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Copywriters - do you HAVE TO have a photo of yourself on your site?

by splitTest
35 replies
A lot of you are copywriters plying your trade across the interwebs. Some of you are marketers who hire copywriters.

My question: if the copywriter didn't have an image of themselves on their site, would you do business with them?

Any of you copywriters doing business without a pic of yourself on your site?

I notice that most copywriters do in fact post a pic of themselves, but I'm hesitant to do so.

... On the one hand, I know that this business is about relationships in large part and a pic helps that part of it. On the other, I've noticed that most graphic designer sites don't have pics of themselves, and presumably they're fine without them. Why would a copywriter need a pic, but a graphic designer, not so much?

:confused:

Insights anyone?
#copywriters #photo #site
  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    Why would a copywriter need a pic, but a graphic designer, not so much?
    Because copywriters have a better understanding of marketing than graphic designers do.

    Marcia Yudkin
    Signature
    Check out Marcia Yudkin's No-Hype Marketing Academy for courses on copywriting, publicity, infomarketing, marketing plans, naming, and branding - not to mention the popular "Marketing for Introverts" course.
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    • Profile picture of the author splitTest
      Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

      Because copywriters have a better understanding of marketing than graphic designers do.

      Marcia Yudkin
      Just to be clear -- are you saying that graphic designers simply don't understand the marketing value of posting a pic?
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    • Profile picture of the author splitTest
      Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

      Because copywriters have a better understanding of marketing than graphic designers do.

      Marcia Yudkin
      I gotta disagree with this. I don't think graphic designers fail to post personal pics because they don't understand their value to marketing. I think they know that they fly strictly by the quality of their work, and a pic on their site is just an unnecessary distraction from their work. The wrong pic, in fact, could lose them inquiries they might otherwise have won.

      I'm still trying to wrap my mind around why a copywriter needs a pic. I understand that they do, but I can't quite put my finger on why.

      Sure, a pic "humanizes" you, but does that mean any pic would do? Definitely not.

      ...And does every individual proprietor need a pic of themselves on their site?

      Graphic designer - not so much
      Web designer - no
      Programmer -no
      Dentist - maybe
      Masseuse - yes
      Plumber - no
      Lawyer - maybe
      Copywriter - definite yes.

      :confused:

      "Researching" this, I came across a pic of a dentist I don't think I would go to, just based on the fact that he looks sleazy. ...So a pic can lose you business, as easily as not having a pic can lose business.

      Anyway, still struggling with this. Took a few pics and they all sucked. Just might have to crawl to a pro photog and see if that helps.
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        Plumber - no
        I know a plumber in LA who uses his photo plus his name and license number in a caption in all of his marketing. To me, it seems very effective because he is positioning himself as a plumber you can trust.

        Any time you are trying to win people's trust, a photo helps, as long as the photo is appropriate for that profession.

        Marcia Yudkin
        Signature
        Check out Marcia Yudkin's No-Hype Marketing Academy for courses on copywriting, publicity, infomarketing, marketing plans, naming, and branding - not to mention the popular "Marketing for Introverts" course.
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      • Profile picture of the author Chriswrighto
        Originally Posted by splitTest View Post

        Anyway, still struggling with this. Took a few pics and they all sucked. Just might have to crawl to a pro photog and see if that helps.
        You're overthinking this massively.

        Instead of focusing on this, focus on improving your copy.

        It's just a photo at the end of the day...

        Chris
        Signature

        Wealthcopywriter.com :)

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        • Profile picture of the author SolutionSecrets
          I got a question..

          If the product you created ARE your product, why should we put the Copywriter's face?
          Doesn't make sense as we (creator) are trying to build our brand, yet the Copywriter's face appear.

          LOL
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      • Profile picture of the author aidacopy
        Originally Posted by splitTest View Post

        "Researching" this, I came across a pic of a dentist I don't think I would go to, just based on the fact that he looks sleazy. ...So a pic can lose you business, as easily as not having a pic can lose business.

        Anyway, still struggling with this. Took a few pics and they all sucked. Just might have to crawl to a pro photog and see if that helps.
        Once I was looking for a dentist and came across this one whose teeth were soooo busted, I couldn't believe someone let him put the picture up. Needless to say he didn't get my business...

        But for a copywriting site I'll have to agree with Chriswrighto - focus on the copy first, and decide about the photo later. Let your reputation be the first thing people think about when they hear your name.
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        • Profile picture of the author SolutionSecrets
          Originally Posted by aidacopy View Post

          Once I was looking for a dentist and came across this one whose teeth were soooo busted, I couldn't believe someone let him put the picture up. Needless to say he didn't get my business...

          But for a copywriting site I'll have to agree with Chriswrighto - focus on the copy first, and decide about the photo later. Let your reputation be the first thing people think about when they hear your name.

          I agreed. Reputation & Relationship are important.
          Who wanna be friends? hahaha:p
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  • Profile picture of the author Chriswrighto
    What've you got to lose by having your photo up?
    Signature

    Wealthcopywriter.com :)

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    • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Chriswrighto View Post

      What've you got to lose by having your photo up?
      One guess.
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    • Profile picture of the author splitTest
      Originally Posted by Chriswrighto View Post

      What've you got to lose by having your photo up?
      Some people aren't as photogenic as others. Some too old, some too young, some not "hip" looking, etc. etc.

      ...Then there are reasons to not want your pic plastered all over the web, including the fact that the moment you post, you lose control of it. I feel bad for all the people our there whose pics have been turned into memes! Not to mention vindictive ex's and such.

      Me, I just don't photograph very well at all. And my face doesn't scream "copywriter." I'm also trying to avoid paying to have it done professionally, since I probably won't be happy with the result even then.
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      • Profile picture of the author Chriswrighto
        Originally Posted by splitTest View Post

        Some people aren't as photogenic as others. Some too old, some too young, some not "hip" looking, etc. etc.

        ...Then there are reasons to not want your pic plastered all over the web, including the fact that the moment you post, you lose control of it. I feel bad for all the people our there whose pics have been turned into memes! Not to mention vindictive ex's and such.

        Me, I just don't photograph very well at all. And my face doesn't scream "copywriter." I'm also trying to avoid paying to have it done professionally, since I probably won't be happy with the result even then.
        Look at my photo.

        I'm baby-faced too.

        You're over thinking it... your face isn't going to get turned into a meme if you use it in business. (Now I've said this...)

        What's the face of a copywriter?

        Nothing to lose my man!
        Signature

        Wealthcopywriter.com :)

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    • Profile picture of the author Stephen Fosner
      Originally Posted by Chriswrighto View Post

      What've you got to lose by having your photo up?
      A Photo will show your're Human, build trust, engage them, because people want to see who they are buying anything from.
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      • Profile picture of the author Chriswrighto
        Originally Posted by Stephen Fosner View Post

        A Photo will show your're Human, build trust, engage them, because people want to see who they are buying anything from.
        Stephen, you're 100% right... you have all that to gain!

        But in the same vain... and as I said before... don't overthink it.

        If it's taking too much time away from the actual copywriting, then forget about it.

        Wait until you go on holiday and get some good snaps there.
        Signature

        Wealthcopywriter.com :)

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  • Profile picture of the author insidmal
    Unless someone finds you completely repulsive, having a photo increases conversion rates
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    Team Conquest: Where Ideas Meet.
    http://team-conquest.com
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    • Profile picture of the author splitTest
      Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi View Post

      One guess.
      hahahaha

      In a way, you're right on point. I am indeed a card-carrying nerd. :p
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  • Profile picture of the author David Mcalorum
    Photos totally humanize you. Which leads to greater
    trust (sub consciously) so as a rule I always put one in of me!
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author JohnRussell
    I wouldn't be too sad for him He's a very highly respected and very well paid copywriter. My point was that he may not be the most aesthetically pleasing but in the copywriting world he is certainly recognizable and I think having photo everywhere has helped his career - although I can't know that for certain of course.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quality Copywriter
    I use a large pic myself.

    I was trying to look extra cool on the day it was taken. some people say i look unapproachable in it but what the hell do they know...lol

    If you've read some decent advertising books, you'll know that people have 3 questions when they see your pitch.

    Who are you?
    why should I believe you?
    Why should I act now?

    It's easy to see how having a picture can help with the first 2.

    What do graphic designers know about any of this? NADA, or most people who are trying to sell anything.
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    "Peter Brennan is the real deal, In the first 12 hours we did $80k...and over $125k in the first week...if you want to be successful online, outsource your copywriting to Peter"
    Adam Linkenauger

    For 12 ways to sell more stuff to more people today...go to...www.peterbrennan.net
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarah Operman
    I would recommend you split test. Photos of yourself increase conversions for sure. But if you look too lame I suppose it could hurt. Split test is the only way to tell.
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  • Profile picture of the author maverick8
    one line sums it up:

    "People buy from people"

    if you look at the stats of many professional service based businesses you will find if the business has a people/staff it will in top 5 most viewed pages.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aniblow
    If you can write great copy... you can. You photo's got nothing to do with your ability to crank out eyeballs-grabbing words.

    I seriously believe the most important thing is to be a great writer. Your words will literally sell themselves. Pic or no pic.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    It depends what your intentions are.

    If you already have clients who know you're the bomb - does anything else matter?

    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Warriors
    Regarding bad pics and their potential negative effects:

    Anybody who has ever used online dating knows how easy it is to produce a photo that looks better than you actually look in real life.

    Only difference is, as a copywriter, nobody ever has to see you in real life... And (at least most of the time) they aren't trying to get into bed with you :p
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  • Profile picture of the author SolutionSecrets
    or.. Photoshop.. haha!
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  • Profile picture of the author jessicah
    It will definitely increase your chances of being hired, your profile will look more trustfully. There is no such thing as 'a face of a copywriter', it's just in your head :p. Just go ahead and upload that pic!
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    • Profile picture of the author SolutionSecrets
      Alot of people or I can say.. EVERYBODY will look at the Appearances first before characters..

      Imagine I put a hideous girl with 1 eye only or whateva, Would you come & talk to me first? Or avoid as much as possible?

      Everybody are attracted to Appearance first..

      So Appearances plays an important role.. make sure you're good! but not a drok face..

      Dress UP & SMART~~ That will get People to notice you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery Moss
    One good reason to have a pic of yourself on your site is how it will let people know you are the one who will be doing the writing and not some nameless, faceless corporate drone. So, let's say you have a site with no pic. And, you list all the extensive services that you perform. As far as the site visitor knows, you could be subcontracting out the work to 100 other Fiverr people as far as the reader knows. So by putting up a pic, you are subtly saying, "I'm the one who will be doing this copywriting job". And, "You will be working with me".
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    Transform your old PLR books to an automated cash machine that keeps paying you day in and day out!
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