10 Places You Should Be Using a Professional Headshot (That You Haven't Thought Of)
Maximize your investment and build a consistent, powerful personal brand
So, you've just received your gallery of new, professional headshots. You've updated your LinkedIn profile, and it looks fantastic. Now what?
Many professionals stop there, leaving a folder full of valuable branding assets to gather digital dust. A great headshot is one of the most versatile tools in your career toolkit, and its power extends far beyond a single social media profile.
Using it consistently across all your professional touchpoints creates a powerful, unified, and instantly recognizable personal brand.
If you want to maximize the return on your investment...
Here are 10 places you should be using a professional headshot right now:
Your Email Signature
You send dozens, maybe hundreds, of emails a day. An email signature with a professional photo humanizes your communication, making you more memorable and building a stronger connection with clients, colleagues, and contacts.
Why It Matters:
Turns simple text emails into personal interactions
Impact Frequency:
Every email you send
Your Resume or CV
While not standard in every country, including a small, professional headshot on your resume is becoming increasingly common, especially in creative and client-facing roles.
Why It Matters:
Helps recruiters put a face to the name and makes your application stand out
Impact Frequency:
Every job application
All Your Social Media Profiles
Consistency is key. Your profile picture on Twitter (X), your personal Facebook (if used for networking), and any other professional social media accounts should match your LinkedIn photo.
Why It Matters:
Creates a cohesive and easily recognizable digital identity
Impact Frequency:
Across all platforms
Your Personal Website or Portfolio
Your "About Me" page is where you tell your professional story. A high-quality headshot is non-negotiable here.
Why It Matters:
Builds immediate trust and makes your entire site feel more credible
Impact Frequency:
Primary brand touchpoint
Guest Post Bylines
If you write articles or blog posts for other publications, your author bio is your digital business card.
Why It Matters:
Establishes you as a credible expert and encourages readers to learn more
Impact Frequency:
Every published article
Conference and Speaking Profiles
If you're speaking at an event (virtual or in-person), organizers will ask for a headshot for the event website and promotional materials.
Why It Matters:
Makes you look prepared and professional
Impact Frequency:
Every speaking engagement
Your Company's "About Us" Page
Ensure your company's team page features your best, most up-to-date headshot.
Why It Matters:
Benefits company brand while reinforcing your professional standing
Impact Frequency:
Company representation
Online Course or Webinar Materials
If you create any kind of educational content, your headshot should be on the introduction slide, instructor bio page, and promotional materials.
Why It Matters:
Builds connection with students before the lesson begins
Impact Frequency:
Every course or webinar
Virtual Meeting Profiles
When your camera is off during a virtual meeting, what do people see? It should be your professional headshot, not just your initials.
Why It Matters:
Maintains professional presence even when not on screen
Impact Frequency:
Every virtual meeting
Digital Business Cards
Whether you use a QR code-based digital card or simply share your contact details, including a headshot makes the connection more personal.
Why It Matters:
Helps new contacts remember who you are after networking events
Impact Frequency:
Every networking interaction
The Cumulative Impact
When used consistently across all touchpoints, one professional headshot becomes a powerful branding multiplier.
Single vs. Multiple Use Cases
❌ Limited Use (LinkedIn Only):
- • Headshot used in 1 place
- • Inconsistent brand across platforms
- • Missed opportunities to build recognition
- • Lower return on investment
- • Professional brand feels fragmented
✅ Strategic Deployment (All 10 Places):
- • Headshot working across 10+ touchpoints
- • Consistent, recognizable brand identity
- • Maximum visibility and impact
- • High return on investment
- • Professional brand feels cohesive and strong
The Power of a Versatile Gallery
Having a single great headshot is good. Having a full gallery of them is a strategic advantage.
A service like NovaHeadshot provides you with dozens of high-quality options—some formal, some more casual—in a single, affordable package.
What You Get:
- • Multiple styles: Corporate, creative, casual
- • Different backgrounds: Office, outdoor, studio
- • Various poses: Formal, approachable, confident
- • Perfect fit: Right photo for every context
This allows you to choose the perfect photo for every context, ensuring your personal brand is always professional, consistent, and powerful.