Did you put your photo on your website?

20 replies
Question:

On your offline consulting website, hmm...this would have been better as a poll..anyway, which one of the following do you have on your site?

1. a photo of yourself identifying you as the owner

2. a photo of yourself downgrading your title to "Marketing Manager" or something similar a la "The 4 Hour Work Week"

3. a photo of someone else that doesn't exist and pretending that it is you

4. Just your company logo and contact information with no personal identifiers?
#photo #put #website
  • Profile picture of the author Sharyn Sheldon
    You should definitely have a photo of yourself, preferably one that is done professionally. It builds a connection with clients and prospects. Try to use the same photo in all your profiles or other places you show up on the web.
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  • Profile picture of the author edwinms
    yes at least you have a page show your photo.. so people can know you..
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  • Profile picture of the author TLH Media Mktg
    That's what I've heard too - that you should have a photo of yourself preferably on the home page, if not, then the About page. I've gotten advice both ways regarding what type of picture - professional or business casual. I've gone with business casual. Also, if you don't want to use your picture, you could have a caricature made, which is kind of in between, and you still maintain your integrity. I think there are even free sites that will make a caricature of a photo you submit for you. Not sure how good they are as I have not tried any myself.

    Teri
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  • Profile picture of the author affirmwealth
    I think it is interesting that only one person actually answered my question.

    The question was not, "Should I put my photo on my website?". The question was, "Did YOU put your photo on your website?"

    But actually, after I wrote the post I realized that if someone is using a fake photo or fake job title, they probably wouldn't want us all to know that. ;-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Missionmarketer
      Not only do I have my picture on my website but I have a video of me as well.

      There is nothing better than seeing and hearing a live human being.

      What a way to really connect with others and make a personal impact in an online land of literally billions of people.

      I got out of my comfort zone and starting doing videos and it has made ALL the difference in conversion!
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  • Profile picture of the author NikkiYeomans
    I have my photo on site; but, Dave makes a great point about transferability. Something to think about.
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  • Profile picture of the author affirmwealth
    Thank you all for your feedback.

    I do think it is best to have your photo on your website, but the truth is that some people only want to do business with certain types of people.

    Seeing what you look like can bias them to either decide or not decide to do business with you, based on their own prejudices and assumptions of what you should or should not be able to do based on what you look like.

    So depending on what you look like in some cases can cause one to lose business.

    Like for instance, most people have a pre-conceived idea of what a doctor should look like. They expect a man (usually) in a white lab coat, clean cut, etc. But if a doctor walked into the examining room with tattoos and a nose ring, earrings, and other body piercings, with a mohawk, etc....most people would doubt his ability to diagnose, operate, and treat their condition...regardless of his abilities.

    He could have graduated at the top of his class, but his appearance would still cause most people to take pause.
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  • Profile picture of the author uppway
    real photo will be the most effective. Logo can work but not in these case.
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  • Profile picture of the author drlelong
    Use a photo of yourself, and a video, if possible. Local business owners love to do business with people they know, like, and trust.
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  • Profile picture of the author 4webmaster
    I only put my photo on linkedin and travel site as an expert.
    For offline marketing it's ok to add one but you must be a leader in your niche otherwise a logo is enough.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrian Int
    Hey there.

    As a former offline consultant I feel I can respond to you here with some authority.

    My website contained a photograph of me and identified me as the role I would play when dealing with my clients - in this case as a "Financial Consultant".

    I'm a believer in a good handshake and some quality face-to-face time and I felt that having my photo up was important - even if I wasn't the most well known person in the industry. (you don't get well known by hiding your face either by the way :-P)

    If I were to go back and do it again I think I'd have included video as well. I'd keep it short though - especially if you're targeting high value clients. In my line of work (I don't know what you do) it'd be pretty well impossible for me to provide targeted buying information in a video anyway.

    When people look for an "offliner" online they have a pretty specific goal...

    They want to verify that you are an expert on the subject matter you're "selling" and want to see that you're a successful [whatever you do] before they decide to work with you.

    Anyone else probably won't visit your site unless you give them a reason to.(coupons, contests, etc)


    Anyway - Nice thread!

    Cheers,

    -Adrian
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  • Profile picture of the author ephame
    Always put a good current pic of yourself if you are going to be doing IM and only a logo/business name if you are planning to act as a business but as others have stated be consistent.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pamellalovely
      I don not use my photo in my web site for identify but i use my company logo in all my web site... but i think it not need...its my opinion...
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    The main reason for having a photo and/or video is so the customer can recognize you, especially for first appointment. It eliminates some anxiety for meeting a stranger.
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  • Profile picture of the author fpdeziner
    Yes, i always use my photo to identified myself .. and i also suggest you to put a good photo of your self but it should be your real pic because it will effect on your business..
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  • Profile picture of the author robin lee
    I had a thought. What about people that are not photogenic or are heavy? Many studies have shown that attractive people are more acceptable than less attractive people. That applies from early childhood to the job interview, the witness stand and beyond.

    Should everyone have a photograph even tho they donʻt photograph well?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    If you're worried about your appearance, just do a head or bust shot.

    Photos always give a greater sense of connection with viewers.

    Once they feel they know you, prospects are bound to be a lot nicer ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author MegJones
    The company I work for has photos of themselves with mini bios, as well as a video, inviting people to work with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Seantrepreneur
    I recommend putting a photo of yourself for sure. However, be sure that its professionally done. I would rather see no picture than a picture of you taken with a trashy camera. Think about it this way. If a client sees that you can't take the time and effort to represent yourself in a professional way then what are you going to do for them? Meaning if you're not even putting your best foot forward for your own stuff what can they expect?

    We have professional photos of ourselves on our website and we got them done for free! We met a photographer at a networking event that just so happen to have his camera with him and he snapped a few quick photos for us. It's doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to do this. You MUST know someone with a high end camera. It seems like just about everyone has one of these nowadays. Don't be afraid to just ask them to take a picture or two of you. The worst they can say is no.

    Sean
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