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Why Use a Photo on Your Business Card?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Marte Cliff Copywriting

Last week I got into a small "discussion" with someone on LinkedIn about using photos on business cards.

He said that since his doctor, attorney, accountant, and insurance man didn't use them, he saw no reason why he should have to do so.

And of course he's right. He doesn't HAVE to. There's no rule. But in a business like real estate, it's still a smart thing to do.

We need to face the facts of human nature. And one of those facts is that we forget more than we remember. Some of us are especially good at forgetting names, especially if we've only heard them once.

So when you meet someone at a networking event and hand them your card, there's a good chance that by tomorrow, or even by later in the day, they won't remember your name. This is especially true when they're meeting many people at the same event. What they will remember is your face.

So if you've made a good impression, when they see your card again, they'll get a good feeling.

From there, your card might go into a desk drawer with dozens of other cards, until one day that person either needs your services or has a friend who needs them. Then, when they dig through that drawer they'll find you - not from your name, but from your face.

But it doesn't stop there. Think about past customers - people you helped a year ago, or even two or three or four years ago.

I advocate staying in touch with them regularly - at least with a quarterly newsletter. But even then, they might forget your name. It's tough to face, but once their transaction is finished, remembering you simply isn't a high priority for them. At least, not until later when they need you again, or when a friend or family member needs the same kind of superior service you provided.

People who have moved out of the community are especially likely to forget - because they won't be seeing your ads or your name on sign riders.

Your card in that desk drawer will lead them to you, as long as they see your smiling face looking back at them.

The third reason for using your photo is to get business, and referral business, from people who barely know you. I think it's strange, but it is true that the waitress or the gas station attendant who has never done business with you would tell someone else to call. But if you've been pleasant as a customer, they will.

I don't think they do that with doctors or lawyers or stock brokers. But they do it with real estate agents. If you remember to give them your card often enough so they have one handy when someone mentions real estate, they're very likely to hand over the card. And it won't be your name that reminds them that they like you - it will be your face on that card.

So - no, you don't HAVE to put your photo on your business card. But doing so can help you get more clients.

Comments (16)

Jo Olson
HOMEFRONT Realty - Kettle Falls, WA
Retired - HOMEFRONT Realty @ LAKE Roosevelt

I just received my very first business cards with photos.  I have been licensed since 94 and have never ordered them that way. These new cards go with my new business that is to open on Tuesday - I can't wait to use them! My photo is not large and is not the focus of the card but I did want people to make that visual connection.

Nov 29, 2009 06:43 AM
Jennie L. James
RE/MAX DWELL - Tucson, AZ

I agree that putting your picture on your business card is a good idea if:

- Your photo is a really good one( professionally done)

- The photo is from the last couple years and still looks like you ( we all know a couple agents that have pictures that are 30 years old, when they actually had hair).

- You look like a professional.

I stopped using my picture, because I am 30 years old ( been a Realtor for 6 years) and when I had a picture on my card I often heard people say "What,  is she 12?"  Looking really young will be great when I am 50, not soo great right now. After people have talked to me for a few minutes they realize that I know a lot more than most agents, so I don't want them to prejudge me because they saw my picture on my card.

Nov 29, 2009 06:46 AM
Cynthia Baer
Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta - Atlanta, GA
So helpful! As a new agent, I've been debating whether to include a picture. You make the importance of doing so quite clear - thank you!
Nov 29, 2009 06:53 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Jo - Best wishes for your new business! I wish you boundless success.

Jennie - what a problem. I've never experienced looking too young.

Cynthia - You're starting your career off on the right foot by using Active Rain. Best success!

Nov 29, 2009 07:08 AM
Blatt + Cutino
Coldwell Banker Realty - Monterey, CA
Broker-Associate 831/206-8070*Call today*

I have done both..photo/no photo and have attended seminars that mention doing one over the other. I agree with you. A simple and professional photo is the best. Oh and a current one.

Nov 29, 2009 07:16 AM
Kim Curran
RE/MAX Unlimited of Northern Virginia - Bristow, VA

I am a fairly new agent and got my cards without photos the first time but I think the next go round I just might get a professional photo done and have them on the cards. I would imagine that the photos on the For Sale signs would be a good thing too.

Angelica I like your photo.

Nov 29, 2009 07:25 AM
Betty Knowles
Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
Ready to sell? Call Betty!

I think a photo on your business card is a must. It gives people a way to remember your name with your picture.

Nov 29, 2009 07:52 AM
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

I am a pro photo person. Its easy to remember and recognize a person rather than their details.

Nov 29, 2009 08:20 AM
Carra Riley & Declan Kenyon
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO
Helping people Transition at all ages!

Marte,

The picture on the card is almost a survival 101 principle... and now with social media... the avatar and the card and the entire branding program should match.. I think there is even some google juice that comes into play with the matching graphics on the Internet...

Great post and something everyone should heed... I just did a video at a professional photographer last month and am going to feature him in a local business post  better get on the stick! 

Nov 29, 2009 08:36 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Yes, your photo is a part of branding - so it's a good idea to get a good one, done professionally. However, if it isn't in the budget just yet, a good amateur who will take the time to shot many, many poses will also work.

Just stay away from those places in the mall that specialize in "glamour shots." A few of us tried that one time and there was no way I'd have purchased their work. By the time they fooled with my hair and makeup, the photos came out with me looking like an aging "madame!" I didn't even bring home the "free one" that we got with the sitting fee. The others with me didn't buy theirs, either. 

I really need a good photo myself. But in my occupation as a copywriter, I never meet my clients face to face. Most are not even in my time zone, and my referrals come via e-mail. So it's not quite as important for me as it is for you.

Thanks for all the good comments!

Marte

Nov 29, 2009 10:27 AM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Marte,

My face goes on everything; cards, bus benches, bubble gum wrappers.

Nov 29, 2009 04:39 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Terry - good for you! Bubble gum is not a bad idea - do you really do that?

Nov 29, 2009 05:00 PM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Marie,

It's unusual to find that real estate agents don't use photos. It's mainly commercial agents not residential.

So, I actually have two cards, one for commercial, no photo; and one for residential with a photo.

Brian

Nov 29, 2009 10:57 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Hi Brian - that's interesting. Do commercial agents feel photos are too "informal?"

Nov 30, 2009 05:22 AM
Dawn Maloney
RE/MAX Trinity Northeast Ohio Real Estate Specialist - Hudson, OH
330-990-4236 Hudson & Northeastern Ohio

Marte, I was just wondering about this! Great points that explain one of the differences in our line of work and why a photo is a good choice. We have a lot of agents that don't use their photo in one section of town...this gives me the edge!

Dec 21, 2009 10:59 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Hi Dawn, Yes - I think it does give you the edge!

Dec 21, 2009 03:47 PM