Why is Personal Brand Important?
I was genuinely AMAZED at a recent networking event when I swapped Instagram details with people and saw how little, or non-existent, their presence was on their feed.
And I’m not talking about posts.
I’m talking about pictures of you.
You know, the actual person you want your clients to hire.
As a branding photographer, this feels obvious to me. But clearly it isn’t to everyone, so here’s the honest version of why personal brand matters.
If a potential client doesn’t know who you are, why would they choose you?
If they can’t see your face or get a feel for you on your website or socials (and no, a tiny headshot hidden on the Contact page does not count), they’re far more likely to move on to the next person they find on Google.
If this is something you know you should be doing but don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a simple ‘boost your brand’ guide you can download that walks you through how to strengthen your personal brand without it feeling awkward.
Or if you want to go deeper on this or you’re thinking about booking a shoot, you can find more details on my Personal Branding page and we can book in a clarity call.
You need to step out of the mindset that’s afraid of having your picture taken and into the mindset that if you show a little more of yourself that this authenticity will reflect well in your business.
Eddie Judd
Time to show up
“Putting yourself out there” has become one of those phrases people roll their eyes at, but it’s not a trend. It’s just part of running a business.
This doesn’t mean dancing on Reels.
It means letting people see who they’re actually going to be working with.
I like to see a face when I’m hiring someone. Don’t you?
Think about the brands you choose. You’re far more likely to buy from a small business or a brand that feels human and aligned with your values. In a world where we have endless choice, seeing who’s behind the brand and getting a sense of their story is often what tips you towards saying yes.
So why would your clients be any different?
Your Brand Story
I can’t tell your story for you, but a personal branding shoot gives you the images you need to start telling it well.
Before I photograph you, I want to understand who you are and who you’re trying to reach. That way, the images we create actually support your brand story, rather than just looking nice.
You can use your photos across your website and socials to show:
- what you care about
- what you stand for
- how you work
- and why someone should trust you
This is how people start to know you, like you and trust you. And yes, that’s when they’re far more likely to invest in you.
Authenticity (aka the bit everyone avoids)
Yes, sometimes this means being a bit brave.
And yes, you might hate having your photo taken.
I can hear you now. The internal groan. The eye roll. The “I’ll do it later” that turns into never.
About 1 in 50 of my clients actually enjoys being photographed. That’s normal. I hate it too. But that’s why it’s my job to make you feel comfortable, to help you relax, and to make sure you look like yourself, not a version of you that feels stiff or forced.
When you let yourself be seen, even a little, it has a real impact on how confident people feel choosing you.
And honestly, if anyone is judging you for showing up as yourself, they are not your people anyway. Thank you, next.
Gentle next step
If personal brand is something you’ve been putting off because it feels awkward, you’re not alone. But it does matter. Your clients want to see you, not a logo or a stock photo stand-in.
If you’d like to talk about what a personal branding shoot could look like for you, head to my Personal Branding page or drop me an email and we’ll book in a clarity call.
Or, if you’d like a practical place to start, you can download my Super Boost Your Brand Guide. It’s designed to help you take a few small steps that make a big difference to how you show up online.
