Tag Archives: social media public relations

The old business adage “people buy from who they know” is still true today. How do you get known in the era of social media and internet marketing?  A professionally created business portrait is the most effective way to be found and to become known.

A business or executive portrait (also known as a publicity shot or a headshot) is an important business tool for conveying your identity to the public. They are used for public relations, business cards, websites, brochures, press releases and for social network profiles.  Photographer Dan Splaine of TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY takes the time to produce high quality portraits… images that convey your success and credibility.

Why do you need a business portrait?  A well-lit, thoughtfully composed business portrait is a valuable tool because it represents you and your company.  It is a great device to connect you with your customers, and to make a positive and lasting impression. A high quality, custom business portrait is a necessity, not an option, for business success.

TEN BUSINESS PORTRAIT USES

1) Having a photo on a business card is simply a must have for all entrepreneurs! Your business card is your own personal billboard so why not make it work for you.   A good business portrait always makes a business card stand out from the crowd and it gives your new contacts a great way of remembering you. It is also harder for a person to discard a card with a familiar face on it. 

2) Include business portraits on your “ABOUT US “and “BIO” website pages as well as your company blogs.  If you have a large staff consider including all of their images on the website as well.  Your business portrait builds familiarity with prospects and reinforces the connection your client has with your company. 

3) Always include a professional created business portrait in all of your social media profiles. Snapshots and cell phone photos reflect poorly on your professionalism.  A professionally photographed profile photo presents you as a true professional that can be taken seriously.

4) Consider using a headshot or business portrait on your letterhead and emails.  By including your business portrait the reader begins to make a personal connection with you.  Market research has shows that a letter with a photo is more personal and unforgettable making it harder for your prospects to ignore or discard. 

5) Sale letters are a primary business communication tool and photography makes them even more effective. When you are composing sales letters to your clients and prospects do not forget to use your portrait in your pitch. This simple step adds a powerful way to capture the attention of viewers and gain their interest in your offer

6) An exciting and really clever new tool for using your company portraits and product shots are customizable stamps.  Digital photography and printing on demand have now gone to the post office.  You can now create legitimate stamps that include your images or company graphics.  Make your mail more memorable and get your customer to open the envelope while building your brand.  Prices vary depending on the printer and the volume you buy but the investment is worthwhile

7) Always include a portrait in your company brochures so you establish that personal connection with your customers. An information brochure with your business portrait establishes your identity as the “face” of your company.  Remember people especially want to do business with people they know.  A good business portrait makes you a familiar face. 

8) If you have company trucks why not consider using your portrait or perhaps some images of your staff on the vehicle graphics. It is a great way to create a human identity for your company and you never know who is sitting next to you in traffic. 

9) Establish a habit of sending out images with every news release and announcements. Every promotion, retirement, award and new staff hiring notice should be accompanied by photography. The addition of a high quality image with your press release increases your chances of publication dramatically. 

10) Every day we hear in the media about the hard times that have befallen the print media in general and newspapers in particular. This economic and transformational predicament is a source of lament but there is a silver lining for the savvy business owners. Editors have fewer resources to spend on staff produced photography so they will be more inclined to use images from your company press kit photography. Provide them with high quality, relevant and professionally produced business portraits and product photography to optimize your publicity. 

Photographer and photo educator Dan Splaine of Test of Time photography in Nashua, NH (www.testoftimephoto.com) creates original business portraits and executive portraits in the studio or at the client location. Business portraits are one of the many corporate assignment photography services provided for clients in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, throughout New England and Nationwide.