Personal branding is all about image. You put time and effort into your brand because you want to impact how others see you, whether that’s as an expert, a leader, or an influencer. Much of personal branding is about the visual presentation of your image. And because a brand is all about you, it comes as no surprise that many branders are turning to professional photo shoots to enhance their image. Here, learn about the importance of the visual element and how to perfect your personal branding presentation.

The influence of the visual

The world has become more image-centric than ever. Business Insider predicts that 880 billion photos will be taken in 2014 - enough for 123 images per person on the planet. And thanks to the internet and social media we are sharing these images like never before. Over 300 million photos are uploaded to Facebook daily. The photo sharing app, Instagram, boasts 200 million monthly active users, according to Digital Marketing Ramblings.

We respond better to these images as well. On sites like Twitter and Facebook, photo posts garner significantly more engagement than typical text posts, according to Fast Company. Visual content is fun and easy. It makes it quick to get across a message or idea. Graphics and images are recognizable for brand consistency. And visual content is much more accessible than a block of text. It’s easy to see how some strategic images can really enhance your personal brand’s presentation.

Using visuals for your brand

Image-conscious professionals looking to give their brand an update have been turning to professional photo shoots, according to a recent New York Times article. Gone are the days of stuffy glamor portraits. Now, professionals seek out creative and extensive shots for the ultimate personal branding presentation. Sure, the images are out of the box, but they’re still professional. They also infuse elements of their personality, and most importantly, their brand’s values into the images more so than a run-of-the-mill headshot.

Yes, your brand is important – but so is the way in which you showcase it. A bad quality photo could detract from an otherwise solid brand, warns Celebrity Branding Agency. A good photo will provide a strong first impression and convey a professional aesthetic for your brand. The presentation of your brand should be consistent across various forms – business cards, social media, blogs, an your website. Taking a variety of photos from a shoot such as the ones featured in the New York Times allows you a solid base of consistent, high quality images but gives you enough wiggle room to update your look every now and then. Plus, they provide a face behind the brand for some much-needed personalization.

Visualizing your brand

With such a heavy influence of images, where should you showcase them? On your website, of course. If you still don’t have your own website, seriously consider it. The world is increasingly becoming digitalized, and people are definitely looking for you and your brand online. Nothing is worse than finding someone’s website online that looks like it’s straight out of 1998. Don’t rely on an outdated site or your social media platforms to house your brand – instead, get a Squarespace website.

Creating your own personal branding website is simple even if you don’t know code or web design with Squarespace’s LayoutEngine web publisher. Gain visibility and track your success with its built-in search engine optimization, analytics, and integration with Google Analytics. Most importantly, Squarespace, which features award winning design, will make your site look amazing on any device. Let a Squarespace website be the ultimate presentation for your personal brand!

What success have you seen from incorporating visual content? Share your advice and leave a comment below!