Employee Photos: The Missing Ingredient in Your Ad Recipe

You know that feeling when you nail an ad campaign? The creative is spot-on, the copy sings, but something’s still missing.
After years of crafting campaigns that pop, I’ve stumbled upon a secret ingredient that turns good ads into great ones: employee headshots.
Stick with me, and I’ll show you how these simple photos can be the rocket fuel your advertising needs.
Faces: The Ultimate Attention-Grabber
Let’s face it (pun intended): we’re hardwired to notice human faces. In a sea of product shots and generic stock photos, a real employee’s face stands out like a beacon.
It’s not just attention-grabbing; it’s attention-holding. And in advertising, that extra second of attention can make all the difference.
Consistency: Your Brand’s Visual Handshake
Imagine your brand as a person at a networking event. Consistent headshots across your campaigns are like that person’s signature handshake, reliable, recognizable, and reassuring.
When customers see the same faces across different touchpoints, it creates a sense of familiarity and trust.
It’s branding 101, but with a human touch.
The Trust Factor: Putting a Face to Your Promises
We’ve all seen those “Our team is committed to excellence” lines in ads. Now, imagine that line next to a grid of friendly, professional faces.
Suddenly, it’s not just corporate speak, it’s a promise made by real people. That’s the power of headshots in advertising. They transform abstract brand values into concrete, relatable commitments.
From Billboards to Banners: Headshots Across Mediums
The beauty of employee headshots is their versatility. Here’s how they can elevate various ad formats:
1. Print Ads: A team photo can add warmth to even the most technical product ad.
2. Digital Banners: Rotating employee headshots can increase engagement and click-through rates.
3. Video Ads: Integrating headshots of team members adds credibility to testimonials or explainer videos.
4. Social Media Ads: Posts featuring employee faces typically see higher engagement rates.
The Art of the Perfect Ad Headshot
Not just any photo will do. For maximum impact, your ad headshots should be:
- Consistent in style and quality
- Aligned with your brand’s visual identity
- Professional yet approachable
- Authentic (no stock photos pretending to be employees, please!)
Beyond Headshots: Bringing Your Team to Life
While we’re singing the praises of headshots, don’t stop there. Consider showcasing your team in action.
A photo of your R&D team hard at work or your customer service reps with genuine smiles can add depth to your advertising narrative.
Measuring the Magic
Curious about the impact? Here are some metrics to watch:
- Ad recall rates
- Engagement metrics on digital ads
- Customer feedback mentioning connection or trust
- Brand perception surveys
Implementation: Lights, Camera, Advertise!
Ready to give your ads a face-lift? Here’s your game plan:
1. Organize a company-wide photoshoot (make it fun, happy employees make for great photos!)
2. Develop guidelines for using headshots in different ad formats
3. A/B test ads with and without headshots to measure impact
4. Regularly update photos to keep your advertising fresh
Remember, consumers are bombarded with countless ads daily, the human element can be your secret weapon. Employee headshots aren’t just photos; they’re a bridge between your brand and your audience. They say, “We’re not just a logo. We’re real people, committed to serving you.”
So, the next time you’re brainstorming your ad campaign, don’t just think about what you’re selling. Think about who’s selling it. Your team’s faces might just be the missing piece that turns your good campaign into an unforgettable one.
Corporate Portrait
Think school picture day meets the business world.
Corporate Portrait brings professional headshot photography directly to your business in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Starting at $30 per employee with full ownership rights included. Because getting great headshots shouldn’t be complicated.