Say “Cheese”—How to Choose a Magnetic Profile Picture
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If we agree that's true, then what does your Profile Picture say about you?
Profile Pictures are an important part of our social media and websites. It’s the first impression of WHO you are to the online community.
When we market our business using social media, first impressions are crucial. In a nanosecond, your Profile can be deleted by anyone who doesn’t connect emotionally to your picture. The wonderful bio you’ve written means nothing if your potential prospect has just sent your Profile into Neverland.
You may not feel that you are Beauty Contest worthy. That’s okay. It’s the instant Emotional Connection, more than Hollywood good looks, that will keep people at your site long enough to read a sentence or two…or more.
So what are some ways to establish an Emotional Connection in the blink of an eye? The following DO'S and DON'TS are for specifically for those marketing their businesses online.
THE DO'S
Do...post a Profile Picture. It’s difficult to do business with a blank head. As soon as possible, get a good picture and post it on your site. You can always change it.
Do...use a close-up picture. When you post a status or comment, your Profile Picture shrinks to the size of a baby aspirin. Only a close-up picture will be identifiable, unless the person has supersonic eyesight.
Do...smile! A smile shows confidence and approachability. A great smile will light up your entire Profile page with energy.
Do...use a fairly recent photo. Make sure your hair style and eyewear fit this decade. It’s easy to spot those profile pictures that are reminiscent of a different century. Besides, you may eventually MEET this person in real life and you want them to be able to recognize you. If you’re concerned about the age lines, have your picture taken professionally.
Do...use a photo that has good lighting and clarity. If your photo is dark and murky, it’s going to send a different message to your viewer than a photo that is bright and clear.
Do...be consistent with your Profile Picture. Since its part of your “branding,” use the same Profile Picture on all social media sites, etc. Avoid using a picture for Facebook, a different one for Twitter, and still another one for your business.
THE DON'TS
Don't...use a cartoon character unless you are selling comic books.
Don't...hide behind your pet. Fluffy may indeed be your best friend, but people want to see you. Remember, this is all about how you are presenting yourself to the world.
Don't...use Group Pictures. This can be a little touchy so let me explain. When I see a picture with more than one person, I always wonder, “Which one is the person who’s Profile I’m reading?” Save the Group Photos for the photos section of your Facebook or other social media site. They add great value to your overall Profile.
- However, if you are branding yourself as a Group business, then a Group Profile picture is appropriate.
Don't...have a busy or cluttered background. Instead choose something that will not be distracting. Outdoor pictures can work very well as long as your face is clearly visible.
THE POWER OF THE PICTURE
Imagine you are in a big hurry and you are walking down a long street staring at the doorways of each house to find a new friend, a business partner, or customer.
If there’s no one in the doorway, you’ll move to the next house. If the person standing in the doorway looks a little angry or looks blank, you’ll move past fast. If the porch light is burned out, and the person is in the shadows, you probably won’t stop to visit.
However, if the person in the doorway is clearly visible and smiling radiantly, you’ll stop dead in your tracks and head down the walkway to meet that person.
That’s the Power of a Profile Picture.
To Your Success,
Margi Starr
937-360-9203
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5271896164#!/margi.starr
Views: 1,583 | 
Comments: 20 
About the Author: Margi Starr
Twitter: MargiStarr
Nice article, Margi. Really
Nice article, Margi. Really good advice. I agree, there is nothing worse than getting a friend request from a "blank head". :)
My first impression! Looking at Profile picture.
Margie, love the value in this article. When someone does not put their picture in, there is a problem. Great value. What you demonstrate is your business card.
a real picture speaks volumes
So true, Margi! A picture speaks volumes. It actually is the first impression of whether I will make friends with them or not. A smile or pleasant expression will make or break it. No picture, usually no friendship acceptance or request.
My favorite tip
Margi,
My favorite tip was learning about keeping the same photo for all social networks which is crucial to your branding. Very good point.. thanks for sharing your great tips!
Jennifer Rose
Thanks Margi!
Your post was basic and insightful Margi.
It is amazing how sometimes we forget about the little things.
I agree that getting a close-up picture is crucial...like you said...no one has super-magnifying eyes. =)
Thanks for the tips!
Stacia
Your Photo is Worth a Million Bucks!!!
Hi Margi,
Love the photo tips. It is so true. You need to show your best because that maybe the only shot you get.
Brilliant take step by step instructions.
Have a Blessed Day,
Danny & Laura
What impression are you creating?
Hi Margi, what a great article. This is something we can tend to forget about. You mention very good points because we are here to connect with others and it's hard to build a relationship with someone and you don't even know what they look like. ; )
And please oh Please oh keep your shirt on
I can not make friends with people who do not smile and have no shirt on it just is not ok. Your smile is worth a Million Bucks folks.
Yes, Please Keep Your Shirt On
I always wonder what a guy is selling who is not wearing a shirt. His muscles? I like to do business with people who are totally dressed. Just saying....
OK, OK
I will keep my shirt on ....GEEEEEZZZZZ
Thank you so much for the valuable tips on the profile photo. I have had mine taken a couple of times and have not been pleased with the results so I am still working on it. Thanks Margi
A Picture Says A Thousand Words !
I Totally Agree Margi !
Our Profile Picture Is Tremendously Important,
A picture is the only thing that allows the person viewing it
to see if you appear to be trustworthy or not and if you don't look like you can be trusted that will defintely affect your approachability.
Come On Now!!!!
Zelphina I'm pretty sure Juanita was talking about the men keeping their shirts on. I personally think it's ok for the women to take their shirts off!! But, Hey that's just my opinion! :) Ok stop throwing things at me, I'm just kidding!! Your photo is the first impression people get when they visit your page and you only get one chance at first impressions. Comb your hair, wear a nice shirt, brush your teeth, put makeup on if you are a female, shave if you are a man and SMILE!!! :-)
Great tips!
Those are all really great tips! I have two pictures that I use most often, perhaps I should just choose one and stick with that one. I use one on my blog because it's a little more 'fun' whereas the one I use for my gravatar is a little more serious or professional - though I am still smiling.
Agreed
As part of a very active social network and co host of their overview calls on Tuesday nights, this is the one thing I always emphasize with people. You have to have a picture. I could definitely use the advise here as to what kind of picture works best. Thanks!
Just in Time, too!
I just purchased my new makeup kit so I could look my best for an updated profile picture. I hadn't really thought past my face. Thank you for all the wonderful tips that will make the WHOLE picture pop.
Love pictures!
Hi Margi, thanks for a great message. You are sooo true. I do judge friends requests on the pictures also. Handsome men with no shirt???? Pictures of animals etc? Usualy I don't respond. I like to get what I see. I also put my picture on every flyer/advert/booklet that goed out, even on my address labels I have my picture.
Have a great day,
Natalie van Straten
Pictures make a quick connection
Hi Margi,
Great post and so true! When we use a photo it does make everything personal. :) Great information for all!
Gina
Uniformity and smile
These area is interesting and demands compliance to attracting people to you connect.
Smile and look like you mean it!
You are so right about this post, Margi. You only get one time to make a first impression! People should look at your profile picture and think things like...my, she has a nice smile...they look like a nice couple that I would like to know...she would be fun to be around, look at that emotion on her face! Sometimes when I look at a picture I don't just see them, I feel their personality as well, so let your personality shine through, you only care to attract people who like you anyways! (Let me state that I don't mean to look or act like a sex model..I mean your warmth, kindness and love for humanity should shine through).
Bev Bojarski
Bev Bojarski
A Smile is Your Biggest Asset
A person's smile says a lot. It let's you know that they are approachable, friendly and sincere. Those are the kind of people we want to connect with. It is easier to develop relationships with them.