Key Takeaways
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Your headshot is often the first impression you make—so why are so many people still using a blurry selfie from five years ago?
I’m Austen Hunter, a professional headshot photographer in Pensacola, and I’ve seen it too many times. Someone invests in a top-tier headshot session, gets stunning images, and then… lets them sit on their hard drive. Meanwhile, their old, pixelated photo is still out there on LinkedIn, email signatures, and business profiles, doing them no favors.
A great headshot isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making the right connections in the right places. If you’ve recently updated your professional headshot, here’s exactly where you should put it to boost your brand, increase visibility, and make a lasting impression.
1. LinkedIn and Professional Networking Sites
If you only update your headshot in one place, make it LinkedIn. It’s the first place recruiters, potential clients, and industry connections will see you. A blurry, outdated, or poorly lit Linkedin profile picture can send the wrong message before anyone even reads your bio.
How to optimize your LinkedIn headshot:
Use a high-resolution image with a clean, professional background.
Make sure your face takes up at least 60 percent of the frame. A close crop is best.
Keep your headshot consistent with your industry. A corporate executive should look polished, while a creative professional might have a more relaxed style.
"Think of your headshot as a business card for the digital world. It tells people who you are before you even say a word." - Austen Hunter
Other networking platforms like AngelList for startups, Behance for creatives, and Avvo for legal professionals also benefit from a strong headshot. If you’re active in industry-specific groups, forums, or association websites, make sure your profile photo represents you well there, too.
2. Business Websites and Team Pages
Your headshot belongs on any website that represents you professionally. If you run a business, freelance, or work in a client-facing role, your photo should be easy to find on your company’s website.
Where to place your headshot on a website:
About Page: Visitors want to see who’s behind the brand. A professional headshot builds trust.
Contact Page: Adding a face to your contact information makes interactions feel more personal.
Author Bios: If you write blog posts or contribute content, an image next to your name reinforces credibility.
Team Pages: Many companies showcase their employees with headshots. If your workplace has one, make sure yours is professional and up to date.
For business owners, a polished headshot helps establish a personal connection with clients before they even reach out. If your industry relies on credibility—like real estate, law, or consulting—a strong visual presence on your website can make all the difference.
3. Email Signature
Every email you send is an opportunity to reinforce your professionalism. A well-placed headshot in your email signature makes your messages feel more personal and helps the recipient put a face to your name.
When adding a headshot to your email signature, keep the image small, around 150 to 200 pixels wide, so it doesn’t dominate the layout. A clean, professional version of your headshot works best—avoid filters or busy backgrounds. Your signature should also include your name, title, and contact details to maintain a polished and cohesive presentation.
Consistency is key. The headshot in your email signature should match the one on your LinkedIn and company website. If you regularly communicate with clients, potential employers, or business partners, using a professional headshot in your email signature helps build recognition and trust over time. Many email services, including Gmail and Outlook, make it easy to integrate an image into your signature settings.
4. Social Media Profiles
Your headshot should be consistent across all social media platforms where you engage professionally. While LinkedIn is the most obvious place, other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even YouTube can benefit from a professional profile image. A polished, well-lit headshot makes your profile look more credible, whether you're networking, marketing a business, or building an audience.
For platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where profile pictures are small, use a close-cropped version of your headshot so your face remains visible. On Facebook, if you use your personal account for professional connections or industry discussions, updating your profile picture to a professional headshot can help maintain a polished online presence.
"A great headshot isn’t about vanity—it’s about making the right first impression, building trust, and opening doors." - Austen Hunter
If you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or creative professional, platforms like TikTok and Pinterest also play a role in your personal brand. Keeping your headshot consistent across all these spaces reinforces your identity and makes you more recognizable to your audience, no matter where they find you.
5. Press, Media, and Guest Blog Features
Anytime you're featured in an article, podcast, or industry panel, your headshot is part of your professional presence. Journalists, bloggers, and event organizers often request a photo to include with their content. Having a polished, high-resolution image ready to go ensures you're presented in the best light.
If you contribute guest articles or regularly appear in media, maintaining a consistent headshot across different platforms strengthens your personal brand. Publications and blogs may crop or resize images, so providing a high-quality version without distracting backgrounds or filters keeps things professional.
For speakers and industry experts, a strong headshot is just as important as your credentials. Whether it’s used on event websites, marketing materials, or speaker bios, a professional image reinforces your credibility before you even step onto the stage.
6. Resumes and Job Applications
Including a headshot on a resume or job application isn’t always necessary, but in certain industries, it can help set you apart. If you're in a field where personal branding matters—like acting, modeling, real estate, or consulting—a professional headshot can add a polished, trustworthy touch.
When to Include a Headshot on Your Resume
Industry | Should You Include a Headshot? | Notes |
Acting & Modeling | Yes | A headshot is expected and required |
Real Estate | Yes | Adds trust and personal branding |
Consulting & Coaching | Yes | Helps build credibility for personal branding |
Corporate (U.S.) | No | Not standard practice and can introduce bias |
International Job Markets | Sometimes | Some countries prefer resumes with headshots |
Blind Hiring Companies | No | Companies that remove identifying info prefer no photo |
When to use a headshot on your resume:
If you work in visual or client-facing industries like entertainment, media, real estate, or personal coaching.
If you're applying for jobs outside the U.S., where headshots are commonly included on resumes.
If you're creating a personal brand resume for speaking engagements, consulting work, or networking events.
When to skip it:
If you're applying for corporate jobs in the U.S., where headshots on resumes aren’t standard practice.
If the company uses blind hiring practices to remove unconscious bias.
If the job application system doesn’t allow for image uploads.
If you’re unsure whether to include your headshot, consider adding it to a personal website or LinkedIn instead. That way, potential employers can still see a professional image of you without it being a direct part of your resume.
7. Business Cards and Marketing Materials
Your headshot isn’t just for online use. For professionals who rely on networking, speaking engagements, or client relationships, adding a headshot to business cards and marketing materials can make a lasting impression.
A headshot on a business card makes you more recognizable, especially after networking events where people collect multiple cards. Real estate agents, consultants, and personal brand entrepreneurs frequently use this approach to reinforce their image.
Printed brochures, flyers, and promotional materials can also benefit from a well-placed headshot. If you’re a speaker, coach, or industry expert, event programs and advertisements featuring your image help establish credibility before you even meet your audience.
For those embracing digital networking, consider using a QR code on your business card that links to your website or LinkedIn profile, paired with your professional headshot. It adds a modern touch while keeping your brand consistent across print and digital platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I update my professional headshot?
A: Every two to three years, or sooner if your appearance has changed significantly or you’ve made a major career shift.
Q: Should my headshot be the same across all platforms?
Q: What’s the best background for a professional headshot?
Q: Can I use a headshot with a casual outfit for my LinkedIn profile?
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is more than just a photo—it’s an extension of your personal brand. Where you use it matters just as much as how it looks. From LinkedIn to business websites, email signatures to networking materials, a well-placed headshot helps you stand out, build trust, and create opportunities.
Consistency is key. Using the same high-quality image across all professional platforms makes you more recognizable and reinforces your credibility. If your current headshot is outdated or doesn’t reflect your best self, it might be time for a refresh.
Ready for a headshot that works for you? Book your session with Austen Hunter Photography today.
