I’ve been doing professional business portraits for about 5 years now, and some of my early clients have started coming back to me for an updated head shot. The same question has been coming up in conversations: “how often should a profile photograph for Linkedin and websites be updated?”. Using my own knowledge as well as researching articles written by various social media experts, I’ve put together the article, which I hope will be useful to my current and future clients.
The average recommendation from the Linkedin and Social media experts is that a profile photograph on Linkedin should be updated every 2 years.
I think it’s always a very individual decision, but the main concern should be whether or not you can be recognised?
Does your profile photograph look like you?
If you are like me (I am talking to ladies, of course), and you like to change your hair style and your hair colour, then you really should have a new head shot taken when your look has changed. People should be able to recognise you from your profile photo, so if you look different now, then it’s only logical that your head shot should reflect it.
Perhaps, you keep a similar hair style and colour, but most people do look slightly different with age. Just to reflect your recent look, it’ best to consider updating your photograph every 3-5 years.
Some people are very lucky to look pretty much the same no matter how many years have gone by… They simply don’t age! If you are one of those people, than it’s totally possible that people can easily recognise you from a portrait taken 10 years ago. Technically you don’t have to update your head shot if you are one of those lucky people.
However there are benefits of updating your heads hot, even if you don’t look much different.
Benefits of having a new head shot
Many people don’t realise it, but there are some tangible benefits of getting an up-to-date profile photograph. The main benefit is related to the social media algorithms that make such posts a priority over others. When you change you profile photograph, most social media platforms “push” your post forward, so all your contacts and followers can see it before other content. This allows you to re-connect with your audience and remind them of your existence! It also shows that you are staying current with things, and your are investing in the image of your business. For many people getting new profile photographs is part of their social media strategy.
If you are the face of your business, a great profile photograph projects a message of success, and makes you stand out from the crowd.
In conclusion, there is not magic number that fits all, but do make sure your profile photograph reflects who you are and shows you in the best possible light.
And when you are ready to update it, with business photography packages that suit any budget, I’ll be delighted to help!