it’s time for a refresh!
Why Consistency Matters: Using the Same Professional Headshot Across All Profiles
Have you ever Googled yourself? If you have, you probably saw your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and maybe even your company website pop up. Now, imagine someone else looking you up, maybe a potential client, employer, or business connection. If every profile has a different photo, it can be confusing. That’s why using the same professional headshot across all your profiles is a small but powerful way to build a strong, recognizable brand. Let's get in the details:
1. It Makes You Instantly Recognizable
Think about big brands—Nike, Apple, Coca-Cola. Their logos never change because they want people to recognize them instantly. The same rule applies to your headshot! When someone sees your profile on LinkedIn, then finds your Twitter or email signature, they should immediately know it’s you.
Using the same picture across platforms helps people connect the dots, making you more memorable and trustworthy.
2. It Creates a Professional and Polished Image
Imagine someone looking up your LinkedIn and seeing a sharp, professional headshot. Then they click on your Twitter, and it’s a blurry selfie from a holiday five years ago. That inconsistency sends mixed messages.
Keeping the same photo across your profiles shows that you’re organized, professional, and serious about your personal brand. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or freelancer, this small detail can make a big impact.
3. It Helps Build Trust
People trust what feels familiar. If someone has seen your profile picture on LinkedIn, they’re more likely to recognize and trust you when they see the same image in an email, a website bio, or a guest article.
This is especially important if you’re networking or building an online presence. When people feel like they "know" you, even digitally, they’re more likely to engage, respond, and do business with you.
4. It Saves You Time and Effort
Updating different profile pictures every time you take a new photo is exhausting. Choosing one strong, high-quality photo and sticking with it across all platforms saves you the trouble of constantly changing images. Plus, you won’t have to second-guess which photo best represents you—it’s already set!
5. It Strengthens Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how people perceive you. A consistent, professional image makes your brand feel solid and reliable. Whether you’re applying for jobs, marketing yourself, or growing a business, having a cohesive online presence gives you an edge.
Your headshot helps you stand out from the crowd. Using the same image across all platforms helps people recognize you, builds trust, and makes you look more polished and professional.
My suggestion would be to update all your profiles and keep things consistent! If you are not a fan of traditional white and black backgrounds, try getting your headshots in colour.
Corporate Headshots vs. Personal Branding Photos: What’s the Difference?
Now let's get a bit technical. Since you are already thinking about getting professional photos done, you’ve probably come across two terms—corporate headshots and personal branding photos. They may sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. So, how do you know which one you need? Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
What is a Corporate Headshot?
It’s usually a simple, clean shot from the shoulders up, with a neutral background or a well-lit office setting. These are designed to be polished, professional, and straightforward—perfect for LinkedIn, company websites, or business cards.
Best for: Business professionals, Corporate employees, Job seekers, Company profiles
Style:
Clean, polished, and minimal
Neutral or corporate-friendly background
Simple, confident expressions
These pictures are all about making a strong first impression in the business world. It says, “I’m professional, I’m approachable, and I know what I’m doing.”
What is a Personal Branding Photo?
Now, personal branding photos take things a step further. They’re not just about looking professional—they’re about telling a story. These images show more of your personality, brand, and work environment. They can include different outfits, backgrounds, and even props that reflect what you do.
Best for: Entrepreneurs & business owners, Coaches & consultants, Creatives & freelancers, Public speakers & influencers
Style:
More relaxed and expressive
Varied poses and backgrounds
Can include props or work-related settings
A personal branding photo is about capturing the essence of you and your business. It’s perfect for websites, social media, marketing materials, and anywhere you want to showcase your brand’s personality.
Which One Do You Need?
If you just need a clean, polished image for LinkedIn or your company’s website, a corporate headshot is the way to go. But if you’re building a brand, connecting with clients, or marketing your services, personal branding photos are a better choice.
And if you’re unsure? Get both!
If you are looking for getting your professional headshots, portraits or even your personal branding photos taken, feel free to get in touch with me! I would be more than happy to connect on the same.
Who is Stuart Bailey?
Stuart Bailey is a professional photographer based in London, specialising in headshot, commercial, retail, lifestyle, and event photography. With years of experience working with businesses, professionals, and brands, Stuart’s photography is known for its clean, authentic, and engaging style. He works closely with clients to create high-quality, impactful images that enhance their personal and professional presence.
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