Why Your Headshot Matters: Making a Strong First Impression Online

First Impressions Matter

If you've spent anytime scrolling reels, tiktoks, or even YouTube shorts, you know the first few second determine if you'll even consider watching the whole thing. The whole reel might only be 10-15 seconds long but in those first few seconds if there's something you don't like you'll scroll on by to the next video. But if you're intrigued you'll go on and watch the whole 15 seconds. You may even go to that creators page and check out their other video. You just might give them a follow if you like enough of their content.

Your headshot is the equivalent of those first few seconds of a reel. Research say it takes 7 seven seconds to form a first impression. Before someone gets to your bio, checks out your website, and books a call, they've already decided something based on your photo. They say never judge a book by it's cover but we do it all the time.

Think about the last time you looked someone up online, say a potential business partner or fellow clinician. Before you read or or saw any of their work you probably saw their name and profile picture and formed a gut feeling.

"Do they seem approachable?"

"Is this someone I can work with?"

"Could I trust them?

Your dream clients are asking the same questions of you. A strong headshot makes a good first impression, making potential clients want to see what you have to offer, rather than scrolling by.

What Makes a Great Headshot?

While there's no one right way to create a great headshot there are a few factors that differentiate good headshots vs. bad ones.

• Expression: A genuine, warm expression can facilitate connection while forced smiles and stiff poses can create distance.

• Background: Clean and simple backgrounds keep the focus on you while a cluttered office or distracting scenery can send mixed signals

• Lighting: Good lighting highlights your best features and gives your photos a polished and professional look while poor lighting or harsh shadows can make you seem less approachable

Things to Avoid

• Using a cropped photo from a group event (people can tell).
• Holding onto an old headshots that doesn't reflect how you look or how you show up in your work now
• Overly staged or stiff shots that don't align with your personality

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