LinkedIn Headshots vs. Corporate Website Photos: Why You Need Both

Introduction

One of the most common questions I hear from professionals in Salt Lake City is:

“Can I just use the same headshot everywhere?”

It’s a fair question — but the answer is usually no.

Your LinkedIn profile and your company website serve different purposes, speak to different audiences, and require slightly different visual approaches. In this post, I’ll explain the difference between LinkedIn headshots and corporate website photos, why both matter, and how to make sure each one works for you instead of against you.

What a LinkedIn Headshot Is Designed to Do

Your LinkedIn headshot is personal — even though it’s still professional.

It Represents You, Not Just Your Company

On LinkedIn, people are connecting with you as an individual. Recruiters, potential clients, partners, and peers want to feel a sense of approachability and authenticity.

A strong LinkedIn headshot should:

• Feel friendly and confident

• Show personality without being casual

• Work well in a small, circular crop

• Stand out in a crowded feed

Expression Matters More on LinkedIn

Slightly warmer expressions — a relaxed smile, soft eye contact — often perform better on LinkedIn than overly formal poses.

In Salt Lake City’s relationship-driven business culture, approachability goes a long way.

What Corporate Website Headshots Are Designed to Do

Corporate website photos are about brand consistency and credibility.

They Represent the Organization

Whether you’re a law firm, financial institution, construction company, or tech startup, your website headshots should visually reinforce your company’s brand values.

Corporate website headshots typically:

• Follow a consistent style across the team

• Use controlled lighting and backgrounds

• Match the tone of the brand (formal, modern, friendly, authoritative)

• Look polished at larger sizes on web pages

Consistency Is Critical

Unlike LinkedIn, where individuality is encouraged, corporate sites benefit from uniformity. A cohesive look builds trust and professionalism.

Key Differences Between LinkedIn and Corporate Headshots

LinkedIn Headshots

Personal branding

Friendly, approachable

Optimized for small displays

Individual expression

Corporate Website Headshots

Company branding

Consistent, polished

Optimized for websites & print

Unified team appearance

Trying to force one photo to do both jobs often results in a headshot that does neither particularly well.

Can You Do Both in One Session?

Absolutely — and that’s usually the smartest approach.

A professional Salt Lake City headshot photographer can:

Capture multiple expressions

• Adjust poses slightly for different uses

• Shoot variations in framing and background

• Deliver optimized images for each platform

This way, you walk away with:

• One image optimized for LinkedIn

• One (or more) images tailored for your company website

• A cohesive, professional visual presence everywhere else

Why This Matters More Than Ever in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front are growing rapidly, which means more competition for attention — whether you’re:

• Applying for leadership roles

• Building trust with potential clients

• Representing your company online

Your headshot isn’t just a photo — it’s part of your digital reputation.

Having the right photo in the right place makes a measurable difference.

Choosing the Right Photographer for Both Needs

Look for a photographer who:

• Understands personal branding and corporate branding

• Guides you on expression, posture, and framing

• Delivers platform-ready files

• Has experience working with Salt Lake City professionals and teams

This ensures your images feel intentional — not repurposed.

Conclusion

Your LinkedIn profile and your company website tell different parts of your professional story. When each has a headshot designed specifically for its purpose, you come across as confident, credible, and intentional.

If you’re a Salt Lake City professional who wants headshots that actually work for where they’re used, I’d love to help. Book a session and we’ll create images optimized for LinkedIn, your company website, and beyond.