Using a picture of a flower, or worse, a photo of you in your pajamas, isn’t a great way to gain more clients. In fact, it will make them scatter faster than you can say “But my SEOs are really good!”.

Here’s something all writers need to know: image plays a huge role in how clients perceive you. If you can’t take the effort to lose your hoodie in favor of a nice-fitting dress shirt, how can they expect you’ll handle their next project professionally (and on time)?

Using an effective “author photo”–the one photo used consistently on writing websites, your portfolio/website and any social media websites–is now vitally important for making a good first impression on clients, even before they shoot off that first email.

Does this mean it’s time to deck out the suit and tie? Absolutely not, unless that’s what you really wear.

So how should you dress for your author photo?

For Women:

CLOTHES: Choose dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts. Dress shirts, cardigans or blouses are great for boosting a writer’s professional image.

ACCESSORIES: Keep accessories to a minimum. Avoid wearing too many rings or bracelets–a simple pair of earrings and a bracelet will do.

MAKEUP: Less is better. A light dab of foundation, neutral eyeshadow and lip gloss help polish your face without adding too much clutter.

HAIR: Neatness beats uniqueness. A simple ponytail, bun or hair let down in neat waves, curls or kept straight are great, professional styles to wear in your author photo. Stay away from excessive teasing, messy hairstyles or “big” hairstyles.

For Men:

CLOTHES: Again, dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts work best. Stick with collared dress shirts, and optionally, a casual sport coat for a functional, business casual look.

HAIR: Keep it neat and low-maintenance. Short, conservative hairstyles work best. For long hair, consider styling it in a ponytail.

FACIAL HAIR: Facial hair is best kept short and well groomed. Long beards or goatees are not professional looks for writers.

Dressing for Your Author Photo: Additional Tips

If there’s one theme to keep in mind, it’s this: less is more. A writer’s makeup, clothes or accessories shouldn’t overpower the photo–instead, it should add depth and professionalism to it. Other tips for boosting your professional image include:

→ Keep the skin exposure to a minimum. If your blouse or shirt gives people a clear view of your upper assets, change it or wear an undershirt.

→ Like in the workplace, unnatural hair colors aren’t appropriate either. Not willing to compromise? Consider having the photo shot in monochrome or colored digitally by a professional retoucher.

→ Avoid clothes with floral prints or gaudy, bright stripes. Like with bold colors, this draws attention to your clothes instead.

→ Stay away from current fashion trends–they become outdated quickly. Choose conservative and functional items than those seen on the latest celebrities.

Overall, the key point here is that the author photo reflects your credibility, professionalism and dependability. Remember, your author photo is a visual cue that tells potential clients you’re trustworthy and dependable, and worth contacting for a quote.