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September 14, 2009

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Social Media Marketing – How Good Is Your On-Line Profile Picture?

headshotA picture is worth a thousand words. And one picture can convey, or not convey, an enormous amount of info about your brand.

These days you are the brand. It doesn’t matter too much if you are working for a company or working for yourself, part of the recognition of your brand, is well, you. With so much to think about, updating your website, current business cards, social media updating, it’s all too easy to forget to include a good picture of yourself in all of these things. As a photographer it’s a pet peeve of mine, when people don’t promote with a good headshot. They will grab a quick webcam shot or use a pic that was taken at a function and crop everyone else out. Or worse they use a headshot from a decade ago, never bothering to update it.

Ideally the image should be of you smiling, looking relaxed and approachable. And you should update it often. Subconsciously when people first discover you, especially online, they are sizing you up. If you are advancing your career and building your business, you want a shot that is friendly, but still professional. It can be casual, but professionally shot as casual is a good idea.

Take a look at the shots you have now that you use. The one on your business card (always great branding to put your mug on your card), the one on your website, the one on your social networks. Is it old? Is it just a snapshot that looks good? Did you grab it this AM with your webcam?

Is it time to crank it up a notch or two into something that means business?

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Facebook comments:

  • http://groups.to/cmac/ F.J. Palacio

    Excellent point; I was fortunate enough to have my wife take a rather casual/candid shot that many have praised – and therefore, have made it my avatar for most purposes.

    That said, what’s your take on the ability we have on Facebook to use our profile pic as a banner of sorts, where some of us use it to “enhance” the mood of the day, the current status, etc?

    That’s been something I’ve enjoyed of that app, as I’m now even adding quotes, lyrics and other elements to the caption field, therefore making a visit to my profile pictures album more of what you describe as “you want a shot that is friendly, but still professional”.

    Great post, as always, thanks!

  • Franklin McMahon

    I like this shot of Chrystie Corns:
    http://a3.twimg.com/profile_background_images/35230863/cc-twit.jpg
    (you may have to click on it to zoom in)

    It’s a casual shot but looks professional, it does not look like a grainy webcam, it has some depth of field (background out of focus). This would be a good example of not a standard headshot (like I use) but more of a friendly but professional image.

    Paris Hilton always dresses up where ever she goes because “life is too short to blend in” and I think with social networks..if you are out there in any aspect, put your best face forward so you don’t blend in :)

    OK..I think that is the first time on this site I have quoted Paris Hilton…

  • http://facebooster.blogspot.com/ F.J. Palacio

    Paris Hilton as a source of wisdom?

    Well, I think she’s wise in terms of gaining exposure, so why not quote her?

    Appreciate the sample, it’s the second time I see a Twitter background using the hyperrealist look, with the polaroid framing the headshot, and the use of markers and tape to make it look like one’s actually at the individual’s desktop.

    As you say, makes one more approachable and real, specially in these days when we blend our oldest friends with our newest acquaintances, which on the positive side, allows both ends of the spectrum to see us in more personal detail than ever before.

  • Franklin McMahon

    Well for better or worse, Paris has done a decent job of branding herself..so maybe there is a lesson or two there..