The real estate agent headshot: it’s an absolute necessity in this industry. Your headshot is part of your personal branding, and people expect to see it everywhere—on business cards, your website, public benches and even billboards! Real estate is a face-to-face business, and potential clients want to see yours.
Selecting a real estate headshot can be a terrifying task. Real estate agents are all too frequently teased for having cheesy photos. But how often does someone come along with constructive advice? Not often enough.
Fortunately for you, this helpful list of DO’s and DON’Ts will make your next photo session a breeze:
DO
1. Update your photo. It’s important to keep your headshot current. You want your online prospects to recognize you when you finally meet them.
2. Choose a setting that reflects your brand. If you sell beachfront properties, having a tasteful seaside view in the background will reinforce your area of expertise. High-end residential homes? Try a lush garden location. Or, if al fresco photography isn’t your thing, consider a casual office setting or classic solid backdrop.
3. Wear something you feel comfortable in. Not a suit person? Then don’t wear a suit! Your awkwardness will come through in the photo. On a related note, wear something with sleeves. No one wants to look topless in their agent headshot.
4. Have a cropped version. Cropping allows you to almost completely eliminate any backgrounds or styling choices that may appear dated over time. Cropped photos are also handy to use on social media platforms.
DON’T
5. Use props. Telephones, sold signs, glasses of wine…we’ve seen it all! Nothing says silly and unprofessional faster than an agent who feels the need to use a prop to catch your eye.
6. Abuse photo-editing tools. Of course we could all use a light touch-up from time to time, but proceed with caution. If you find yourself with a completely new hairline, glowing orange tan or blindingly white teeth, you’ve gone too far.
7. Strike a pose. You are not Madonna, nor are you a thespian. Prospects respond best to approachable headshots that indicate what their experience may be like if they choose to work with you. Select a natural sitting or standing position and act like yourself on your best day.
8. Include your spouse/children/pets… unless you’re some sort of husband and wife team that caters to millionaire tweens and their pampered pooches. Then by all means!
So there you have it: our take on taking really good headshots to use on your agent website and in your real estate marketing.
Keep in mind that there is an exception to every rule. If you have positioned yourself in a niche market, you may find a reason to do every don’t and avoid every do. The most important thing to remember is that your headshot is often your first impression—make it count!
Point2 offers lead generation and online marketing solutions for real estate agents and organizations worldwide.
For more information, visit www.Point2.com.
