Could Your Online Profile Photos Be Hurting Your Business?

Is it just me, or do some people choose, shall we say, less than professional photos to use for their online profiles?

I am not referring to private albums created for friends and family only on sites like Facebook. As far as I’m concerned, you can put whatever photos you want there if you’ve got them marked private.

I am talking about places like Facebook Business Pages and LinkedIn where your professional reputation and image are built, cultivated, and shared. Call me a snob, but come on. Some of the photos in these spaces are awful and send the wrong message, detracting from the person rather than making them attractive. When I see a bad photo on a business profile, I do form an opinion. So do most other people. And it isn’t good.

With the proliferation of really nice digital cameras these days, it isn’t hard to find someone who owns one (if you don’t yourself) and have a few decent shots taken to use for online profiles and communications. Of course, there are plenty of professional photographers who would appreciate your business.  They often offer discount deals for small business owners who need a set of online photos taken. You don’t have to spend a ton of money for these, either (unless you want to).

Additionally, don’t think that you have to look like you’re posing for the cover of Forbes or Glamour, but it does help if you have some head shots done with decent lighting. Wearing simple colors, using some make up (yes, guys too — to even out the skin tone!), and having a good hair day are all worth the time and effort, as the photos will look more pro. Avoid having pictures taken in harsh sunlight, at night under fluorescent lights, or with a busy or cluttered background.

And of course, you want to present your best self on your business profile, so if you are not a buttoned-up type, don’t go for the tie or silk blouse! Wear what’s comfortable, but choose an outfit or two that is clean, new (or newer), and makes you feel good.

Using the wrong photo online can hurt your business building efforts tremendously. They say a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, it can be worth thousands of dollars either gained or lost, depending on what it looks like. Having a decent photo of yourself to use on your business-oriented online sites doesn’t take a lot of time or money, and it can make a huge difference in whether others want to work with you — or not.

Take a few minutes today to look through all the places you currently hang out online and get rid of any photos that are too dark, washed out, showing you in a funny or awkward pose, or have you with other people. Your business profile photo should be of you and you only!

Got any photo tips or stories about how photos have helped (or hurt) your business? Share them here!