How to Use Your Branding Photos Across Your Website, PsychologyToday, and Social Media Profiles
In today’s digital world, your online presence is often the first point of contact potential clients have with your business. Whether you're a therapist, coach, or wellness professional, your branding photos play a crucial role in creating an authentic and professional image that resonates with your ideal clients. However, it’s not enough to simply have beautiful photos; how you use them across different platforms, such as your website, Psychology Today, and social media, can significantly impact your brand's visibility and client engagement.
In this blog post, we will explore how to strategically use your branding photos to create a cohesive and compelling online presence across three key platforms: your website, Psychology Today, and social media. We’ll also discuss the importance of ensuring that your visuals align with your brand values and the emotional connection you want to foster with your audience.
Why Branding Photos Matter
Before diving into how to use your branding photos, it’s important to understand why they matter in the first place. Branding photos are more than just professional images—they communicate the essence of your business and the experience your clients can expect. When used thoughtfully, they can help:
Build trust: High-quality, authentic photos give your audience a sense of who you are, making you feel more approachable and relatable.
Showcase your expertise: Branding photos that capture you in action (whether in your office or outdoors) can highlight your professionalism and make your services more tangible.
Attract your ideal clients: Your images should speak directly to your target audience, conveying your values and personality in a way that attracts the right people.
Now, let’s break down how to effectively use your branding photos across these essential platforms.
1. Using Branding Photos on Your Website
Your website is your digital storefront, and the way you present yourself here will set the tone for how potential clients perceive you. Branding photos are essential to creating a visually cohesive and welcoming environment that aligns with the rest of your site’s design. Here’s how you can maximize their impact:
Homepage Hero Image
Your homepage is often the first page visitors will land on, so it's vital to make an immediate connection. A strong, welcoming hero image (the large banner image at the top of your homepage) is the perfect place for a stunning branding photo. This image should convey the tone of your practice and immediately establish trust. If you're a therapist specializing in mindfulness, consider a serene, calming image that reflects that atmosphere.
Tip: Choose a photo that shows you either working with clients or in a setting that reflects your values and approach. This sets the stage for what clients can expect.
Service Pages
The service pages on your website are where you highlight the specific offerings you provide. Using your branding photos in this section will help break up large chunks of text and make your services feel more personal and relatable.
Tip: Pair images that represent the specific services you offer. For example, if you specialize in couples therapy, a photo of you working with a couple (even if it's staged) can help potential clients visualize themselves in a session with you.
Blog or Resources Section
Your blog is a great place to share your expertise and build trust with your audience. Using branding photos alongside your blog posts will make your content more engaging and visually appealing.
Tip: Include a professional headshot or a personal photo related to the blog topic at the top of each post. For instance, if you're writing about mental health tips, a calming, reflective image can complement the message.
About Page
Your About page is where potential clients will go to learn more about you and what you offer. It’s one of the most visited pages on your website, so make sure your branding photos here are personal, warm, and welcoming.
Tip: Include a mix of photos that show you both in professional settings (like in your office or in therapy) and more relaxed, candid moments (such as walking in nature or meditating). These images will help humanize your practice and create an emotional connection with your audience.
Clinic or Group Practice About Page
If you’re working at a clinic or a group practice, you will likely have an about page for you as a clinician. So even if you don’t have your own website, these headshots are great for showcasing yourself as a professional, and helping clients select you as their therapist.
It’s important for a group practice or clinic to show that they have a team of qualified professional clinicians available for working with their clients. And a therapist branded headshot can help bring cohesion to your clinic.
2. Using Branding Photos on Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a highly regarded platform for therapists, coaches, and mental health professionals to attract new clients. Since it’s a platform that people trust when looking for therapy services, using high-quality branding photos can help you stand out and make a positive first impression.
Profile Picture
Your profile picture on Psychology Today is the first visual element potential clients will see when browsing through therapist profiles. It’s essential that this photo is both professional and personable.
Tip: Choose a headshot that reflects your personality and approach. A warm, approachable photo where you’re smiling or in a relaxed pose is ideal. Avoid overly formal or stiff images, as you want to come across as friendly and approachable.
Gallery or Additional Photos
Psychology Today also allows you to upload additional photos to your profile. This is where you can showcase your work environment or candid shots that reflect your therapeutic style.
Tip: If you offer in-person sessions, a photo of your office or counseling space can help potential clients feel more at ease and comfortable when they first arrive. If you specialize in nature walks or holistic therapies, use a photo that highlights that unique aspect of your practice.
Video Content
While not a photo, consider uploading a short video introduction. Videos can help potential clients connect with you on a deeper level, as they allow people to see and hear you speak. Use your branding photos to enhance your video content by including them within the video or as a backdrop.
Tip: Integrate a few of your most impactful branding images during the video to reinforce your message visually.
3. Using Branding Photos on Social Media
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for building your online presence. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to engage with your audience in creative ways. But to make the most of your branding photos, you need to use them strategically.
Instagram is a visual platform, which makes it the perfect place to showcase your branding photos. It’s also highly engaging and interactive, which gives you the opportunity to build relationships with your audience.
Tip: Use a mix of professional headshots, candid shots, and behind-the-scenes moments in your feed. Share the story behind each photo and how it connects to your services. You can also use Instagram Stories to show more casual, off-the-cuff photos that still reflect your personal style.
Facebook is a more personal platform where people expect to see updates, share insights, and engage with your content. Your branding photos can help make your posts feel more professional and relatable.
Tip: Post a variety of photos—both personal and professional. For instance, share a photo from a recent therapy session (with permission), or show yourself attending a conference or community event. Facebook users love seeing the “real you,” so use your photos to build trust and authenticity.
LinkedIn is the professional networking platform, and it’s essential to ensure that your profile reflects your expertise. Here, your branding photos should maintain a balance of professionalism and personality.
Tip: Use a professional headshot for your profile photo, and in your banner image, showcase a branding photo of your workspace or a more relaxed image that still conveys your professional values.
Final Thoughts
Using your branding photos across your website, Psychology Today, and social media platforms is an essential part of building a strong online presence that resonates with your ideal clients. By selecting the right images and strategically using them on these platforms, you can create a consistent, professional, and authentic image that attracts clients and fosters trust. If you don’t yet have branding photos or need help revamping your visuals, reach out to a professional photographer to help you tell your unique story.
At Sarah Byrd Photography, we specialize in creating beautiful, authentic branding images that align with your values and speak directly to your audience. Ready to elevate your visual brand? Let’s chat about how we can help you create photos that represent the true essence of your practice.
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
Investing in your brand is investing in your practice and your future. At still / space, we offer tailored branding services and professional photography to help therapists create a brand that attracts ideal clients and builds trust.
Whether you need a complete branding strategy, a professional photoshoot, or a combination of both, we’re here to help you stand out with intention.
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Hello Therapist,
I’m Sarah Byrd
THERAPIST, PHOTOGRAPHER,
& YOUR BRANDING BFF
EMPOWERMENT OBSESSED, ENNEAGRAM 3 (ACHIEVER), MASTER’S IN COUNSELING STUDENT, HUMAN DESIGN PROJECTOR, CAPRICORN-AQUARIUS CUSPY, BUDDHIST
I help therapists and clinical counselors craft soulful brands, elevate their online presence with stunning photography, and connect with clients who need their unique light.
Together, we’ll create a brand that’s as impactful as your work.