4 Essential Branding Updates to Jumpstart 2025

A New Year is historically a time for fresh starts. Many of us make resolutions or set goals, but the key to success lies in preparation. While the holidays are in full swing, it’s worth dedicating time to think ahead and set yourself up for success in 2025.

As the calendar flips to 2025, it’s not just about resolutions—it’s about positioning yourself for success. One key area to focus on is your personal branding, especially how you present yourself online and in professional spaces. Your image and presence speak volumes before you ever say a word.

As a photographer and small business owner, I use the slower pace around the holidays to reflect, plan, and prepare for the year ahead. In the past, I’ve joked about January being the "free trial" of the New Year, but this time, I’m determined to hit the ground running.

If you're ready to start 2025 on the right foot, here are four actionable ways to elevate your personal and professional branding.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile to Reflect Your 2025 Vision

Since LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals, keeping your profile up-to-date is important, especially if you’re looking to network or job hunting. You wouldn’t want to send the wrong message if your profile it out-of-date. Try these 3 actionable steps to get started:

1. Refresh your headline and summary to reflect your 2025 goals.

If you’re a marketer, refresh your headline to something like: ‘Helping Brands Thrive with Data-Driven Strategies | Marketing Manager at XYZ.’

2. Update your current role, skills, achievements, and any new certifications you’ve received.

3. Upload a new professional headshot to stand out and make a strong first impression.

Showcase Your Growth by Refreshing Your Portfolio and Website

In the age of social media, our professional websites and portfolios often get ignored. Think about when the last time your website was updated? When was the last time you went through all of your work and refreshed your portfolio? Check out these actionable steps to help you make updates!

1. Update key pages to showcase new accomplishments, certifications, awards, case studies, or work examples.

Replace outdated projects with recent accomplishments that showcase your growth or evolving style.

2. Add updated branding photos that reflect who you are now and the message you want to convey!

3. Ensure consistency in style, tone, and visuals across all pages.

Share Your Story with an Updated “About Me” Section

What have you achieved in the last year? When was the last time you updated your biography? The time for updates is now. Make sure you add in all of your new accomplishments, adjust any language that may no longer fit within your personal branding and of course, anything that’s timeline based is adjusted to reflect the new year. Having an updated bio will ensure that it’s aligned with your current goals. Try these 3 action items to make your updates:

1. Rewrite your bio to reflect recent accomplishments, career shifts, or personal branding changes.

2. Add in elements of storytelling to make your bio more engaging.

3. Pair your updated bio with an updated headshot or branding photo to make a lasting impression!

Bonus tip: Create different versions of your bio (ie/short, medium, long) that will fit across all of your social channels and platforms. This is also helpful for speaking intros and other websites or publications you may appear in.

Boost Recognition with Visual Consistency Across ALL Platforms

When you dedicate yourself to visual consistency, it only strengthens your personal brand across all of your platforms. This will help you look more polished and trustworthy to future clients, colleagues, and bosses. People will be able to recognize you by your professional headshot and branding photos, the font choices and colors you use and any other visual elements that make up your brand’s aesthetic.

Consistency across your profiles creates a cohesive story about who you are. Whether someone sees you on LinkedIn, Instagram, or your website, they should recognize the same polished, professional presence. This is what you can do to ensure that visual consistency:

1. Update your profile photos on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms you may use professionally.

2. Use your branding photos consistently across all of your marketing materials, presentations and bios.

3. Align your photos with your brand’s mission and message to make sure it all fits together.

You should be easily recognizable when you meet someone off of LinkedIn for the first time. Your headshot and branding photos should reflect your true, authentic self. By doing this, it’s an easy way to build trust and confidence with people you meet online.

An Essential Investment in 2025

If you’re serious about leveling up your personal or professional brand, investing in professional headshots and branding photos is a smart choice. High-quality visuals not only set you apart but also build trust and leave a lasting impression

Start The Year Off Strong!

It’s time to take action and prepare for your best year yet! Even small updates, like posting a new headshot or refreshing your LinkedIn, can make a big impact.

Haven’t updated your headshot in a while? Let’s fix that! Contact me today to discuss how I can help elevate your branding and set you up for success in 2025.