Do you need a different headshot for LinkedIn, your website, and your business card? This is something most people start thinking about once they see their face in three places and realize that maybe one photo isn’t doing all the heavy lifting. The honest answer is that it depends on your goals and the story you want to tell in each space.
What Is the Best Headshot for LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is all business. It’s where you want to look credible, trustworthy, and ready for whatever opportunities come your way. Your LinkedIn photo should be clean, confident, and approachable. Simple background, great lighting, and a real expression. If you want specifics, I have a whole post on what makes a headshot “professional” and another on what to wear.
Should My Website Photo Be Different From My LinkedIn Headshot?
Your website is your home base. Sometimes, using your LinkedIn headshot on your website makes perfect sense, especially if your goal is consistency across all your professional profiles. Other times, you may want a different image for different sections of your site depending on the tone.
For example, you might choose a confident, business-focused headshot for your homepage or “Work With Me” page. In the About section, where you’re telling your story and letting people get to know you, a lighter, more relaxed headshot might be the better fit. The key is matching your photo to the context of the content. If you’re talking about trust, expertise, or leadership, pick an image that feels strong and approachable. If you’re sharing your personal story or values, it’s fine to choose a shot that’s more open or a little less formal.
The same goes for any site with multiple sections or messages. As your brand grows and your services evolve, having a small collection of professional images ready gives you the flexibility to show the right side of yourself in the right place. If you want more on how to actually look like yourself in a headshot, read this.
Does My Business Card Photo Need to Match My Online Profile?
Business cards are unique. The photo is usually tiny, and it is competing with logos, and text. The goal here is instant recognition. For most people, using the same image from LinkedIn or your website is totally fine, as long as it’s high quality and still looks like you in real life.
Should I Use a Different Headshot for Speaking Engagements or Articles?
Any time you’re featured in a trade publication, speaking at an event, or appearing on a podcast, consider the tone of the audience and the message. If you’re talking business, use a strong, polished headshot. If it’s a more personal or creative topic, a lighter photo or something with a bit more personality can work.
Ask yourself what you want this audience to think or feel about you before you ever say a word. Match the photo to the moment. When you have a few professional options ready, you never get stuck sending the same headshot to every single opportunity.
When Should I Update My Headshot or Use a New One?
You need a new headshot if you have changed your appearance significantly, changed industries, or are stepping into a new role. You should also update if your current headshot is over two years old, or just doesn’t feel like you anymore. A fresh image is the fastest way to show you are active, engaged, and moving forward. Here’s when and why you should update your headshot.
Can I Use the Same Headshot Everywhere?
Sometimes one headshot gets the job done, but in real life, most professionals end up needing more than that. I have clients who choose a single headshot, and others who end up selecting ten, fifteen, or even twenty different images. The reason is simple—your image needs to fit the context. You may want something classic and formal for a corporate board profile, but prefer a more relaxed look for your website’s “About” page, speaking events, or even your business card.
The idea that you should have just one photo for everything is mostly a myth. As your career grows and your network expands, the odds are good you’ll want multiple headshots to cover all the places you show up. You might even need different styles for different audiences. That’s normal, not extra.
How Do I Choose the Right Headshot and Styling for Each Use?
Start with purpose and audience. For the boardroom or anything business-facing, you want something polished and confident. For your website, you might want a headshot that feels warmer or more approachable. If you’re being featured in a publication, interviewed on a podcast, or writing an article, the right styling can shift depending on the message and the platform.
The best results come when you have more than one look to choose from. During a session, I work with clients to create a variety of options—different backgrounds, poses, expressions, and wardrobe changes—so you can actually use your photos instead of just letting them gather digital dust. Here’s what to wear for headshots, and how to think about styling for different uses.
If you are unsure which photo fits a specific purpose, think about the impression you want to make on that audience. Confident and buttoned-up? Or relaxed and creative? There’s no single answer. What matters is matching the image to the situation and the people you want to reach.
Why Does It Matter Where I Use My Headshot?
First impressions happen fast, and every platform or opportunity is a new introduction. Using the right image helps you control how people see you before you even speak or type a word. As your goals change, your image should evolve with you.
If you’re ready to update your headshot, or want a set of images that actually work for all the places you show up, I make the process easy, painless, and completely tailored to your needs.
