Why Your LinkedIn Headshot Matters More Than You Think
Boosting your career with a LinkedIn Headshots
Here's the thing about LinkedIn headshots—they tell a story before someone reads your profile. According to a study by Pena, Curado, and Oliveira in the Journal of Business Research, they found that LinkedIn is a must for boosting your career, it's not the whole puzzle, but the signals are definitely there that it helps.
A professional LinkedIn photo session is about more than just getting a headshot. When someone comes to my studio specifically for their LinkedIn profile, we work together to capture something that speaks to their professional identity.
I always ask my clients when they come in: What do you want your photograph to say about you? Are they aiming for a C-suite position? Starting their own business? Changing industries? I inquire about what they do to help get the image that conveys competence, approachability, and confidence. It's about understanding what message my clients want to send to their professional network and potential employers. Believe it or not, each of these situations calls for a slightly different approach to their professional image.
LinkedIn Headshots
“…get an image that conveys competence, approachability, and confidence.”—Malena Vasquez.
Helping a Client Look their Best on LinkedIn
Just last week, I had a client who came in for a LinkedIn headshot update. She was preparing to launch her own consulting business after fifteen years in corporate, and she needed photos that would position her as an expert in her field. By the end of our session, we had captured exactly what she needed—photos that showed both her professional expertise and her approachability. The best part? She could immediately see how these photos would help her connect with potential clients.
Want to know something interesting? LinkedIn profiles with professional photos get up to 21x more views and 9x more connection requests (Yes, really!). But it's not just about having any professional photo—it's about having the right one that makes you stand out. The kind that makes someone stop scrolling and think, "Now, this is someone I want to connect with.
You deserve better than a cropped image or selfie.
Say No to Selfies and Old Photos for LinkedIn Profiles
It’s 2024, and a selfie just doesn’t cut it for a LinkedIn profile—nor does having no photo at all, which is a missed opportunity. I wrote this blog because I genuinely believe LinkedIn has become THE place for making business connections, following up after events and much more. (Mind you, I do have a new place I go to check out business connections, thanks to a client I know. More for another time).
So, whether you’re just starting out, aiming to advance your career, or representing your company, a strong LinkedIn headshot is essential now more than ever. If you’ve held off on updating your profile, there’s no better time than to make that change.
So if you’ve waited all this time to boost your career, now’s the time.
Let's create LinkedIn photos that tell your story and open doors.
Reach out to me, Malena, at Malena Vasquez Studio to learn how I can help you with your LinkedIn Headshot.
–Elevating the Image of Miami's Most Influential Professionals and Brands