Hello this is Kurt Francom and this is one of hundreds of videos where I answer some of the most commonly asked questions small businesses ask about website.

Today’s question is “Why is it important to have a great headshot on your website?”

Having a great headshot on your website is more important than ever. In today’s digital age, businesses are often judged by their online presence before a customer even sets foot in the store. A headshot helps to humanize your business and allows customers to connect with the people behind the brand.

First impressions matter, and seeing a face makes your business more relatable. Our brains are wired to connect with faces; when a website visitor sees a smiling, welcoming face, it creates an instant feeling of trust. For example, think about the last time you visited a website and saw headshots of the team or business owner. Didn’t it feel more approachable and less corporate? That’s the magic of a good headshot.

Why Headshots Foster Trust

One of the major benefits of featuring headshots on your website is the trust it fosters. When customers visit your site and see real people, it makes them feel like they’re interacting with an authentic business. This is especially critical in service-oriented businesses where clients may need to build relationships before purchasing. A headshot helps start that relationship.

Additionally, if customers come into your physical location after visiting your website, they will already recognize you or your team from the headshots, further building that sense of familiarity and trust. They feel like they already know who they’ll be dealing with, which can ease any anxiety or hesitation.

It’s a great opportunity to make sure that first impression is a positive one.

Where to Feature Headshots

The best places to feature headshots on your website are the About Us and Contact pages. The About Us page is often one of the most visited pages on a business site because customers want to know who is behind the business. A clean, professional headshot can do wonders in helping to tell your story and build your brand’s narrative. When customers feel like they know who they are dealing with, it gives them peace of mind.

Similarly, placing headshots on a Contact page makes it more personal and inviting. Rather than a generic form or impersonal details, you’re providing a human face, adding a layer of warmth and approachability.

Adding Personality to Your Brand

Incorporating headshots into your website can also be a great way to showcase your brand’s personality. If you run a fun, relaxed business, your headshots can reflect that with casual, friendly photos. If you’re in a more formal industry, your headshots can reflect professionalism and confidence.

Either way, headshots give you control over how you’re perceived. You have the opportunity to reinforce your brand message in a very visual and impactful way.

Professional Headshots vs. DIY

While it’s possible to take your own headshots, investing in professional photography is usually a better choice. Professional photographers understand lighting, framing, and how to capture someone’s best angles. They can also ensure consistency in your team’s headshots, giving your website a polished, cohesive look.

DIY headshots, while cost-effective, often lack the quality that professional ones provide. If you’re looking to make a lasting impression, it’s worth spending a little extra to get high-quality images that reflect your professionalism.

Impact on Engagement

Research has shown that including human elements, like faces, in your design increases user engagement. People tend to linger longer on websites where they feel a connection, and headshots help to make that connection. A visitor who spends more time on your site is also more likely to become a paying customer.

Incorporating team headshots also gives clients insight into the people they’ll be working with, which adds another layer of comfort and trust. If your business relies on building relationships with clients, like in the case of consultants, real estate agents, or therapists, headshots can be especially impactful.

In conclusion, a great headshot is an essential tool for your website. It humanizes your business, builds trust, adds personality to your brand, and can significantly boost user engagement. Whether it’s on your About Us page or your Contact page, featuring professional, well-taken headshots can make your business more approachable and trustworthy in the eyes of potential customers. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital, showing the people behind the business is more important than ever.