Whether you’re a business owner, blogger or you’re a regular on social media, having a really great headshot is essential. Your headshot is a digital business card, and usually the first exposure people have to you and your business. It’s an excellent way to grow your personal brand and it helps your online profiles stand out from the rest.

However, it can become quite easy to find one great headshot and keep using that same image for years, but it’s always a good idea to update your headshot on a regular basis, here’s why:

Your headshot should always be accurate

When someone comes across your CV or any of your online profiles, they should be seeing exactly what you look like, not what you looked like 10 years ago. Your face, hair, clothing style changes over time and it’s important for potential customers or employers to be able to recognize you when they meet you.

Photo styles come and go

The headshot styles that photographers were using 10–15 years ago may use different, ‘fashionable’ techniques, so by updating your headshot on a regular basis, you’ll be able to display a photo that’s fresh and modern at all times.

It helps maintain your online presence

By regularly updating your headshots online, you’ll be making sure that when someone searches for you, they’ll know exactly what you look like. If you happen to appear in the media quite often, ensuring that you have an updated headshot is even more important as you never know when someone might search for your photo online to use in an article or online feature. As you progress in your career and personal life, your style, interests and experience will change and your headshot should be adjusted to reflect this too.

Not only is a professional headshot the perfect finishing touch to your professional and personal profiles but a flattering headshot will make you feel more confident online too. Of course this is just one aspect of brand photography. Sign up below to receive more tips and tricks for branding and business tips.