Want more proof that business portraits are important?
A 2012 eye tracking study showed that the number one thing viewers look at on a LinkedIn page is the person’s profile photo. And there’s no reason why this behaviour might be any different on other social networking sites.
This study [link to PDF], produced by a LinkedIn competitor, examined how professional job recruiters viewed online resumés. The first thing recruiters always noticed was the profile portrait and it held their attention for about 19% of the total time spent on page.
This can be bad news or good news.
If you’re a job seeker, a profile photo might work against you. The recruiter might be “wasting time” looking at your portrait photo rather than scanning your job qualifications. Although, depending on your (lack of) qualifications, maybe this is a good thing? :-)
If you’re not a job hunter then this is good news. This study confirms that having a business portrait is important and it helps connect with people. Viewers fully expect a profile portrait and they will always spend a few moments looking at the photo (or at the empty space if there is no picture).
By the way, if someone has only an empty space, viewers might think that person is either technically inept and doesn’t know how to upload a profile photo or that they’re really ugly.
Not having a profile picture also suggests that the faceless person is trying to hide something or they just couldn’t be bothered. Either way, the lack of a profile photo always creates distrust.
The results of this study emphasize that a profile portrait (or an empty space) is indeed the first impression made on viewers and potential customers.
So what first impression do you make? Sloppy amateur picture? Holiday snap? Photo of your dog? An empty space? Or a professional business portrait?
Put yourself in your customers’ position. Which type of photo creates the best and strongest impression about you and your business?
