According to the Digital Influence Index*, the Internet influences purchase decisions 66% of the time. How you are portrayed on your website is critical to helping people connect with you and feel comfortable with your business.

Do you have high quality images on your website? Website usability studies show that consumers see value in the images that contain relevant information - such as images that show goods or services, or real people in the business.

Here are a few businesses where great photography of your work is critical:

• Home builders and remodelers

• Interior design

• Real estate

• Hair salons

When what you're selling is "you", make sure you feel comfortable with your personal brand. A personal brand is not what you say about yourself. It is a collection of perceptions or emotions that others have about you. The good news is that you can help influence this with high quality images of yourself and your location that can be used in websites and other marketing.

Personal brand is especially critical to the following roles:

• Financial advisors

• Insurance agents

• Dentists

• Other independent professionals

Headshots through a professional photographer are relatively low cost. They are a small investment that can pay big dividends.

* Source: Fleishman-Hillard and Harris Digital Influence Index, 2012

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