Photographers. We’ve all seen their Thumbtack profiles: Hi-gloss. Perfectly framed. Every detail in its rightful place. They look good.
The good news is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to build the Thumbtack profile your customers want to see. You just need a couple tips from one.
Here is five-star photographer (and Top Pro) Tri Nguyen’s checklist for building a winning Thumbtack profile.
Use A Headshot That Is…
✓Bright: Natural lighting is best. Stand next to a window. .
✓Friendly: Smile. It’s what customers want to see.
✓Professional: Make sure the photo is clear. 500 x 500 pixels is best.
✓Crisp and Clean: Wear clothing that matches what you do, but the cleanest, freshest version of that outfit. When in doubt, wear a button down.
“People always ask to take at least one photo where they’re not smiling. I tell them OK, but I know it’s not going to be the one they choose. Generally, you don’t want to hire someone who is scowling,” says Tri.
Write A Business Bio That Is…
✓Brief: 3-4 sentences works best.
✓Welcoming: Show that you’re enthusiastic about your customers.
✓Friendly: Use positive, welcoming words.
✓Descriptive: Be specific about your tools, specialties or style.
“Get the point across about what kinds of services you offer and what your process is like. It’s important to be honest about how long things take and what the final product will look like,” says Tri.
Build Your Reviews…
✓Ask for a review after every job. The more you ask, the more you’ll know about when is the right time for your particular customer base.
✓Create a template message for following up.
✓Tell customers how important their reviews are for your business.
“Reviews are so critical, maybe the most important piece of your profile,” says Tri. “I ask for reviews after I deliver final images and payment has been made.”
Select Photos and Videos That Show…
✓ The best of your work.
✓ Your range of styles and skills.
✓ The projects you’re most proud of.
✓ Seasonal work and new trends.
“When I first started with Thumbtack I made the mistake of updating my photos every time I did a shoot,” says Tri.“Your most recent photos aren’t always your best. I learned to only show my very best photos, even if they aren’t my latest.”
For more profile tips, check out Thumbtack Profile 101: What Customers Want to See.
