What's the difference between personal Branding Photos & Headshots

Because I am a foodie most of my metaphors involve food. If a headshot is icing on the cake, then personal branding is the cake. The icing is what makes you stop and stare in the bakery window. Good cake is full of flavor and pulls you in with each bite. If the cake is delicious you will come back for more.

If you are familiar with my work, you know I hate traditional headshots, personal branding images etc. If it’s traditional, I pretty much run in the opposite direction. Most professionals believe they must strip away all of their personality and unique characteristics to be considered professional. In the words of Maury, “We’ve determined that’s a lie”. Headshots and personal branding images can be filled with color and texture and celebrate your skin tone and your hair. You can do it all with a splash of color and fashion. And elegance.

Headshots are typically from the shoulders up because most professionals want them displayed on LinkedIn, flyers, and websites. Headshots show who you are. Headshots can display knowledge, confidence, style, and professionalism if done correctly. Most importantly, headshots can stop someone from scrolling long enough to discover who you are. The icing pulls you in.

Personal branding images show people who you are, what you do, and why your clients should hire you! I bet you didn’t know pictures could do all that. Think about your client’s first interaction with you via your website and social media. The headshot stops the scroll. Personal branding shows people who you are, more of your personality, and what you do.

Your images should show your personality, who you are in your business but most importantly invite you potential clients to want to learn more about you leading to them hiring you.

Now that you know the difference between headshots and personal branding images, We’ve discussed the purpose of personal branding images and how they lead to more clients hiring you. When was the last time you had your images updated? What do your images say about you and your business? How many times have you posted the same photo on IG?