Launching a Law Firm? You'll Need a Good Profile Pic
If you recently launched a solo practice or small firm, you're probably more worried about keeping the lights on than keeping your social media profiles up-to-date. Fair enough. Still, social media can be a useful way to reach out to new clients.
Even if you're not ready to invest in a full-scale lawyer marketing plan, you can create free, easy-to-maintain, FREE!, pages on social networking platform. (Did we mention that they're free?)
So what will prospective clients see when they get to your (free) profile? Ideally, your smiling (or stern, or quizzical) face. That profile picture matters.
Mashable warns that your profile picture on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter could make or break a deal when someone is deciding whether to hire you. (Quick: If your profile picture on any social media site shows you doing a kegstand, go change it now. Go on. We’ll wait.) To put your best foot face forward in the social media word, Mashable suggests using the same, recent headshot of yourself across all platforms to create a consistent brand. Make sure you find favorable lighting, and avoid anything too sexy.
And please, avoid the selfies. That front-facing camera on your iPhone may be fine for showing off your new haircut, but it’s not the easiest tool for creating a professional headshot. (Does anyone know where to look to avoid looking away from the camera while taking one of those?)
If you can’t afford a professional, you can have a friend take your picture, even with your iPhone. Just take multiple shots — practice makes perfect! — gradually increasing from no smile all the way to a big smile. New York-based commercial photographer Tony Gale told Mashable, “Once you know that half smile is the ‘perfect me,’ you can try several of those, changing the angle a little.”
Easy enough, right? No full-body shots. No swimsuit pics. No sorority girl lean ins. Just a simple, picture of you … looking professional. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Related Resources:
- 5 Tips for a Good Lawyer Bio (FindLaw’s Strategist)
- Law Firm Branding: Know Your Target Audience and Adjust (FindLaw’s Strategist)
- Maniacal Marketing: The Best and Worst Law Firm Ads (FindLaw’s Strategist)