YOU. Yes. You need a photo of yourself on your website. NEED. And not a cartoon. Not a drawing. Not an avatar. A real photo, that shows your face. If you are in the business of providing services to customers, then you need to go get that photo taken and put it on your website. Soon.
Why should you put your photo on your website?
It builds trust between you and your customer.
Imagine if you went into a retail store, and none of the sales people would let you see their face. They all wore masks or worked behind a screen. How would that make you feel? Your Internet presence is your introduction to these new customers, and they are coming to your site to learn more about you. It’s important that you show who you are. This is 2015 – people expect to get to know you before they hire you.
It shows people you are a real person.
If you have a virtual business, much like we do, you might think you don’t need a face on your website, because aren’t ever going to see or meet you. But you’d be wrong. You need a photo especially if you’re an online business. People want to know they are working with a real person. In a world where you are finding random businesses online, it’s helpful for people to be able to put a face with the name.
Your customers will feel more comfortable working with you if they know what you look like.
But I take horrible photos and I’m not photogenic! Bah. Stop taking selfies in bad lighting. Hire a professional, get a good haircut, and smile pretty. A good photographer will bring out the best in you. You are better looking than you know! We are always our own worst critic.
Where should you put it?
Definitely, on the about page at the least, but it doesn’t hurt to have it on your contact page and/or your homepage.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.