Pick the Right Photos of You

One of the top three biggest mistakes therapists make with their websites is to display a photo of themselves that actually puts potential clients off.

The first thing you need to know about photo selection is what not to do, so be sure to read that article.

How to choose a great photo

At the top of the educational pages on this site is a unique image of a "successful therapist." What exactly is it that makes us see these individuals as successful therapists? It is certain qualities common to all of these photos, a checklist of impressions that every one of them manages to convey.

Here is the checklist:

Friendly
Interesting
Intelligent
Competent
Passionate
Grounded
Happy
Kind
and above all.....
Authentic

These happen to be qualities we all want in a therapist.

Now here is an important perspective on these photos. These people are not actually therapists, or not that we know of. We chose these photos from a stock photography source for their metaphoric value.

Each of these photos possesses all of the qualities your photo should have.

We recommend at least one, and even better have several pictures of you. You could put one on your Home page, another on your About Me page, and yet another on your Contact Me page. You could even have a photo gallery to give prospective clients a peek into the special areas of your professional and personal life.

Just remember that your prospective clients want to see your inner light, your unique and special character. So select photos that convey those qualities, not some cliché notion of what "looking professional" is.

A picture is worth 1000 words (see the Symbols & Metaphors article to recognize just how important that is), so you'll want to make sure it's the right 1000 words.

Top Ten Keys to a Successful Website

Symbols & Metaphors

Photos of You

Speak From The Heart

Niche Orientation

Promote Your Website

Search Engine Optimization

Web Analytics

Edit Your Own Website

Accessibility

Hire a Professional