Whether you like to admit it or not, you’ve probably social media stalked a person or two. You look at their profile pictures, their family photos, or maybe even where they vacationed. Even if you just met the person, this little look into their lives makes you feel like you know them just a little bit better.
A headshot has a similar effect of making a person feel familiar to you when they encounter it online. It’s all about building up your online presence to appear as someone who’s trustworthy and authentic. Ideally, your online presence will help people understand who you are, what values you stand for, and your credibility. Ultimately, it helps establish your reputation as well as draw others to you.
To get a headshot done, your best two options are to hire a photographer or to create a headshot from the comfort of your own home. If you’re set on using a photographer, you can do your own research to find the right fit.
However, many people are choosing AI headshot generators because they’re affordable, timely, and look as realistic as a regular photo. There are many different AI headshot generators, but a well-known and trusted option you could try is Portrait Pal. We like its affordability, ease of use, and high-quality photos.
If you choose to use an AI headshot, you’ll want to put some thought into how it can help boost your online presence.
1. Establish a Good First Impression
We’ve all made quick judgments about someone. Sometimes, the impression is positive and other times it’s less so. When it comes to your online presence, your headshot will deliver that first impression for better or worse.
With AI headshots, you have a little more control over generating a likeable, trustworthy image of yourself. Think of all the things that make a good first impression–a genuine smile, a professional outfit, well-groomed hair, etc. Even things like the background you choose can influence others’ impression of you.
Then, tell the generator in a written prompt how to curate the perfect photo of you. Be specific about how you look and how you want the background and lighting to be. In a couple of hours, you’ll have a fabulous first impression headshot ready to go!
2. Builds Trust
Having trust is essential when it comes to any type of relationship, whether it’s family, friends, or professional work. Think about it. When you trust someone, you continue to go back to that person–the same goes for the professionals in your life.
Sometimes, your headshot is the first thing someone sees about you, and you want it to convey a sense of trust. It starts by helping put a likeable face to the name. Then, you can help build trust with a confident pose and a professional manner. Your online presence can only benefit from having a great headshot.
3. Credibility
Seasoned professionals know the value of posting a quality headshot on their online profiles. A cropped wedding photo or selfie in “portrait mode” simply won’t cut it.
When you see someone without a professional headshot, it could indicate they’re less established and lacking in experience in the industry. Not having a headshot doesn’t mean you’re inexperienced, but it’s all about the impression you’re making.
When someone sees your professional headshot, they recognize you as someone who takes their job seriously. AI headshots make it easy to get that amazing headshot and earn the credibility you deserve.
4. Helps You Stand Out from the Competition
You want to make sure your headshot stands out from other competitors. AI headshots offer the perfect way for you to do that. You can curate your photos to feature unique vibes that show off your best self in your online brand.
You have a lot of options in AI headshots for standing out. Everything from the background you choose to the color of your clothing can make a difference. While you want to maintain a neutral, professional vibe, you can make an impact with a nature background, a pop of color in your clothing, or even a well-chosen prop. Direct the headshot generator accordingly, and you’ll get a unique, realistic shot to showcase across all your online profiles.
5. Consistency with Your Brand
It’s important to remember to be consistent with your brand. If you have multiple online profiles, you’ll want to use the same headshots across each. When people come across your profile, they’ll likely recognize you because they’ve seen your headshot somewhere else.
If you decide to change your hair or change something about yourself, make sure your photos are up to date with how you look. You want people to be able to recognize you.
6. Establishes a Connection
Having an AI headshot to help your online presence can help establish a connection with others. It ties into having a consistent brand. People do business with people they can trust, so give that impression with your online presence.
A great way to establish a connection is through the appearance of eye contact in your headshot. Instruct the generator to give the illusion that you’re making eye contact in your photo.
You can also connect with others by considering your chosen audience. How can you connect with your target audience in the way you dress? The background you choose? The warm vs harsh lighting? These distinctive components of your headshot will help you connect with others in the best way possible.
Why AI Headshots Matter
Headshots are an important part of an online presence. They’re one of the first things people look at and can help establish who you are, your personal branding, and your reputation.
If you were to look at someone’s profile, you see their picture first. You’d notice if it feels welcoming and inviting. You might even ask yourself if it seems professional. Does it make you feel as though you could trust the person? Make sure you’re giving the right impression of yourself.
AI headshots are the future of professional imaging. You have incredible flexibility to dictate and curate your headshots to look exactly how you envision them. You don’t have to rely on a photographer’s creative liberties. You can create the headshot you want, but still make it feel as though a professional photographer was behind the camera.
Members of the Newport Beach Magazine were not involved in the creation of this content.
