Your photo is the single most impactful element of your bio. Prospective clients want to know about you before they contact you or your firm directly. A photo that creates the right impression is vital. Images evoke a quick and powerful emotional response in a way that written words can’t. The days of unflattering, unprofessional looking photos and headshots should be long gone.
Clients hire attorneys for their knowledge and personality. Your photo is your introduction to prospective clients and a reminder to prior clients and bar members who you are.
Trust plays a large role in the selection of an attorney. Without a photo people wonder “why no photo?” A poor photo may cause people to question your attention to detail.
The following 11 tips will help you pick the right photo for your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and your website.
- Use a current photo.
- Use a photo of YOU in your profile — not an object or a logo.
- Don’t have other people or animals in your photos. (It doesn’t matter how cute your baby or your pet might be.)
- Smile! Your face should convey your personality (friendliness, warmth, trust, approachability).
- Photos should be professionally done, if possible (but not glamour shots).
- Wear your most complementary color. Bright colors can attract attention, but avoid patterns.
- Make sure the background in the photo isn’t distracting. Get rid of the law books in the background.
- Rigid formal photos have been replaced with more casual and engaging photos. The formality of the past has given way to a more authentic approach.
- Dress to reflect the norms of the profession.
- Tips for men: Wear a dark blue or black dress shirt or wear a dark suit with light colored shirt. No t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, or busy/crazy patterns. Ties are optional.
- Tips for women: Wear something you feel comfortable in. No t-shirts or big/busy patterns. Soft, dark V-necks and U-necks look great. Black always works; avoid white.
Headshots are great for email and social media. But when it comes to an attorney bio page for your website replacing professional headshots with a full body shot goes a long way.
Stand out from the crowd by using these online photo tips. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your best face to your audience.
One response to “Top 11 Online Photo Tips for an Impactful Profile”
Don Rohan
Posted on January 28, 2016 at 3:17 pmThanks for these Excellent tips, John. One other guideline that I’ve heard and used over the years is that to engage the viewer, the subject’s face should be no smaller than the size of a dime. Without some facial detail, it’s hard to convey one’s personality.