You came onboard LinkedIn years ago hoping to connect with professionals in your industry. Or perhaps landing that dream job was your primary goal. Over the years, you’ve kept your skills updated and added each new certification and accomplishment as they were received. But have you looked at your profile picture lately? How long has it been since you updated your headshot on LinkedIn? If it’s been a while, or not, now might be a great time to consider updating it.
Great Reasons to Update Your LinkedIn Headshot
Sometimes, keeping the same headshot on your LinkedIn profile seems easier. Why not? You like it, right? But that’s not the best option when it comes to your business and your brand. Your headshot may be the source of a first impression a potential employer, customer, or client will form about you and how you do business. So when you want to be sure to send the right message, an up-to-date headshot plays a huge role. Here are 7 reasons to update your LinkedIn headshot.
- Stay Current. A professional headshot should reflect your current age and abilities. Potential customers who see that you have 10 or 15 years of experience, but you look 22 in your picture will doubt your credibility. An old headshot may contribute to lost business opportunities.
- Professionalism. Headshots should communicate that you are modern and professional. When someone sees your profile picture, it is easy for them to tell if it is outdated. They may wonder if your business has the resources to update headshots. Updated headshots communicate your dedication to professionalism and keeping up with modern technology.
- Starting a New Job or Role. When you start a new job or take on a new role at your current work, update your LinkedIn headshot. Your headshot should convey changes in your role. This shows you are not afraid of change and that you are eager to take on new responsibilities.
- Your Looks Have Changed. If you have changed your hairstyle or hair color, lost or gained weight, had plastic surgery or had a significant change to your appearance, it’s time to update your headshot. When your headshot doesn’t look like “the new you,” it can come across as an attempt to be deceptive.
- Your Current Headshot Was a Selfie. An amateur shot might have worked a few years ago, even if it was a selfie. However, you need to be seen in a more professional light. A poor-quality headshot, or a selfie you grabbed in your backyard, lacks professionalism. On LinkedIn, it’s easy to see who invested in professional headshots and who just wanted to get by.
- Your Current Headshot is Two or More Years Old. Most industry professionals recommend new headshots about every two years. It can be different for each individual, but that’s a good rule to follow. Hairstyles and fashion change rapidly, and you want your headshot to reflect modern designs and styles.
- Brand Consistency. Whether you have been online for years, or are just starting out, your headshot goes on everything. It is as important as your logo, and it’s part of your brand. You will use it on LinkedIn, but it can be used in so many other places, too, including your website, other social media channels, your blog, and email communications.
Why Professional Headshots are Important
When you look up a new business contact online, what is the first thing you see? In most instances, it’s their profile picture. During the pandemic, there were more online meetings and fewer face-to-face meetings. This placed even more importance on having a professional headshot. A headshot reflects you and your business. It is as important to branding as your logo. Your professional headshot is essential for building trust.
People tend to form an opinion about a person after just a few seconds after meeting them. This occurs after seeing a photo of them as well. They decide several things about you based on a photo. They will decide on things like your education and background, intelligence, and professional and social status. Wrong first impressions can be difficult to overcome.
A professional headshot on LinkedIn is one way to “put your best foot forward.” Firstly, it shows you care about being professional. A prospective employer or client may perceive this as better accountability and a better work ethic. High-quality headshots not only ace first impressions but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and earn a viewer’s trust. For business professionals who are scanning over hundreds of LinkedIn profiles looking for the right person, a professional headshot will set you apart from the crowd.
There are a lot of reasons to update your LinkedIn headshot. Your headshot says a lot about who you are and your level of professionalism. It communicates loud and clear. If you are ready for a new professional headshot, contact me to book a session.
