Do your website images represent the best of you and your brand?

What's the first thing you do when you land on a business website?

If you're anything like me, you'll head straight over to the 'About' page. I want to see what that business is all about; their ethos, personality and essentially, I want to make that all-important connection.

Have you ever heard the saying 'Images speak louder than words'? It's a fact!

Humans respond to and process visual data better than any other type of data. In fact, the human brain processes visual content 60,000 times faster than text. That means that a picture is actually worth 60,000 words! Even more, 90 per cent of information transmitted to the brain is visual.

With that in mind, now take a look at your own website/about page. Do your images represent the best of you and your brand? Put yourself in your customer's shoes. Would you want to connect with you?

Be honest, when did you last update your profile page or website headshot? Or have you even got a photograph of yourself on your website?

I recently heard that someone had used their phone and took a picture of their passport photograph to use as their profile image! Yes it's an extreme example, but the saying 'images speak louder than words' definitely comes into play here. If they don't value how they represent their business, how can you as a customer, value what they're offering.  

Here are a few basic tips to help you achieve a great headshot:

1) How do you want to be seen?

What do your customers expect? It sounds like common sense but you'd be surprised. e.g. A suit and tie will look official and formal. A shirt with the top button open looks more informal. Add a jumper the the equation and you've got a more casual look. Wear something appropriate for the job you do.

2) Colours

If your business or personality is about colour then add vibrant shades. Otherwise keep to a neutral colour palette. Greys, blacks, browns and blues always work well and look timeless. For feminine looks - red is powerful! Stick to solid colours but if you want to wear a floral pattern, make sure its a larger print with a simplistic colour palette.

3) Accessories

For men - pocket squares, ties, cuff links, watch. For women: Belts, bracelets, earrings, scarves.

4) Pose

There's a lot of work goes into making a pose look natural. It can often feel unnatural but look great on camera. A general tip is to turn 45 degrees to camera and put your weight on your back foot. Fold your arms. Lean slightly towards the camera from your waist (shoulder down a little).

If you're worried that you've put on a few pounds, this will instantly make you look more slender. If you're seated, lean towards the camera. It looks more engaging, like you're more open and friendly and want to make a connection.

5) Expression

A natural smile always works best and is much more endearing. Again, it all depends on your occupation and how you want to be seen. An example is an actor headshot, which may necessitate a more characterful and mysterious look. 

You are the best representation of you and your brand. Clients want to make a connection with you, so ask yourself are my images working for me? It could be the one reason your perspective customer picks up the phone.